The Camden County Department of Public Works (DPW) is closely monitoring a storm system that could bring thunderstorms, wind gusts and hail to our area this afternoon.
“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.”
Weather conditions will remain warm and humid this afternoon as a cold front remains draped over the area. This will help to fuel the development of thunderstorms this afternoon between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The greatest concern within these storms is the possibility of wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour along with the threat of golf ball sized hail. Heavy downpours could cause flooding in areas with poor drainage. Additional showers are possible before midnight before the system clears out overnight.
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.”
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, use 911 for emergencies only. For those who see a problem on a county road, please call the county’s 24-hour hotline at (856) 566–2980 to report it to DPW.
