Wednesday, October 31, 2012

T/ Shandaken - Phoenicia FD opens their doors tonight

The Town of Shandaken and the Phoenicia Fire Department have opened their doors at the Phoenicia Co 1 firehouse on Main St for anyone who is in need of a warm place tonight.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Hurricane Sandy # 12

Good afternoon,


This may be the last Sandy report:

The County's State of Emergency was lifted at noon today

The Emergency Operations Center is demobilized and will be closed at this time.

The only shelter that will be open tonight is at Belleayre

A reminder that damage assessments are needed by noon tomorrow (PA and IA).

Currently there are 26,200 Central Hudson customers without power, and NYSE&G reports 4,494. All available crews are in the field. Please remember that all downed lines should be considered energized.

Central Hudson is distributing dry ice at Accord # 1 firehouse, Woodstock Community Center, and CHG&E Elting Corners facility all until 6 PM and at the Olivebridge firehouse from 5 PM to 8 PM. NYSEG's closest distribution point will be at the Pine Bush FD until 4 PM. The utilities will provide updates on future dry ice / water distribution points.



Thank you to everyone for all of your cooperation and dedication throughout this event. A fine job by all.

Art

Hurricane Sandy # 11

Good morning
Here are a few items from the overnight period:
As dawn breaks, people will be venturing outdoors to determine the
extent of damage. It is absolutely ESSENTIAL that all downed wires are
considered energized. Do not go anywhere near a downed wire, or anything
that may conduct electricity from a downed line (like guiderails).
There is one more tide cycle for the Hudson River that bears watching -
that is early this afternoon. Last night the Hudson at Poughkeepsie
exceed record flood stage by 1 1/2 feet. The effects were felt beyond
the northern border of Ulster.
The County remains in a State of Emergency, and any unnecessary driving
is strongly discouraged.
The following shelters were utilized overnight by the corresponding
number of people: Ellenville - 7 Kingston - 6, Belleayre -12, Saugerties
- 2, New Paltz - 9,
A Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued for a major disaster for
the City of New York and Long Island Counties. Damage assessments will
be sent out later today to Ulster County municipalities to determine if
a Preliminary Disaster Assessment is warranted.
Art

Monday, October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy # 10

Good evening


Just a few notes

Utility and public works crews will be out in force once daylight comes and conditions are safe for them to work. Please refrain from any unnecessary travel while restoration efforts progress.

There was one storm related fatality in the County today.

High Wind Warning Remains in effect until 11 AM Tuesday.

Hudson River flooding is still a major concern. River levels are expected to rise to 4-5 feet above flood stage during high tide.

The EOC will remain operational overnight.

Ar

Hurricane Sandy # 9

Here is the latest information:
Current wind speed of the storm is 90+ MPH. The winds we expect are
still 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60 (add 10 MPH for elevation). Timing of
the heaviest winds are 4 PM to 2 AM.
Rainfall totals are still expected to be in the 3" range. Heaviest rains
tonight into tomorrow.
Any flash flooding will be localized. However, Hudson River tidal
influenced flooding is a major concern.
All DEP diversions have been shut down.

Public Works employees will be working until nightfall, returning at first
light. Trying to cut trees with potentially live wires in the dark is too
dangerous. This is a primary reason to remain off the roads except for
absolutely necessary travel.

Central Hudson has pulled in 62 mutual aid crews for a total of 299 total
line crews; additionally, they have 42 tree trimming crews on retainer.
CHG&E employees will also be pulling crews off the road when conditions are
unsafe. They will be re-deployed when conditions are safe for them to
work.They will respond to emergencies. CHG&E has also secured 110,000
pounds of dry ice.

There is a state staging area at Belleayre Mtn.

