Community Corner

Only a Tropical Storm?

The National Weather Service is now calling for a borderline Category 1 hurricane/tropical storm for the Gloucester Township area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) kept Camden County and most of southern New Jersey under a hurricane warning, while several central and northern New Jersey towns had been moved to a tropical storm warning, with its latest Hurricane Irene update early this evening.

It is expected Irene will be a borderline Category 1 hurricane/tropical storm by the time it hits Gloucester Township late Saturday or early Sunday.

A NWS forecast localized for Blackwood states that "tropical storm conditions (are) expected, with hurricane conditions possible."

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A total of 6 to 10 inches of rain is expected for our area, with a few locations receiving 12 inches. Major flooding is anticipated in portions of New Jersey, particularly those near waterways.

NWS warns isolated tornadoes are also possible as the storm passes through the area.

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Grocery stores and shopping malls throughout the area, including both of Gloucester Township's Zallie's ShopRite stores, closed earlier Saturday evening and are expected to remain closed through Monday morning.

Acme in Sicklerville was still open as of 7:30 p.m. Saturday. No plans to close on Sunday had been announced.

Gloucester Township Police released the following statement this afternoon:

Hurricane Irene continues to approach, and rain conditions have started in the area. Residents should expect heavy rain, flooding and tropical storm winds to increase throughout the evening into tomorrow night.

Residents should finalize their preparations, as many local businesses have begun to close to prepare for the Hurricane. Residents are requested to stay off the roadways beginning tonight through the conclusion and recovery from the storm. Residents are asked to check and clear storm drains nearby their residences, to reduce the chance of puddles and flooding.

Gloucester Township Emergency Management officials are prepared to respond to storm-related emergencies.


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