ANSWER Team

Beloved first responder's legacy lives on through those he helped The longtime EMS leader's impact stretched far beyond the calls he answered.

The Route 71 bridge over Shark River is closed to marine traffic until further notice due to flooding damages from the nor'easter. Bridge Unit crews are on site round-the-clock pumping out flood water. Roadway traffic remains OPEN. Marine transit is only permitted if your vessel can safely pass under the closed bridge (8ft clearance at mean high tide).

Current conditions from the Shark River Inlet as our area is impacted by the ongoing coastal storm. Seas are 15-17’ with breaking waves approaching the beachfront throughout our service area of Avon, Bradley Beach, and Ocean Grove. All are urged to stay off the beaches and far from the water!

Coastal Storm - Friday PM Update

The entire NJ coast, including Neptune Township, has now been upgraded to "major" stage tidal flooding by the National Weather Service, beginning with tonight's high tide and continuing through the weekend. Expect flooding similar to what was seen in December 2022. The most significant tide will be Saturday morning, but all of the next several days will result in moderate to major flooding. Expect road closures due to roadway flooding tonight between 6:00PM-10:00PM, Saturday morning between 6:00AM-10:00AM, and Saturday night between 6:30PM-11:30PM.

Road closures will likely include the East End Bridge into Neptune City, South Riverside Drive, South/West Concourse, and many intersecting roads. Residents living in these areas prone to tidal flooding should move vehicles to higher ground before high tides and secure any loose items. Drivers should prepare to use Brighton Ave and West Sylvania Ave as a detour during the road closures. ***ALL DRIVERS ARE REMINDED NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS. IF YOU SEE WATER ON THE ROAD, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!***

Additionally, strong winds will continue into Saturday night with gusts over 55 mph possible and sustained winds of 35-45 mph. Prepare your home for the possibility of power outages and secure loose outdoor items. If you observe any downed utility lines or fallen trees blocking roads, call 9-1-1 and do not approach it. Report power outages to JCP&L.

🚩 Dangerous conditions continue in coastal Monmouth County, with heavy surf, strong winds, and multiple rounds of coastal flooding. Lifeguards in Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon are ***off-duty*** for the season, please stay out of the water. Anyone who enters the water is not only risking their own life, but the lives of the first responders who will need to attempt their rescue. Find a safe spot on the boardwalk to check out the surf, but stay far away from the water! Ocean swells are expected to reach over 13ft and all boats are urged to remain at the dock, especially small craft or inexperienced boaters.

If you observe any swimmer or boater who appears to be in distress, whether it is during the day or after-hours, call 9-1-1 immediately, provide as much detail as possible, and keep your eye on the swimmer/boater until help arrives.

🚩 Dangerous Beachfront Conditions This Week 🚩

Dangerous conditions are expected all week in coastal Monmouth County, with heavy surf, strong winds, and multiple rounds of coastal flooding. A Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Watch have been issued, and advisories are expected to continue into the weekend. Lifeguards in Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon are ***off-duty*** for the season, please stay out of the water. Anyone who enters the water is not only risking their own life, but the lives of the first responders who will need to attempt their rescue. Surf conditions are expected to grow throughout the week, making it extremely hazardous to even approach the waterline. Find a safe spot on the boardwalk to check out the surf, but stay far away from the water! Ocean swells are expected to reach over 13ft and all boats are urged to remain at the dock, especially small craft or inexperienced boaters.

If you observe any swimmer or boater who appears to be in distress, whether it is during the day or after-hours, call 9-1-1 immediately, provide as much detail as possible, and keep your eye on the swimmer/boater until help arrives.


____________________________
The Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders (ANSWER) Water Rescue Team is an all-volunteer group of over 150 first responders that provides water rescue services to Neptune Township, Ocean Grove Beaches, Shark River, the Shark River Inlet, Neptune City, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, and provides aid to surrounding towns. The team is comprised of rescue swimmers, divers, EMTs, boat and jet ski operators, critical incident stress management professionals, physicians, emergency management personnel, traffic and scene security, drone pilots, police officers, and many other responders.

This week, there will be multiple coastal weather hazards including moderate flooding during high tides, dangerous ocean conditions, and prolonged gusty winds. Stay weather-aware!

• Coastal Flooding: Minor coastal flooding is expected to begin around high tides on Tuesday, increasing to moderate flooding for Wednesday and Thursday. This may result in road closures including the East End Bridge, South Riverside Drive, and South/West Concourse during the evenings. ***Residents living in these areas prone to tidal flooding should move vehicles to higher ground before high tides and secure any loose items. Drivers should prepare to use Brighton Ave and West Sylvania Ave as a detour this evening.***

• Winds: Sustained winds over 20mph are expected Tuesday-Friday, with gusts over 40mph possible at times, especially along the coast. Prepare your home for the possibility of power outages and secure loose outdoor items. If you observe any downed utility lines or fallen trees blocking roads, call 9-1-1. Report power outages to JCP&L.

• Heavy Surf: Conditions along the beachfront will be hazardous throughout the week, with heavy surf up over 10ft and life-threatening rip currents. Please stay off the beach and stay out of the water! If you see any swimmers in distress, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Continue to monitor Neptune OEM and your local trusted weather source. Sign up to receive emergency alerts, weather, and traffic notifications from Neptune Township by texting "NeptuneAlert" to 888-777 or by visiting https://member.everbridge.net/index/84492207259688.