BLIZZARD '22: Preparations underway on LBI; high winds and coastal flooding possible

Long Beach Island could feel the brunt of the nor'easter, and preparations are underway for a variety of dangerous conditions expected through tomorrow.

News 12 Staff

Jan 28, 2022, 12:43 PM

Updated 991 days ago

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Long Beach Island could feel the brunt of the nor'easter, and preparations are underway for a variety of dangerous conditions expected through tomorrow.  
“Down this Jersey Shore, we are prepared,” says Harvey Cedars police/OEM Deputy Coordinator, Chief Robert Burnaford. “We've been watching all week the different models going back and forth, but we're ready.”
Burnaford says conditions on the narrow island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay make it especially vulnerable to winter storms. 
“We are prepared,” says Burnaford. “I woke up this morning, I saw we are in blizzard warnings conditions, high winds, cold temperatures, possible coastal flooding sounds like we're going to get a little bit of everything.”
A few miles south in Surf City at Tuckerton Lumber, business was brisk at one of the island’s only hardware store open this time of year.   
“I think you should have some type of de-icer or something that's going to melt that snow and ice on the sidewalks, prevent slips and falls getting injured things like flashlights, batteries,” says Tom Rwier. “If power does go out, you want to make sure you have something that can allow you to see and something to keep you warm, portable heaters.”
Experts are warning to not go outside during the height of the storm because of potentially life-threatening white-out conditions. They're also concerned about any flooding from the Barnegat Bay to turn to ice on the streets. If it's cold enough, even salt water can freeze if it reaches temperatures below 28.4 degrees.