Weekend Weather Awareness: Coastal Storm Expected in New Providence

The National Weather Service is monitoring a coastal storm that will affect parts of the region this weekend. New Providence residents should prepare for periods of rain and gusty winds, with the potential for stronger wind gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour from Friday afternoon through Sunday.

Currently, flooding is not expected to be a primary concern for the borough, though residents should remain cautious and monitor official weather updates.

The Borough of New Providence has issued guidance to help residents prepare for wet and windy conditions.

PREPARATORY STEPS

Residents are advised to secure or bring inside loose outdoor furniture, flags, and other items that could be blown around by strong winds. The Borough recommends that residents proactively clear leaves and debris from storm drains and curb inlets near their property to minimize drainage issues during heavy rain.

Residents should remain aware of damaged trees and hanging branches and use caution when walking, parking, or spending time beneath large trees. Falling branches and trees are a significant hazard during high-wind events.

POWER AND COMMUNICATION PREPAREDNESS

Residents are encouraged to keep cell phones and other essential devices charged in advance and ensure flashlights are readily available. The Borough advises residents to have multiple ways to receive weather and emergency alerts from official sources, including the Borough's Smart911 notification system.

POWER OUTAGE REPORTING

If power is lost, residents should report outages directly to JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light) and not assume the outage has already been reported. Residents can report outages by texting OUT to 544487, calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or reporting online through JCP&L's outage center.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

For emergencies, including downed or sparking power lines, trees or wires blocking roadways, or any situation involving an immediate threat to life or safety, residents should call 9-1-1. Residents should never approach a downed power line and should stay at least 30 feet away from any downed wires.

Union County Life is tracking weather developments affecting Union County municipalities. Residents of New Providence are urged to take these preparatory steps now and monitor official updates from the Borough and National Weather Service throughout the weekend.

FAQ

What coastal storm is affecting New Providence this weekend?
The National Weather Service is monitoring a coastal storm that will affect parts of the region from Friday afternoon through Sunday (September 27–29). New Providence residents should expect periods of rain and gusty winds with potential gusts of 35–45 mph.

Is flooding expected in New Providence?
Currently, flooding is not expected to be a primary concern for the borough. However, residents should monitor official weather updates and remain cautious.

What preparatory steps should residents take?
Residents should secure or bring inside loose outdoor furniture, flags, and other items that could be blown around. Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and curb inlets near your property. Be aware of damaged trees and hanging branches, and use caution when walking or parking beneath large trees.

How should residents prepare for potential power loss?
Keep cell phones and other essential devices charged in advance. Ensure flashlights are readily available. Have multiple ways to receive weather and emergency alerts, including the Borough's Smart911 notification system.

How do I report a power outage to JCP&L?
Text OUT to 544487, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), or report online through JCP&L's outage center. Do not assume an outage has already been reported — contact JCP&L directly.

What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Never approach a downed power line. Stay at least 30 feet away. Call 9-1-1 to report downed or sparking wires. For emergencies involving downed lines, blocked roadways, or immediate threats to life or safety, call 9-1-1.

Where can I get weather and emergency updates?
Monitor the Borough of New Providence and National Weather Service for updates. Sign up for the Borough's Smart911 notification system for emergency alerts.