Blizzard Conditions, Record Low Temps Expected Soon

Officials are warning residents of a strong storm that could bring near record low temperatures and snow to the area through Saturday.

The Holmdel Office of Emergency Management and the Hazlet Office of Emergency Management are issuing warnings, and JCP&L as issued a statement saying it is prepared for the storm and that residents should visit its website for updates on outages. In addition, Holmdel Pat Impreveduto has said he will work to keeping everyone informed about power outages.

"As in the past for extended power outages I will do my best to keep all residents informed," he said in a statement that also included information regarding keeping up-to-date on JCP&L outages.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Jan. 2) through 1 p.m. Friday. The area can expect between 4 and 6 inches of snow, beginning with rain or rain and snow this evening before changing to all snow.

Roads are expected to become hazardous with temperatures falling through the 20s. Winds will increase and snowfall rates could be near an inch per hour at times. Overnight, temperatures will fall into the teens, with wind chill near 5 below zero.

Here is information and some tips from the Holmdel OEM:

• Cold air will start pouring into the region Thursday night and continue through Friday.
• Near-record cold low temperatures are possible for Saturday morning.
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves
• Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

JCP&L announced today that it is fully staffed and prepared to respond should shortages occur as a result of the storm. The statement said additional personnel were on standby and ready if needed.

To connect with JCP&L during the store, see below

• JCP&L smartphone app (iPhone and Android)

• Online at www.jcp-l.com

• Text OUT to 544487. If you are not enrolled in texting, text REG to 544487 to get started.

• Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877)

Follow the Hazlet Office of Emergency Management on its Facebook Page.

Visit the Holmdel Office of Emergency Management page here.