Still no access to Ocean City as officials assess the damage

Last Updated on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 11:50 am Written by Claire Lowe Tuesday, October 30, 2012 10:54 am

Sarah Cupps captured these images of Ocean City, NJ during Hurricane Sandy.

(11:30 a.m. UPDATE) The Mandatory Evacuation is still in effect for Ocean City and all access routes to the island are still closed.  Re-entry into Ocean City is prohibited at this time. A travel ban remains in effect. Restrict calls to Ocean City’s Communications Center to of an emergency nature only.

OCEAN CITY – As of 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, around high tide, Ocean City announced that there is still no access to the island while officials assess the damage.

Due to the mandatory evacuation, all Ocean City Schools are closed Tuesday, Oct. 30. No re-open date has been announced at this point.

A wind advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 8:48 a.m. Tuesday and remains in effect until 5 p.m. The high wind warning has been cancelled, but this is still a “dangerous situation,” the NWS states. Winds are moving 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

The city urges residents that remained in Ocean City throughout the storm to stay indoors and to not attempt to drive as many roads are still impassable and water may be deep.

At 9 a.m., Cape May County remained in response mode as the mandatory evacuation for the barrier islands has not yet been lifted.

County Emergency Management crews are visiting all barrier islands to assist officials and assess damage.

As of 9 a.m., Atlantic City Electric is reporting 31, 263 customers in Cape May County without power.

Gov. Chris Christie announced that the Garden State Parkway has reopened, as well. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has reopened the entire length of the Garden State Parkway to traffic in both directions. Tolls should resume at 2 p.m.

County government remains closed to the public Tuesday, Oct. 30. Fare Free Transportation is providing emergency service for medical needs No meals on wheels will be delivered on Tuesday.

Cape May County senior centers remain closed as does all Cape May County parks and the zoo. Also, Superior Courts are closed and all libraries on barrier islands are closed.
For additional information, visit readycapemaycounty.org.

Sarah Cupps captured these images of Ocean City, NJ during Hurricane Sandy.

Sarah Cupps captured these images of Ocean City, NJ during Hurricane Sandy.