Community Corner

UPDATE: Irene's Rain Bands Enter Jersey Shore; Storm Weakens Slightly

Once rain starts, it won't stop, meteorologist says

Rain bands from Hurricane Irene have now moved into the majority of New Jersey's coastal areas, as well as many of the inland areas of the Garden State.

The first effects of the massive hurricane come as its wind speed has weakened slightly. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm is now packing 85 m.p.h. winds, down from 90 m.p.h. winds that were measured in an early morning update.

The storm is now located just over 300 miles from Atlantic City. All of the coastal counties of New Jersey remained under a hurricane warning, and were in place on all local barrier islands and in some other waterfront communities.

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A disaster area declaration made by President Barack Obama on Saturday allows the Federal Emergency Management agency to coordinate relief efforts in New Jersey following the storm, and makes federal funds available to the state.

Meteorologist Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com, told Patch that local residents shouldn't take a slight drop in maximum wind speed as proof that Irene is significantly weakening or that her threat is diminishing.

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"I think that this hurricane is definitely going to retain itself for some time," he said, mainly because of its size and the low air pressure at its core. "This hurricane is very large, and the wind field is very large."

DiMartino said rain bands will continue to come onshore for much of the day on Saturday, with the storm beginning to produce hurricane conditions in the Shore area late Saturday night. Those hurricane conditions will last through much of the day Sunday, with the brunt of the storm kicking up around 2 a.m. Sunday through the remainder of the morning hours.

"This is a long-duration storm," DiMartino said. "It's not going to be ending any time soon. That's what makes this storm so dangerous. The coastal flooding associated with this storm is enhanced not only by the new moon, but because the storm is going to pushing water into our bays and rivers for such a long time."

Though some powerful rain bands will come through during the day Saturday, the wind speeds will probably not increase significantly until the evening hours, DiMartino said. But the rain is here to stay.

"Once it starts raining, it won't be ending until [Sunday] night," said DiMartino.

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.
  • Be familiar with the telephone number of your local Office of Emergency Management. The number for the Ocean County OEM is 732-341-3451.

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,

Stay tuned today as Patch brings you regular updates as well as important emergency information.


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