Heat Advisory and Weather Warnings from NJ Emergency Management

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has issued a heat advisory for today and will be closely watching an active weather pattern for the rest of the week. 

Heat Advisory

Temperatures in New Jersey are expected to reach near 100 degrees. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures. The NJ Office of Emergency Management is asking NJ residents to check on family, friends and neighbors during hot weather, paying special attention to children and older adults, as they are most susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Signs that a person could be affected include: hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, an absence of sweat, cramps, headache or confusion. Residents can contact their local and/or County Offices of Emergency Management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations, or call 2-1-1.

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Later today, frontal boundaries will move into the region, with heavy rain expected tomorrow. Those that are getting an early start to the holiday weekend should remember to drive safely when on the road during rainy conditions.

Don’t drive through ponded or standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of the car, or cause stalling. Don’t drive around barricades, and brake properly to avoid skidding.

Rip Currents on the Shore

Depending on Tropical Storm Arthur, wind and tides may be of concern on Friday. Although weather conditions will improve by Saturday, rip currents will be a threat throughout the July 4th holiday weekend.

Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They can pull swimmers away from the shore quickly and without warning. The speed of a rip tide can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, pulling even the strongest swimmer out to sea. 

Always obey posted signs and flags on the beach. Swim near lifeguards; and never swim on an unguarded beach.

For more information

• Regarding heat related emergencies, please log on towww.ready.nj.gov. Air quality can be monitored at www.airnow.gov.   
• Regarding rip currents, visit http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.  
• For safe driving tips, visit the National Weather Service road safety page at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/tadd/tadd-intro.shtml.