Brick, Berkeley Mandatory Evacs Lifted

A sure sign of improving conditions - the second mandatory evacuation orders in as many weeks for coastal mainland sections of Berkeley and Brick Townships are lifted.

The threat of coastal flooding from Wednesday's nor'easter prompted leaders in both communities to issue directives only days after rescinding the original ones that applied to Hurricane Sandy.

Berkeley Township residents east of Bayview Avenue, and those living less than 1,000 feet from Barnegat Bay or the Toms River, got the all-clear at 2 PM today. Brick Township's edict for coastal mainland homeowners took effect at 3 PM, but the township's barrier island tracts remain off-limits except for limited organized busing for grab-and-go items, damage assessment and minor protective measures.

Anyone in Brick impacted by the storms and needing a warm meal can find a festive one Friday at the township's Knights of Columbus Hall on Cedarbridge Avenue. Members are serving hot spaghetti dinners from 4 'til 7 PM.