Camden County will be under “Code Blue” severe weather advisory t from 6 p.m. Jan. 7 through 7 a.m. Jan. 8, and from 6 p.m. Jan. 8 through 7 a.m. Jan 9.
“Now that some of the coldest air of the season is upon us, we are advising residents to avoid going outside for extended periods of time,” county freeholder Carmen Rodriguez said. “The weather will turn even more frigid tonight with temperatures in the single digits and wind chill well into the negatives. We need everyone to be sheltered and out of the elements.”
When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Severe Weather Emergency, municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.
An upper level disturbance passing through the region will likely trigger some flurries and perhaps even some steadier snow squalls. Although any snow showers that do develop will be a short duration, a few steadier ones have the potential to produce a quick covering of a half-inch in accumulation. In addition, we will see a considerable increase in wind with peak gusts of 30 to 35 mph at times tonight. Although tomorrow will be sunnier, high temperatures will likely remain in the teens throughout the day.
The Camden County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management have worked with each municipality to ensure they have the proper resources to respond to these severe weather situations as part of their individual Code Blue plans. Each municipality has identified its own location to accommodate those in their community seeking shelter from the severe weather.
“During these weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to check on elderly, relatives and neighbors that live alone,” Rodriguez said. “It is important that the most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity during these extreme weather conditions.”
Anyone seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality.
