Mercer County Braces for Storm

In anticipation of the severe weather conditions expected in Central New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes signed an executive order declaring a “limited state of emergency” in the county.

While that order does not limit travel in the area, it allows the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management to begin implementing its emergency plan. Hughes again urged residents to “shelter in place” – stay in their homes unless threatened by an emergency situation. The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey is responsible for regional shelters and people with such need should call (609) 951-8550 or go to www.njredcross.org.

Here’s what else is going on in the area.

Here is a list of things that have been canceled or closed so far in East Windsor, Hightstown, and Cranbury. This list will be updated, so make sure you check back for changes.

• Non-essential Hightstown Borough services will be closed from Monday until further notice. This includes tax collections, W&S collections, construction/code enforcement office, bulk pick-up, other day to day public works functions, the court office, and registrar services.

• East Windsor Township Municipal Offices will be closed on Monday. This includes the Municipal Court, the senior center, and senior transportation services. Those wishing to reschedule court dates are asked to contact the municipal court on Monday at 609-448-3228.

• There will be no garbage collection in East Windsor on Monday and Tuesday. Officials ask that residents do not put any garbage out during those days. Monday's collection has been postponed to Thursday, Nov.1 and Tuesday's collection has been postponed to Friday, Nov. 2.

• All Cranbury Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday.

• Peddie School has cancelled classes on Monday, and the admission office will also be closed. The school encouraged parents of boarding students to pick up their children Sunday afternoon. "If hurricane Irene, as well as the last few days, are any indication, the students who remain on campus will most likely be out in force helping with the cleanup efforts in the community throughout the coming week," said Wendi Patella, the school's director of publications and media relations. Families with tours and interviews scheduled are asked to call the school after the storm to reschedule a visit.

• East Windsor Regional Schools, offices, Kidcare and Turning Point will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

Princeton

Here is a list of closures from the Princetons: Princeton Borough Hall, Princeton Borough Municipal Court, Princeton Day School, Princeton Dermatology Group, Princeton Forrestal Village, Princeton Public Library, Princeton Public Schools, Princeton Theological Seminary and Princeton Township offices.

Princeton University will be closed on Monday for non-essential staff. No Tiger Transit and all campus events are canceled. A decision about whether to keep campus closed Tuesday will be made Monday afternoon.

Lawrence Township

Mayor Jim Kownacki today signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for Lawrence Township beginning Sunday evening, meaning that after 6 p.m. only emergency personnel and authorized vehicles will be allowed out on the roads.

The Lawrence Township Municipal Building will be closed on Monday, Oct. 28.  Essential personnel are required to report to work and those individuals have already been contacted. All Mercer County government offices, including Mercer County courts, will be closed tomorrow as well.

Lawrence Township Public Schools will be closed on Monday, Oct. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 30, for all students and all 10-month and 12-month staff.

Mercer County Community College will be closed Monday and Tuesday, while Lawrenceville School (which had no classes scheduled for Monday due to its Parents Weekend) has cancelled classes for Tuesday as well.