In addition to Ulster County, Towns under a state of emergency include
Shandaken, Marlboro, Olive, Gardiner, Lloyd, Denning, Woodstock, Saugerties
(Town and Village) Rochester, Plattekill,

Shelters are in place at Trudy Farber in Ellenville, Midtown Center in
Kingston, Belleayre in Shandaken, Saugerties Sr Center, SUNY New Paltz
Wellness Center, Rosendale Rec Center, Olivebridge firehouse, all three
town of Rochester firehouses and Kerhonkson Accord Rescue Building. ,
Art

Hurricane Sandy # 8

Good morning,

Just a few updates:
A reminder that County Executive Michael Hein has declared a countywide
state of emergency taking effect at 8 AM this morning
The County EOC (emergency operations center) will be activated at 8 AM
this morning
Local states of emergency are in effect or will soon take effect in
Olive, Marlboro and Shandaken
We continue under high wind warning and flood watch. A flood warning has
been issued for "record flooding" along the Hudson
All Ulster County schools are closed.
Office for Aging Meals on Wheels delivered two extra meals to homebound
last week

Shelters
Belleayre - Shandaken, opening 8 AM today
Trudy Farber Resnick - Ellenville, opening 8 AM today
SUNY New Paltz - opening at Noon today
Midtown Center - Kingston, opening 8 AM today
Saugerties Senior Center - opening at 10 AM today
Olivebridge Firehouse
Reservoir Methodist Church

Art

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Hurrricane Sandy # 7

County Executive Michael P. Hein has pro actively declared a State of Emergency effective 8 AM Monday October 29, 2012. At this time, no special orders are associated with the State of Emergency. The Executive is taking the steps necessary to allow County departments to react to and manage all threats from Hurricane Sandy. The Emergency Operations Center will be fully operational and many shelters will also be opening at this time. County Offices will be open for business to meet the needs of the citizens.


Hurricane Sandy # 6

Good afternoon


Not too much has changed with the forecast since yesterday.

We are still expecting a 3" rain event, higher amounts in the mountains (up to 6" or so).

A flood watch remain in effect from Monday into Tuesday. Areas mentioned in previous reports continue to be of concern. Additionally, the combined effects of tidal influences with high river levels focus concern on areas like downtown Kingston.

We are now under a high wind warning. Sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with 60 MPH gusts (70 in the mountains) are still expected. Note that the winds will come from the east, as opposed to normal westerly direction. This will stress the trees in an unusual manner.

The timing of the worst wind and rain will be from Monday afternoon into Monday evening and into Tuesday.



Shelters will be as follows (people need to bring their own bedding and personal hygiene products):

Trudy Farber Resnick building in Ellenville, opening at 8AM Monday,

Mid Town Neighborhood Center in Kingston, opening at 8 AM Monday.

Belleayre Ski Center in Shandaken, opening at 8 AM Monday.

Saugerties Senior Citizens Center opening at 10 AM Monday.

SUNY New Paltz at a time to be determined.



Currently there are states of emergency in effect in Shandaken and Marlboro.



The County's Emergency Operations Center will open at 8 AM on Monday. The County Executive has met with EOC staff.



Governor Cuomo's representative to the Catskill region will be DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.



If municipalities require assistance, please contact the Emergency Management phone line at 331-7000 .

Art

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Hurricane Sandy # 4

Good afternoon


Here is the latest information from the National Weather Service Albany office:

It appears this storm will be more of a wind event than a flooding event for us. They expect to issue a high wind watch later this afternoon. We can expect to see sustained 30-40 MPH winds, with gusts to 60 MPH during the storm. Add 10 -15 MPH for higher terrain areas. The most severe winds will be Monday afternoon into Monday evening.

We can probably expect widespread power outages. Please know that both Central Hudson Gas & Electric and New York State Electric and Gas have been making extensive plans including reviewing mutual aid agreements in light of the impending storm. If there are two critical utility related tips, they are 1) treat all downed wires as if they are energized, and 2) if you are using a portable generator, make sure it is outdoors with plenty of ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Rainfall in valley location may not exceed more than a couple of inches. This is due to our area being on the east, or right, side of the storm. A change in the forecasted track of the storm will affect the amount of rainfall we receive - currently the storm is expected to make landfall in southern New Jersey then eventually head north. As with the wind, terrain enhanced precipitation will mean more rain in the upslope mountainous areas of western Ulster.

