09/03/2016
Everyone make sure you're ready and prepared for this storm. And remember, do not ever cross deep or fast moving water, not only can it be extremely harmful to your car, it can be potentially deadly.
Stay safe!
A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING WEATHER SITUATION IS UNFOLDING FOR PORTIONS OF THE MID ATLANTIC THIS WEEKEND; IT APPEARS NEW JERSEY MAY BE THE HARDEST HIT AREA IN THE REGION, WITH IMPACTS TO DELAWARE, MARYLAND, NEW YORK, AND CONNECTICUT EXPECTED TOO.
PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE & PROPERTY SHOULD BE COMPLETED TODAY OR TOMORROW MORNING AT THE LATEST IN COASTAL PORTIONS OF NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE, AND MARYLAND. THIS INCLUDES RESIDENTS AROUND RARITAN BAY AND THE ENTIRE NJ COAST FROM SANDY HOOK SOUTH.
The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Tropical Storm Watches to TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS north to Sandy Hook, NJ.
As Hermine re-strengthens to hurricane status off the New Jersey coast this weekend, additional watches and warnings may be required throughout the Mid Atlantic and/or northeast.
If current forecasts hold, it will not be safe to be anywhere on the Jersey Shore Sunday and Monday and we expect evacuation notices to go up for many locations, especially isolated barrier islands in southern New Jersey prone to coastal flooding.
IN SOME CASES, THIS STORM WILL BE A TOP 10 OR TOP 5 EVENT AS IT RELATES TO COASTAL FLOODING, EROSION, AND DAMAGE POTENTIAL.
There are 3 major areas of concern we have for this storm:
STORM SURGE FLOODING
You should prepare for locally hazardous surge flooding impacting coastal locations and/or areas prone to tidal flooding including Back Bays. Potential impacts in this area include:
-Localized inundation is possible with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore
-Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots could become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving conditions are possible in places where surge water covers the road
-Moderate beach erosion is expected; heavy surf also breaching dunes are anticipated.
-Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is possible. A few small craft may be broken away from moorings.
-There is the potential for tidal flooding further up the Delaware Bay and Delaware River. Seemingly minor shifts to the storm track could lead to considerable changes to the coastal flooding potential.
DAMAGING WINDS
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the region. Potential impacts in this area include:
-Some damage to roofing and siding is likely, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings will experience window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes may be damaged, especially if not anchored.
-Unsecured lightweight objects could become airborne.
-Several large trees may be snapped or uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs could be blown over.
-Some roads may be impassable from large debris. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes may be impassable.
-There will be scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above-ground lines.
FLOODING RAINS
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible impacts across the coastal plain. Potential impacts include:
-Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
-Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots.
-Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in vulnerable spots. Rapid ponding of water may occur at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some road and bridge closures are expected.
AGAIN, THIS IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING STORM. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE & PROPERTY SHOULD BE COMPLETED TODAY OR TOMORROW MORNING AT THE LATEST IN COASTAL PORTIONS OF NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE, AND MARYLAND. THIS INCLUDES RESIDENTS AROUND RARITAN BAY AND THE ENTIRE NJ COAST FROM SANDY HOOK SOUTH.
Stay informed, get prepared, make smart decisions, and be safe!
We will have a Facebook Livestream event with one of our meteorologists taking your questions live tonight right here at 8:30pm.
