Burlington County has activated its Emergency Operations Center in preparation for the arrival of Isaias and the possibility of damaging winds, flooding and power outages.
Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency and all of Burlington County is under a tropical storm warning from the National Weather Service until this evening. Winds of between 40 to 50 mph, and gusts of 65 mph or stronger, are expected, along with heavy rain and possible tornados.
Between 1 to 6 inches of rain is expected across most of the county, with the possibility of even heavier rains in some localized areas. The rains are forecast to be intense and flash flooding is likely in low-lying areas near streams and in streets with poor drainage.
Emergency management officials are also closely monitoring the Rancocas Creek and urged residents to make preparations for potential creek flooding.
“Our emergency management team is ready for whatever weather this storm brings and will be in close communication with first responders, hospitals and utilities. We’re urging residents to take precautions and to avoid unnecessary travel and heed all Weather Service warnings,” said Freeholder Dan O’Connell, the board’s liaison to the Department of Public Safety. “In the event that residents have to evacuate, we’re prepared to provide shelter in a safe manner.”
Located in the county Public Safety Building in Westampton, the Emergency Operations Center serves as a single location where emergency management officials can coordinate a countywide response. The center is manned by officials from Emergency Management, Public Safety, Engineering, Health, and Highways and is in close communication with first responders throughout the county, as well as the county’s hospitals and utility companies.