Toms River and Hurricane Sandy: Wednesday Updates

Important phone numbers for Hurricane Sandy in Toms River are here.

Conditions around Toms River, Wednesday Oct. 31 after Hurricane Sandy:

Street Lights still down at major intersections

Stay at home if you can as many intersections are without power. Among them:

On Hooper Avenue: at Yorktowne Boulevard, Fischer, Walnut Street intersections.

On Route 37: many traffic lights are out, such as Clifton Avenue, Hooper, Bachelor Street, Coolidge.

Widespread debris continues to be an issue on local roads as police tape only has closed many residential streets where trees and power lines have fallen.

On Hooper Avenue, flooding between South Shore Boulevard and the McDonald's has receded. Sandy conditions from flooding debris exist on the major roadway.

On Bay Avenue, flooding yesterday has receded in Shelter Cove but power lines are down in multiple areas.

Access to the barrier island is for emergency personnel only. The bridge to Seaside via Route 37 remains closed. Tremendous devastation is reported on the barrier island communities of Seaside Heights, Ortley Beach and more.

Closures today continue

Toms River Regional Schools are closed today through Friday. The Ocean County Mall is closed. Garbage and recycling pick-up is canceled. The Toms River Halloween Parade is postponed.

Tree clearing crews are out

Since Sunday, municipal crews continue to address reports of fallen trees. If you have a roadway blocked by fallen trees, you can call the township to report it at 732-349-0150. This is also the police non-emergency number.

Widespread power outages continue

More than 39,000 Toms River residents are still without power at noon Wednesday. In many cases service hasn't been restored since Sunday.

Yesterday morning, more than Toms River residents were without power.

Power outages, call JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877) A current power outage map is here.

Cable, Phone service still an issue

Throughout the state, service from cell phones has been erratic. Much of Toms River described their cell phone service was nonexistent for certain carriers.

• Power outages, call JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877) A current power outage map is here.
• Phone service or FIOS television, call Verizon: 1-800-837-4966
• Cable TV service, Cablevision: 866-633-0193; Comcast (Toms River): 866-922-0693

DEP Urges Water Conservation

The DEP is advising residents statewide to conserve water in the wake of Hurricane Sandy because widespread power outages have forced utilities onto emergency generators to treat and pump water.

"Everyone must pitch in immediately and take steps to reduce water consumption. Without conservation now, homes and businesses could find themselves without water in the near future if backup generation fails. We need full and immediate cooperation," said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin in a press release issued by the governor’s office.

Volunteers needed

Either of the two shelters in Toms River are asking for volunteers.

Volunteers can report to the Pine Belt Arena at Toms River High School North, Old Freehold Road, or at Toms River High School East on Raider Way.

Residents can also call 848-992-0216 to volunteer at a shelter.

Toms River Intermediate South in Beachwood is operating a shelter and supplies of toiletries and blankets are being sought. Interested donors can drop them off at Intermediate South.

The state of New Jersey volunteer emergency response hotline has been activated.

"This hotline was established earlier this year to enhance the state's emergency responsiveness by harnessing New Jerseyans' strong spirit of service," according to a press release from the office of Governor Chris Christie.

The number to call is 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397); backup hotline numbers are: 609-775-5236 or 908-303-0471. Leave a message if your call is not immediately answered with your name, contact information, place of residence, skill set, and availability. You can also e-mailrowena.madden@sos.state.nj.us with this information.

Trained volunteer affiliated with emergency response organizations are asked to contact their respective agencies to receive assignments.

Need help from a volunteer? Call 2-1-1 or go online at www.nj211.org.

-------

For the latest Hurricane Sandy coverage from Toms River Patch visit our topic page here.

Stay informed of the latest Toms River area news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.