Middletown Issues Mandatory Evacuation Order, For Residents Living Between Route 36 And The Bay

All Middletown residents living in the low-lying areas from Keansburg to Atlantic Highlands, between Route 36 and Raritan Bay, are now under a mandatory evacuation order, said Mayor Anthony Fiore on Sunday afternoon. 

"We did this based on the infomation our Office of Emergency Management staff, and calls with county and state officials," said Fiore. "There is the potential for historical tidal flooding for that area of Middletown, near the Raritan Bay. I decided to accept the recommendation of the OEM and issue the order," said Fiore. 

According to the latest information, there is the potential for eight foot high tidal surges in the area, which could lead to "significant and widespread flooding" for the area, said Fiore. 

While the township cannot force anyone to leave, the mayor said those that stay may be left to fend for themselves, and may experience difficulties. 

"Potentially you won't be able to come and go as you like, because police will cordon off that area," he said. "Also, there is a potential that if the situation turns and you can't handle it, emergency responders, based on the weather conditions, may not be able to help you."

Fiore said that the county will be operating shuttles from Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, in New Monmouth to county shelters at Monmouth University and Wall Township. "We're asking residents to leave by 9 pm tonight," the mayor said.  

He advised residents to take necessary precautions for their own safety. 

"This is not a storm to take lightly. Not a storm to mess around with," he said. 

Keansburg  has also issued a mandatory evacuation for flood prone areas. Union Beach also issued a mandatory evacuation at 4 p.m. on Sunday.