Daybreak in Avalon is expectd to bring much better weather conditions than the Borough experienced during an all time record high tide last night. Hurricane Sandy has departed the region, and at 6:15am Tuesday, Avalon was experiencing sustained winds at 30mph with higher gusts and an air temperature of 49 degrees. Bands of rain fell in Avalon overnight, but most of the rain has left the island. On Monday evening, Avalon experienced an all time record high tide event that brought severe flooding and some damage to the Borough.
The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Warning this morning and a Coastal Flood Advisory through early this afternoon. Avalon received in excess of eight inches of rain during Hurricane Sandy and the flood warning remains for this morning’s high tide for the potential of street flooding compounded by the heavy rain and high tide event. A High Wind Warning also remains in effect until 3pm Tuesday for winds sustained to 30mph with some gusts to 50mph still possible.
The Avalon Office of Emergency Management reminds residents and visitors that the mandatory evacuation of our community remains in effect until further notice. Re-entry to Avalon is not permitted for anyone until the Avalon OEM declares the community safe. Avalon Police, firefighters, public works, and emergency officials will conduct a major assessment day today to determine unsafe conditions in the Borough. Avalon experienced some street and property damage, beach erosion, and other issues during Sandy. Just because the weather conditions are improving does not mean you should begin your trip to Avalon.
Avalon will inform you of the re-entry procedure on www.avalonemergency.org, on Avalon’s Facebook page, and via Global Connect 9-1-1 telephone call. It is impossible to determine at this time when re-entry will be allowed. Various states of emergencies are still in effect by the State of New Jersey and by the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management in our coastal communities in New Jersey, and various highways and roadways continue to be shut down due to flooding and debris.
New Jersey Transportation officials have closed the Garden State Parkway in both directions from Exit 129 south to Exit 0 in Cape May due to problems caused by Hurricane Sandy. Various detours were being reported by the state on Route 47, Route 347, and on Route 49 due to various flooding and debris issues. Please pay attention to traditional media for updates on road conditions outside of the Borough of Avalon.
