Air Quality Alert in Monmouth County, NJ

An air quality alert was issued for Monmouth County, New Jersey, until midnight on Monday. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service, recommends retreating indoors, limiting outdoor exposure, mitigating pollution sources, and refraining from open burning. It also urges staying informed about weather conditions and prioritizing respiratory health.

The alert is valid until Monday at midnight, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange air quality alert. The warning is based on data from the National Weather Service and is provided by Advance Local Weather Alerts, a service provided by United Robots.

Power Outages Due to High Temperatures and Storms

Thousands of Monmouth, Bergen, and Union counties experienced power outages due to high temperatures and storms. There were 3,538 PSE&G customers in Rutherford who were not informed. Nearly 4,000 residents were in the dark in Monmouth County, with most concentrated in Atlantic Highlands. Temperatures reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat index values of 101. Cranford reported 460 residents losing power.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Monmouth County

The National Weather Service has issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Monmouth County, predicting penny-sized hail and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. The warning is valid until 4:45 p.m. and applies to Sandy Hook, Highlands, and Navesink. Go to an internal chamber on the lowest floor of a building for protection.

Safety Tips During Thunderstorms

• Have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs.
• Seek shelter promptly.
• Avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, and plumbing fixtures.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Before starting outside activities again, wait at least thirty minutes following the last lightning strike.
• Avoid open fields, hilltops, ridge crests, and tall, isolated trees.
• Stay close to lower stands of trees.

Guidelines for Heavy Rain

• Beware of swollen waterways.
• Maintain safe driving distances.
• Slow down and stay cautious.
• Choose your lane wisely.
• Enhance visibility by turning on headlights.
• Watch out for slippery roads.
• Keep a safe distance from large vehicles.
• Mind your windshield wipers.

By taking these precautions, you may greatly lower risk and protect your safety when it rains a lot. To ensure a safe travel, keep up with local authorities’ advise and weather conditions.

Middletown Experiences Heatwave and Power Outages

Middletown residents experienced a heatwave, power outages, water main breaks, and a possible tornado. The township is working to clean up the streets, with debris scattered and some streets flooded. Middletown Public Works teams are removing debris and working around the clock to keep the streets safe.

For utilities, contact information is available at various websites, and for emergencies, call 911. Middletown Public Works teams are also working with the Township of Middletown Sewerage Authority and Verizon. The township is also working with Comcast, Jersey Central Power & Light, New Jersey American Water, New Jersey Natural Gas, and the Township of Middletown Sewerage Authority.

Monmouth County Fair

The Monmouth County Fair is an annual tradition held from July 24-28 at East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold, NJ. The fair offers live music, pig racing, an aerial thrill show, a wildlife show, stunt horses and dogs, the Butterfly Encounter, strolling entertainment, 4-H shows, food, games, rides, and more.

Admission and Highlights

• Admission is $10 per adult, with children 12 and under free.
• Veterans and active military with ID, seniors 65 and older, and students with ID are free.
• Highlights include the Firefighters Competition and fireworks on opening night, a flower arranging competition on Friday, Country Line Dancing on Saturday, and a Pie-Eating Contest on Sunday.
• Live music from bands like The Counterfeiters, Brian Kirks and the Jirks, Super Trans Am, CC & The Boys, Magnolia Street String Band, and students from Rockit Academy.
• Rides provided by Campy’s Blue Star Amusements.
• The Home and Garden Tent features baked goods, vegetables, flowers, arts and crafts, beekeeping, gardening, and pottery demonstrations.
• The Living History Tent, staffed by the Park System’s Historic Longstreet Farm, features hands-on demonstrations, music, and displays. The theme is Patent Medicine, with the Wahoo Medicine Man Show on Saturday.

To obtain up-to-date details regarding the Monmouth County Fair, please visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com or give them a call at 732-842-4000.

Power Outages in Monmouth County During Heatwave

Thousands of people in Monmouth County, New Jersey, lost power during a heatwave on June 23, 2024. JCP&L customers were without service as of 5:30 p.m., but by 7:15 p.m., the number dropped to about 9,700. At almost 3,300, Middletown had the highest number of power outages.

Other towns with over 1,000 customers included Atlantic Highlands and Highlands. The outages were caused by a lightning strike on a high-voltage sub-transmission line and a downed tree limb. Less than 100 customers in Ocean County were without power.