FAA bans drones over several New Jersey towns. See the list.
NEW YORK -- Federal authorities are taking action against the mysterious drones seen flying over New Jersey and several other East Coast states.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on most drones over nearly two dozen towns, including cities from Camden to Bayonne, Edison, Harrison and Jersey City. The ban will be in effect until Jan. 17.
The FAA order says no unmanned aircraft can operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each town. The order some exceptions for first responders and certain commercial drones.
"Pilots of aircraft that do not adhere to the procedures in the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may be intercepted, and/or detained and interviewed by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel," the order reads in part.
Several of the zones are centered around infrastructure, like power substations. Others cover areas like the Kearny port and airspace around military installations like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey, or airports such as Newark-Liberty International Airport.
Earlier this month, the Florham Park police chief told residents drone sightings had been reported above "water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and military installations."
Where are drones banned in New Jersey?
North Jersey:
- Cedar Grove
- Bridgewater
- North Brunswick
- Metuchen
- South Brunswick
- Edison
- Branchburg
- Sewaren
- Jersey City
- Harrison, Hudson County
- Elizabeth
- Bayonne
- Clifton
- Kearny
Central Jersey:
- Hamilton, Mercer County
South Jersey:
- Burlington
- Evesham
- Camden
- Gloucester City
- Westampton
- Winslow
- Hancocks Bridge, Salem County
See the full order from the FAA here.
Mysterious drones over New Jersey and beyond
Drones sightings have been reported all month long, first over Morris County, New Jersey and then over places in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Federal, state and local officials have been demanding more information about where they are coming from and what's being done to stop them. The FBI is leading the investigation and tells CBS News it has received thousands of tips.
While the White House says there is no known threat, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for more federal resources.
Over the weekend, drone activity forced New York's Stewart Airfield to shut down some runways. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement the next day saying, "this has gone too far."
Then on Wednesday, an effort from Sen. Chuck Schumer to give local law enforcement more ways to track drones was blocked in the Senate.
Check back soon for the latest updates on this developing story.