North Jersey National Night Out events canceled due to expected severe weather
The impending severe weather from Tropical Storm Debby has already affected several North Jersey municipalities that planned to host National Night Out events on Tuesday.
Town officials have begun posting social media updates regarding their respective festivities after the forecast called for heavy rain and possible flooding in the region Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Some moved the National Night Out up or to a later date, while others canceled the event.
Morris Township is among the towns to cancel its National Night Out for 2024 with no makeup date.
"We share your disappointment as we were looking forward to a beautiful night of fun and community," the township posted on Facebook Tuesday morning. "We hope to see you next year for an even better National Night Out."
Other areas throughout the region announced their events were "postponed," though not all have announced a new date or even if there will be one. Police departments in Denville and Hopatcong posted that there is no set rain date at this time, with Hopatcong adding, "we will keep you posted if and when that changes."
Montclair's National Night Out also will not take place Tuesday, and there is no rain date at this time, Lt. Tyrone Williams Jr. said.
Florham Park, Hawthorne and Newton are among the municipalities that are planning to reschedule their events. However, no makeup dates were announced as of early Tuesday afternoon.
New Milford postponed its National Night Out until Aug. 20, while West Milford's was moved to Oct. 1.
Boonton will still hold its event on Tuesday, but moved it an hour earlier to 4 p.m. The festivities will take place rain or shine at the RVA Johanson Memorial Fields on Powerville Road, the township police department said on Facebook.
Teaneck is also holding its National Night Out rain or shine from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Votee Park, the township announced. If there is inclement weather, the event will be moved inside to the Rodda Center adjacent to the park.
What is National Night Out?
National Night Out is a community policing event celebrated annually on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods host parties, festivals, parades and other events in partnership with law enforcement to raise awareness about various police programs and anti-crime efforts.
"National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community," reads an online statement from the National Association of Town Watch, which established the inaugural event in 1984. "Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances."
Today, 38 million residents in 17,000 communities celebrate National Night Out across the country, according to the organization's website. More than 200 New Jersey towns participate each year.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Expected severe weather cancels NJ National Night Out events
