Low-Lying Toms River Residents Warned to Watch for Flooding

Local officials are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named storm of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season that was forecast to move up the east coast and dump heavy rain on New Jersey Friday.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly is forecasting the potential for "very heavy rainfall" as the remnants of Andrea pass through, though little in the way of tidal flooding. Still, as much as 4 inches of rain could fall by Saturday morning, the forecast said.

"Hopefully the tropical storm will be downgraded by the time it gets to New Jersey, but residents should still look for flooding in low-lying areas and secure any lawn furniture," said Paul Daley, coordinator of Toms River's Office of Emergency Management. 

Seaside Heights Chief of Police Thomas Boyd said that his department is tracking storm developments, but as of Thursday no special measures are being taken. 

"We're status quo for now," he said. 

The storm is forecast lose its tropical characteristics and cause only minimal tidal flooding and gusty – but less than tropical storm force – winds.

Andrea is forecast to dump between 3 and 6 inches of rain on the Florida peninsula, according to a 2 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. It is expected to begin affecting the weather along the New Jersey coastline by Friday morning and last into Saturday.

Seas could reach 4 to 7 feet, making it a less-than-stellar weekend for boating and fishing.

Daley recommended that now, the start of the 2013 hurricane season, is a "good time" for families review their emergency plans.

"If you don’t have one, go to www.ready.gov to learn about putting a plan in place," Daley said. 

By Sunday, the sun is predicted to return with a high of 79 degrees.