LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Fierce northeast winds up to 60 mph are ripping across the Jersey Shore early Monday, knocking out power and toppling trees from Sandy Hook to Long Beach Island. The National Weather Service extended its High Wind Warning for eastern Monmouth and coastal Ocean Counties until 8 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, sustained winds of 30–40 mph will continue through sunrise, making travel hazardous along Route 35, the Garden State Parkway, and barrier island causeways. Utility crews are responding to scattered outages across coastal neighborhoods, and some schools may delay openings due to downed power lines.
Emergency management officials urge residents to remain indoors until winds subside. “Stay in interior rooms away from windows, and avoid unnecessary travel,” officials said. Drivers of trucks, vans, and SUVs are especially at risk of losing control on bridges and exposed highways.
Crews from JCP&L and Atlantic City Electric are on standby to restore power through midday. Beach erosion and minor coastal flooding are also possible as the storm pushes water onshore during high tide. Fallen limbs could block secondary roads, and debris cleanup may slow morning commutes.
Residents are urged to charge phones, keep flashlights ready, and report outages to utilities rather than calling 911 unless there’s an emergency. Winds are expected to gradually diminish by late morning, followed by calmer, cooler air to start the week.
