Gov. Christie dispels rumor of power, gas going out in Atlantic City

Megan DeMarco /The Star-LedgerGovernor Chris Christie offers updates on statewide Hurricane Irene preparedness efforts during a press briefing at the ROIC, the Regional Operations Intelligence Center in West Trenton today.

EWING — Rumors that officials will shut down power and gas service to residents in Atlantic City are not true, Gov. Chris Christie said.

"Power will continue to flow as long as it can," Christie said. "Power loss will be due to the severity of the storm."

Christie said he wanted to dispel the rumor that those who remained in Atlantic City would see the lights go out before the storm arrived. Christie said the power companies intend to keep power flowing unless weather conditions knock out service.

He expects that loss of power due to downed lines and other storm conditions is, however, likely.

Oyster Creek, the nuclear power plant in Lacey Township, will power down to 30 percent capacity, Christie said.

He said Hope Creek and Salem, two nuclear power plants located on artificial islands in the Delaware River, don't expect to shut down. They will continue to operate through the storm, he said.