The Lawrence Township Office of Emergency Management has issued a voluntary evacuation notice, because the Delaware Raritan Canal is nearing flood stage. An existing breach in the canal wall near Quaker Road in the Port Mercer Area is causing flood waters from the Stony Brook to flow into the canal.

Township officials are concerned that the areas around the canal that flooded during Hurricane Irene may experience the same type of flooding this evening and on Friday morning. The township is issuing a voluntary evacuation notice to all residents in the area that were affected by the flooding during Hurricane Irene.

If you have any questions, you may contact the township at 896-0225.

Earlier today, the National Weather Service said severe flooding was possible for much of Central Jersey, with flooding possibly exceeding levels of 40 years ago.