Jersey Shore Winds Cause Monmouth county power outages
Powerful winds exceeding 50 mph have left more than 35,000 New Jersey residents without electricity as a severe weather system batters the state’s coastal regions. Monmouth and Ocean counties have been particularly hard hit, with nearly 13,000 customers experiencing outages in those shore communities alone, as utility crews struggle to restore service amid continuing gusts.
According to Asbury Park Press, Ocean County reported 4,967 customers without power, while neighboring Monmouth County saw 7,866 households and businesses affected. The outages began early Monday and have fluctuated throughout the day as repair crews work to restore service while new outages occur.
Meteorological Explanation
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly explained that the unusual wind conditions resulted from New Jersey being caught between competing weather systems. “The state is currently positioned between a high-pressure system building from the west and a low-pressure system in the northeastern part of the state,” said meteorologist James Tomasini. “This creates what we call an atmospheric pressure gradient, essentially a transition area where gusty winds develop.”
This meteorological squeeze play has created a powerful stream of air currents, with coastal areas experiencing the most significant impacts. Weather monitoring stations along the Jersey Shore recorded sustained winds of 30-35 mph with gusts regularly exceeding 45 mph throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Impact on Infrastructure
Utility companies have reported numerous instances of downed power lines and damaged transformers across the affected regions. JCP&L spokesperson Maria Thompson told reporters that crews are prioritizing emergency situations where lines are down before addressing broader outage areas.
“Our primary concern is public safety, so we’re first responding to any situation where live wires might pose a danger,” Thompson said. “We’ve activated our emergency response protocols and have called in additional crews from neighboring regions to assist with restoration efforts.”
Local emergency management officials have warned residents to treat all downed wires as energized and to report them immediately to authorities. Several municipalities have opened warming centers for residents without heat as temperatures have remained in the low 40s throughout the day.
The heavy rain and high winds are causing power outages throughout Monmouth County. As a reminder, if your power goes out, @SheriffGolden urges all to report it to @JCP_L, and only dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. @JCP_L pic.twitter.com/Ao1f5vCXSn
— Monmouth County Sheriff's Office (@MonmouthSheriff) February 17, 2025
Expected Timeline
According to NJ.com, the National Weather Service predicts the winds will begin diminishing late Monday afternoon and into the evening hours, with gusts decreasing to 20-30 mph overnight. This should allow utility crews to make more substantial progress in restoration efforts.
“We expect to have the majority of customers restored by late Tuesday afternoon, assuming no additional weather complications,” said Atlantic City Electric regional president Thomas Williams. “However, some of the more isolated outages or those requiring extensive repairs may take until Wednesday to complete.”
Preparedness Recommendations
Emergency management officials across the state have issued guidance for residents in affected areas, recommending they prepare for potentially extended outages. Suggested preparations include:
• Charging electronic devices while power is available
• Having battery-powered lights and radios accessible
• Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures
• Checking on elderly neighbors and those with medical needs
• Using generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas, never inside garages or homes
Looking Ahead
Even as crews work to restore power from this event, meteorologists are already monitoring another potential storm system that could affect the region later this week. The National Weather Service has identified a coastal storm expected to move up the Eastern Seaboard Wednesday through Thursday.
“Current models suggest the bulk of this upcoming system might track south of New Jersey,” explained NWS meteorologist Rebecca Davidson. “However, there remains significant uncertainty in the forecast track, and even a slight northward shift could bring more substantial impacts to the state.”
Residents are advised to stay informed about changing weather conditions and outage updates through local media and utility company websites, which provide real-time information on restoration efforts and affected areas. Emergency management officials emphasize having preparedness plans in place given the potential for additional severe weather in the coming days.
