An extreme heat warning has been issued for Warren County and most of the rest of New Jersey starting Wednesday at noon.
With high temperatures expected to soar to dangerous levels for several days, it is expected to be the worst heat wave in the Northeast since 2011.
“The intensity and length of the extreme heat will exacerbate impacts to both people and infrastructure,” the National Weather Service said in an updated statement early Tuesday. “This is not the kind of heat event we see every year and could be the hottest period of weather the area has experienced since July 2011.”
The warning is set to expire Saturday at 8 p.m. when cooler air is expected to move into the region bringing showers and thunderstorms. In the meantime, isolated storms can be expected just about any time, particularly after 2 p.m. Those storms can include frequent lightning and high winds, the NWS said.
Local officials have been busy making plans for the heat.
“Frelinghuysen Township continues to work closely with our Office of Emergency Management and our county and state emergency management partners during periods of extreme weather,” said Mayor Kirk Perez. “Residents are encouraged to take appropriate precautions during excessive heat, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak temperatures, and checking on elderly family members and neighbors.”
Any important updates will be communicated through the township’s official channels, Perez added, including the township website and Nixle alerts.
In Hardwick, Mayor Chris Jacksic said the town hall will be made available as a cooling center.
“As the only building the township owns is the town hall, I always make it available for both warming and/or cooling centers as needed in the case that we lose power,” Jacksic said.
Knowlton Mayor Debra Shipps described the township as “heat-wave ready.”
“Our Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed,” Shipps said. “If conditions warrant, Knowlton Township will open cooling centers and provide location information and hours of operation through our emergency notification systems and social media channels.”
Shipps encourages residents to subscribe to free Nixle alerts to receive township notifications and emergency updates directly to their phone and email.
In Blairstown, Mayor Rob Moorehead said town officials are finalizing heat-wave plans, which will be posted on the township website by Wednesday morning.
Power outages should be reported directly to Jersey Central Power & Light at 888-544-4877.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 9 1 1.
If you do not have air conditioning in your home or lack shelter, you can call 211 or visit your county or state health department website for assistance locating appropriate shelter from the heat.
Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.
- Joe Phalon, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/joe-phalon-contributing-writer/
- Joe Phalon, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/joe-phalon-contributing-writer/
- Joe Phalon, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/joe-phalon-contributing-writer/
- Joe Phalon, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/joe-phalon-contributing-writer/
