Berkeley Officials Order Mandatory Evacuations of South Seaside Park, Pelican Island

South Seaside Park and Pelican Island residents no longer have a choice about whether to go or stay.

Township officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for any residents living in those areas, Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said.

"We have personnel out there now assisting residents with that," Smith said.

We are handing out notices in the barrier island door to door," Mayor Jason J. Varano said. "In Bayville, we are urging all waterfront residents to voluntarily evacuate."

The eastbound Thomas A. Mathis bridge leading into the barrier island will close at 9 p.m. Only residents will be allowed in, he said.

"By noon Saturday, there will be no access at all," Smith said.

Officials are still urging residents in other waterfront areas of the township, like the bayfront, lagoon homes and along the Toms River, to evacuate, he said.

Come back to Berkeley Patch for more information later.