Flooding is still a possibility, especially if bands of rain train over a particular area. Additionally, more rain is expected in New Jersey which is the headwaters for the Wallkill River. The Wallkill and Rondout converge, so areas past the confluence can expect higher levels. Also, tidal flooding along the Hudson is a real possibility, especially considering the timing of the full moon. Heaviest rainfall is expected Monday afternoon and evening.

Currently the Ashokan is at 77.9% of capacity and the Rondout is at 94.3%. The NYC DEP and NYS DEC have implemented a plan to move water from the Schoharie Reservoir (in hopes of sparing the Schoharie Valley from flooding). Unfortunately that plan involves sending up to 500 million gallons per day (MGD) down the Shandaken tunnel into the Esopus. This has been done over the strenuous objections of Mike Hein, the Ulster County Executive. Releases from the Ashokan down the waste channel continue at 600 MGD.

Snow should not be an issue.

Although models have come into better agreement, there is still uncertainty about the exact track and timing. As you have heard, do not focus on the cone - this is a large storm with wide reaching affects.



We have been working on securing facilities for shelters - should they become necessary. Exact shelter locations will be announced based on areas of greatest need. If you do go to a shelter, please remember to bring your own pillow, blanket, and personal care items.



Following is a wealth of storm related tips from the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services:

As Hurricane Sandy continues to threaten much of New York State with high winds, heavy rains, flooding, coastal surges and power outages, Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services urges all New Yorkers to take precautions now to ensure the safety of families and loved ones.

“It is important that all New Yorkers take the time now to check their emergency supply kit, go over their emergency plan with all family members, and stay tuned to local TV and radio reports as weather conditions change,” said Commissioner Hauer. “It is especially important to check on those with special needs, including those who are disabled or elderly, and think now about what to do with pets in the event of an emergency or evacuation.”

Commissioner Hauer offered the following safety tips:

“Your Emergency Supply Kit should contain supplies that will last you and your loved ones for up to 7-10 days, for example, in case of a prolonged power outage,” said Hauer.

Items to be included in your emergency supply kit include:

Flashlights with extra batteries – keep flashlights with extra, fresh batteries and keep them beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches in a power outage.

Portable radio with extra batteries – most telephones may be out of order or limited to emergency use. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of emergency information.

Keep a first-aid kit well stocked and in a central location.

Store a 7-10 day supply of food and water for each person. Remember to include food for infants or the elderly, snack foods and items such as a non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, paper/plastic plates and plastic utensils. Store water (one gallon per person per day) in airtight containers.

Consider an alternate cooking source in case of power outage, and store barbecue, charcoal, starter and matches. Do not use these methods of cooking within a confined area.

Consider special items for infants, the elderly, or disabled family members. Have at least a one-week supply of medications and foods for infants and those on special diets.

Important documents should be stored in a waterproof container, including insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, checkbook, credit cards, and ATM cards.

As the storm approaches, Commissioner Hauer said, it is important to secure anything that

could become a projectile during the storm. “Tie down or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, tools and hanging plants,” said Hauer.

Other tips as the storm approaches:

If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.

If you are at home or at work, only stay in a home if you have not been ordered to leave. Stay inside a well-constructed building.

In structures such as a home, examine the building and plan what you will do if winds become strong. Strong winds can produce deadly missiles and structural failure.

Turn your refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.

Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

Turn off propane tanks.

Unplug major appliances.

Fill large containers with water.

If winds become strong:

Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.

Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.

If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from the windows.

Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Remain indoors during the hurricane. Do not be fooled by the "eye" or the lull that occurs as the storm center moves overhead. The other side of the hurricane "eye" has winds that will rapidly increase and will come from the opposite direction.

“If an evacuation is ordered by local government officials, comply with the orders immediately,” said Hauer. “If you are advised to evacuate, do so promptly. If you are advised to go to a certain location, go there and do not attempt to go anywhere else.”

Other tips during an evacuation include:

If you are instructed to evacuate, move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwaters.

Make certain you have enough fuel for your car.

As you travel, keep listening to the radio for additional instructions.

Watch for washed-out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.

