Flood Watch For Essex County Into Monday | Livingston, NJ Patch – Livingston, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The National Weather Service says that a storm predicted to hit the Northeast overnight Sunday into Martin Luther King Day will bring more rain than snow to Essex County. However, there are still threats: a coastal flood watch has been issued for 4-10 a.m. Monday for eastern Essex and eastern Union counties.

Officials in Maplewood noted, “Storm winds may hit peak gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, bringing down trees and wires. Residents with generators are advised to ensure their equipment is in working condition prior to the storm. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, gas-powered generators should not be utilized in an enclosed space.”

Those who rely on electric-powered medical equipment should notify their energy provider in advance of the storm, as well as local public safety authorities:

  • JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS
  • PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG
  • (If in Maplewood): PD Non-Emergency Line: (973) 762-1234

Downed wires should always be considered “live,” and residents should remain at least 30 feet away. Downed wires can be hidden in snow or standing water; residents should avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution, officials say.

Check out the accumulation maps here and click links below for the most up to date forecast.

“The potential for widespread moderate coastal flooding (2 to 2 1/2 ft above ground level) will depend on strong easterly winds continuing through the time of high tide Monday morning. The higher probability at this time is that winds weaken and shift to the south before high tide, which would likely keep flooding at widespread minor to locally moderate flood levels (1 1/2 to 2 ft above ground).

“Things could change over the next 60 hours so please monitor subsequent forecasts through the weekend for the latest information.”

Precautions: “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”

The Forecast For Essex County Says:

Sunday
Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 30s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 2 below in the morning.

Sunday Night
Snow, rain and freezing rain in the evening, then rain after midnight. Snow accumulation around an inch. Breezy and not as cool with lows around 30. Temperature rising into the mid 40s after midnight. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, becoming east 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Martin Luther King Jr Day
Rain, mainly in the morning. Highs in the mid 40s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, becoming southwest with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

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