Bernards Township Police and emergency management officials are asking residents to stay off the road unless absolutely necessary as Sandy picked up steam late Monday afternoon.

Lt. Mike Shimsky, who heads the township Office of Emergency Management, said that the township was "hanging in there" about 4 p.m. on Monday, despite some road closings and traffic lights out.

Debris also was reportedly in some streets.

Shimsky said road closures at that time included the spot at 178 Liberty Corner Road near Mount Prospect Road and Whitenack Road at Minebrook Road.

He said traffic lights also were out on Route 202.

Shimsky added people should stay off streets with unnecessary travel.

Patch will continue to update the situation.