Camden County prepared for approaching storm system

The Camden County Department of Public Works (DPW) and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are closely monitoring the approaching storm system that promises to deliver heavy rain and damaging winds. At this point forecasters are not ruling out the possibility of an isolated tornado.

“Camden County crews are clearing inlet tops of debris, checking on flood gates and preparing barricades and cones in case of the need for road closures,” said Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County DWP. “Our chippers are fueled and hitched to trucks and chainsaws are fueled and ready in the event downed trees or limbs block county roadways.”

Showers have been falling across the region today, some of which have been heavier at times. This will continue through the afternoon as it becomes windy due to a potent low pressure system approaching. Heading into this evening, there will be the potential for a line of storms between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. The main threat will be damaging winds, with gusts up to 50 to 70 miles per hour. This can result in downed trees and power lines. In addition, small hail can occur with this weather event as well as localized flooding in areas of poor drainage. Small stream and creek flooding is also possible. Finally, a week isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

Residents are encouraged to drive with caution and avoid low-lying areas where flooding is known to occur, and avoid any downed power lines. At the public works complex in Lindenwold, a fleet of about 100 vehicles stand ready to keep Camden County’s 1,400 lane miles of roadways passable.

“If flooding occurs in our area, never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway,” Shin Angulo said. “Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road.”

The Camden County OEM has worked with each municipality to ensure they have the proper resources to respond to these severe weather situations as part of their individual Emergency Management plans.

“If a tornado warning is declared, seek shelter immediately,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County OEM. “Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remaining indoors is critical.”

The OEM suggests that seeking shelter in an underground area, such as a basement, provides the best protection from a tornado. If an underground shelter is unavailable, consider the following:

— Seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible

— Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls

— Stay in the center of the room, and avoid corners because they attract debris

— Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick or block with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system overhead

— Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums that have flat, wide-span roofs

— Whenever we are experiencing severe weather, keep your pet indoors. If your pet must stay outside, provide proper shelter and clean drinking water.

In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:

— PSE&G: 1–800–436-PSEG (7734)

— PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp

— Atlantic City Electric: 1–800–833–7476

— Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/

— South Jersey Gas: 1–800–582–7060

— South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/

As always, please use 911 for emergencies only. If you see a problem on a county road, please call our 24-hour hotline at (856) 566–2980 to report it to DPW.