UPDATE: Power Restored to Most in Toms River

After over 1,750 Toms River JCP&L customers were reported without power Wednesday afternoon, the utility shows at 9 p.m. that fewer than five remain in the dark.

JCP&L services 47,400 customers in Toms River. The utility urges residents to stay away from any power lines should they fall.

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A transformer blew and wires could be seen arcing along Route 35 South near Toms River's Ocean Beach Shores neighborhood, as seen in this Patch video report on storm conditions at the Shore. 

Power outages could last for 24 hours or longer because of the severe weather, according to JCP&L.

"We recommend that our customers have enough supplies to provide for the safety and welfare of all persons and pets in their household," the utility said in a statement. "These supplies should include nonperishable food items, drinking water, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, blankets and other basic staples."

A voluntary evacuation issued Tuesday for Toms River residents living in low-lying areas remains in place, officials announced Wednesday as weather conditions begin to deteriorate. 

"The Toms River Office of Emergency Management advises residents in low-lying areas to expect flooding and a voluntary evacuation remains in place," reads a statement issued by the township Wednesday morning. 

A coastal flood warning, wind advisory and winter storm watch are in effect, as well as a storm warning for offshore waters.

Forecasters are calling for winds of 30 to 40 m.p.h. with gusts to 60 m.p.h. in coastal areas. The entire coastal area is under a high wind warning until 5 a.m. Thursday. Seas of 15 to 20 feet are possible, according to the National Weather Service.