Hurricane Sandy Update for family & friends up north

Please DO NOT take this storm lightly!! This is a VERY LARGE hurricane/winter-type storm. Right now the tropical storm force wind field is over 1000 miles in diameter! That is incredible! While it is still a hurricane with 75 mph sustained winds, please don't just focus on that. The biggest issue will be the storm surge and flooding! Sandy will make a landfall late Monday Night/Early Tuesday Morning now along the South New Jersey Shore as a hurricane/winter-type storm with at least 75 mph winds. Areas from the Delmarva Peninsula northward to Long Island, NY will all feel the effects of this storm.

What to expect for coastal areas...A storm surge of 1-2 feet is already affecting some of those areas NOW. I recommend evacuating INLAND if you live along the coast if you haven't already. On top of the storm surge, heavy rain totaling 4-8 inches will be possible along with 50-75 mph winds. Please expect widespread power outages that will last for days thanks to the numerous trees and power lines that will come down.

What to expect inland...If you live near the Delaware River, Chesapeake Bay or Lower Susquehanna river then you will have to worry about a water rise from the surge. Otherwise, inland areas will still have sustained winds of 40-60 mph, rain totals of 3-6 inches, flash flooding and widespread power outages that will last for days.

What should you do now...you need to expect the worst. Secure anything that could blow around. Have plenty of food, water, gas for your car & generator, and CASH. Remember, if there is no power, then you can't pay for anything with a credit card!! If you leave drive safely and take your time!

Take it from a meteorologist who has gone through a number of hurricanes down here in Louisiana...you DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THIS STORM LIGHTLY! Stay safe and calm. Many of you have been through storms before, and you will get through this one too. I'll continue to post updates here on Facebook into next week. If you have any questions, please ask! Also, stay tuned to your local news for the latest info as well. -Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum

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