UPDATE: Verizon says Text Message Was Accidental Test Not Hoax

What was meant to be a test of the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) left Verizon customers calling their local police departments about a reported "Civil Defense Emergency."

A statement from Verizon said that at around Noon on Monday afternoon the message was sent to customers in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties and was not properly identified as a test. "We apologize for any inconvenience or concern this message may have caused," it said.

Capt. Lisa Parker said that, while the department was alerted to the existance of the text messages, police have not received calls from residents expressing concern. 

According to the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the CMAS is "a partnership between FEMA, the FCC and wireless carriers, whose purpose is to enhance public safety." The system is meant to send out "Presidential, AMBER, and Imminent Threat alerts." More information on the system can be found here. 

The New Jersey State Police are aware of the situation. An email from the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC) said the message went through several counties alerting recipients they should "Take shelter before 1:24 p.m."

The ROIC email reports that the text was carried on Verizon phones but appears to be limited to the central part of the state. 

The problem appears to spread beyond Howell as the Red Bank Police Department sent out an email to residents alerting them that it was a hoax.

"Initially it appears that a database was hacked and that some cell phone subscribers received this phony alert," an email reads.

Red Bank Police also confirmed that the text message did not come from their system and in the email say it was a nationwide system that was hacked.

"There is no civil emergency at this time and no action is required of the public," it concluded.

This is a breaking news story. Patch will have more information as it becomes available.