Community Corner

Hurricane Watch Upgraded to Warning

Hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning as the entire northeastern United States prepares for the onslaught of Hurricane Irene.

As of 5 a.m. Friday, the storm was located approximately 710 miles south-southwest of Atlantic City moving north at 14 miles per hour. Measurements of the storm's intensity indicated winds of up to 110 miles per hour.

A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected within a 36-hour timeframe in the specified area.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Forecasters are predicting that the storm will begin to impact the area on Saturday, with heavy rainfall up to an inch and thunderstorms beginning after 11 a.m.

Saturday night will see the weather intensify as tropical storm conditions, including sustained easterly winds blowing 47 miles per hour with gusts as high as 60 miles per hour. An additional four inches of rain is predicted to fall Saturday night.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The worst of the storm is expected to come Sunday, when full on hurricane conditions will be in place. Heavy winds and additional rainfall up to four inches is expected. 

Hurricane Irene is expected to move out of the area overnight Sunday and into Monday.

State and local officials have begun preparations for the storm.

On Thursday, Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency across New Jersey and urged Shore residents to evacuate the area and seek shelter inland. The governor also lifted tolls south of the Raritan River on the Garden State Parkway and on the Atlantic City Expressway effective 8 a.m. Friday.

Evacuation orders have been given to residents in Cape May and Long Beach Island with officials in many coastal towns urging residents to evacuate rather than attempt to ride out the storm.

 

The following are suggested actions to be taken prior to arrival of a storm:

  • Check battery-powered equipment such as radios and flashlights. Buy extra batteries.
  • Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind.
  • Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. 
  • Be aware of where evacuation routes are located.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food items and water.
  • Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.

 

Residents are urged not to enter flooded roadways.

Local emergency management officials have also provided a number of recommendations for emergency supply kits. The list of items to include is as follows:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers

 

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children


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