Residents Urged to Stay Off Streets in Sandy's Wake

The impact of what was Hurican Sandy figures to be felt for at least the next few days and officals are reminding residents that just because the brunt of the storm may have passed the danger is not clear. 

As of Monday night many towns had travel restrictions in place while others had extended evacuations as the full force of the storm became known. Many residents in the county also opted to seek shelter in one of the two facilities operated by the county. 

In Howell, Councilman Robert Nicastro said even on Tuesday morning residents should avoid going out on the roads as the damage from the storm is assessed "unless someone has an emergency."

Even in the dark Nicastro said the damage was obvious and was likely to increase overnight. "We have many trees down, wires and the potential for more to fall," he said on the Howell Patch Facebook page. "We will be out early assessing the town."

Nicastro said even as the storm first passes residents should continue to call the township's Emergency Operations Center with any non-emergency storm related questions. "We will continue to keep residents informed to the best of our ability," he said. "Please stay off the roads unless you have an emergency and until the all clear is given."

Many local school districts had already announced closures for Tuesday as had county and state government offices. 

In the latest update from the National Weather Service on Monday night the forecast for what remains of Sandy figures to leave a definite impression on the area. Sustained winds of up to 55 MPH are possible over the next 24 to 48 hours with gusts as high as 75 MPH. 

There is also still the chance for heavy rains to fall causing flooding on the coastline as well as inland near streams and rivers.