New Jersey Residents Urged to Prepare for Impact of Hurricane Irene



From an earthquake to a hurricane, New Jersey could get walloped this weekend by a direct hit from Hurricane Irene, based on current projections.

On Tuesday evening, the National Hurricane Center projected a possible direct hit on the state from the hurricane this weekend.

It's anticipated that Hurricane Irene will cross the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a major hurricane by mid-afternoon on Saturday. The storm is then projected to advance up the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula before hitting the southern tip of New Jersey early Sunday afternoon.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management offers advice on how to prepare for an approaching hurricane.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also offers advice, including the following guidelines:

• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.

Residents are urged to follow weather reports and to plan ahead in the coming days as the storm approaches the area.

Patch will provide updated forecast and emergency shelter information and contacts in Lawrence Township in the coming days based on Hurricane Irene's likelihood of impacting the area.