Roads Are Open But Remain Unsafe

The Parkway may be open but the fact is that traveling remains unsafe and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

A friend posted this photo from Wegmans in Manalapan.

Obviously folks there are not heeding the warnings. It may seem like it is no big deal if the roads are clear in your area. The thing is, those roads need to stay clear for emergency workers.

There are many people in more remote sections of Monmouth and Ocean Counties who need to be rescued, or who are in need of emergency assistance. When emergency personnel have to battle through the throngs of people who want to go out for a cup of coffee, it puts everyone at risk.

It can wait.

Keep in mind that there is still the potential for trees and wires to come down today. The ground is saturated and we are expecting wind gusts to 50 mph today. It is important for people to stay inside unless absolutely necessary.

There are still trees, wires, and flooding conditions unexpectedly blocking roadways.

I can't stress enough the importance of staying where you are until further notice.

I have been at the radio station for more than 24 hours. I would love to go home too, but I know it's more important for me to stay off the roads right now.

I know it's tough when you don't know if your home is damaged, or even still standing, but I promise you, if it is damaged, you won't be able to do anything once you get there.

As an update, there are more than 425,000 customers without power in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, according to JCP&L. The barrier islands remain inaccessible, and will stay that way until further notice.

Please do not call 911 asking when you will be able to return. They don't know. They will have a better idea tomorrow. They also don't have any special powers when it comes to getting the electricity back on.

Also, NJ Transit lines have been damaged, and it may be several days before the trains are running again.

If you have a question or need information, call 211. 911 is strictly for true emergencies.

Let's be safe and get through this together.

Do you have power? What is the damage like in your area?