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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