County Shelters Holding 600 Evacuees

COURT HOUSE — With 600 people sitting safely inside county shelters and 60 percent of residents of the county’s barrier islands already evacuated, Marty Palughi, Director of the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management urged the remaining 40 percent to evacuate immediately as Sandy barrels toward New Jersey’s southern coast.
During a 3 p.m. press conference held in the county’s library, Pagliughi announced the storm is now located about 110 miles off shore and is moving faster than officials anticipated. Landfall will probably occur in Atlantic County, as early as 6 p.m. this evening. Initial predictions called for Sandy come ashore at midnight.
This storm has produced record flooding. Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding, including the Garden State Parkway. Adding to the flooding Officials expect a 10 foot high tide to occur at 8:35 this evening, with a high tide on the back bays 45 minutes later.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton said he visited Middle Township Elementary School No. 2, one of the county’s four evacuations shelters. “Everyone is doing a good job,” said Thornton, noting the need for blankets at the shelter was met within 20 minutes by members of the Sheriff’s Office.
A collision between a National Guard high-wheeled vehicle and a civilian vehicle occurred this morning when the National Guard vehicle was responding to a call for a structure fire in Sea Isle City. Emergency personnel also responded to structure fire in Wildwood, said Pagliughi.
With over 7,800 people in the county without power, utility trucks are sit ready in Cumberland County to respond to emergencies and handle post-storm repairs.
Pagliughi said the county has been in touch with Gov. Chris Christie and it expects FEMA representatives have feet on the ground in Cape May County as soon as Sandy has gone.
Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor said he had inspected some barrier islands. He urged people “Don’t be riding around.” Taylor added people should not be coming down to inspect their properties. “They will be turned away,” he said.
Most municipalities have enacted curfews and drivers will be stopped, said the prosecutor.