Watch out for areas where rivers or streams may flood suddenly.

Flood Safety Tips

Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.

Monitor local radio / television broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio.

Avoid driving into water of unknown depth - moving water can quickly sweep your vehicle away.

Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.

Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters.

Wash canned goods that are exposed to floodwaters with soap and hot water.

Stay away from downed power lines.

“Go to www.nyalert.gov to sign up for alerts that will let you know immediately when conditions are worsening in your area,” added Commissioner Hauer. “By taking steps now to prepare for the worst, you are ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones when the storm hits.”



Please stay informed to this changing situation.

Art

Friday, October 26, 2012

Hurricane Sandy #3

Please see information from Gov Cuomo

THIS IS A Routine Press Release

Hurricane Sandy May Hit New York State this Weekend

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a state of emergency in New York in preparation for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy, which may hit New York State in the coming days. A state of emergency mobilizes resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only and suspends regulations that would impede rapid response.

The Governor is continuing to coordinate statewide preparation for the storm and has ordered the state's Emergency Operations Center in Albany to operate twenty-four hours a day. At the Governor's direction, state agencies and local governments are planning cooperative response efforts. Governor Cuomo and his administration have been in contact with local officials to coordinate preparation. The state government is communicating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to discuss the potential tracks of the storm.

“As we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York State, I am activating all levels of state government to prepare for any potential impacts,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are working with federal and local partners to follow storm developments and organize a coordinated response plan. With unpredictable weather conditions, we are taking the greatest precautions – especially after our experience from last year’s storms. I urge New Yorkers to plan for hurricane conditions and follow news reports to stay updated on the storm’s progress.”

Governor Cuomo has asked President Obama for a pre-landfall disaster declaration. This would allow for State access to funds and FEMA resources to prepare.

Due to the impending storm, the Governor’s conference on Emergency Preparedness scheduled for October 29-30 in Albany is being postponed.

Governor Cuomo is overseeing state mobilization in preparation for the potential storm, including:

TRANSPORTATION
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is monitoring the progress of Hurricane Sandy and taking necessary precautions to protect its transportation network. The storm is tracking toward New York and holds the potential for high winds and heavy rain that could make it unsafe to operate subway, bus and railroad lines, as well as to allow vehicles on the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels. The MTA Hurricane Plan calls for an orderly shutdown of transit and train service before the arrival of sustained winds of 39 mph or higher. No decision has been made whether to suspend some or all service in advance of the storm, but ample notice will be provided of any suspension. Customers and the media should monitor the mta.info website, which is updated continuously with service information as it becomes available. Customers can also call 511 for service information.
New York City Transit/Metro-North Railroad/Long Island Rail Road: Crews are working throughout all three transit systems to inspect and clear drains, pump rooms, ditches, swales, as well as flood-prone areas that will be continually monitored. Equipment like emergency response vehicles, cranes, excavators, back hoes, chain saws, generators, and pumps are checked, fueled, and ready for use – particularly in known low spots. Other actions include securing work sites against possible high winds, fueling equipment, stocking supplies and making plans to move trains, buses, equipment and supplies away from low-lying areas. Extra personnel will be assigned to report for duty before the storm is expected to make landfall.
Bridges and Tunnels: All roadway and drainage systems at Bridges and Tunnels facilities are being checked and cleared of debris. Wrecker trucks and other response vehicles are readied to help motorists who may become stranded. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds when winds are between 40 and 49 mph in dry conditions, and 30 to 49 mph in windy and wet conditions. When the winds are 50 mph or more in dry or wet conditions, certain vehicles will be barred from using MTA crossings. These include motorcycles, tractor trailers, step vans, mini buses, trucks with open backs, cars pulling trailers, motor homes and vehicles carrying plate glass. If there are sustained winds of 60 mph or above, the MTA may close one or more bridges to all traffic.
Capital Construction: All construction work has been suspended until further notice on East Side Access, the Second Avenue Subway, the 7 Line Extension and Fulton Center.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is making preparations to have a full complement of staff at all of its transportation facilities to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of customers who use them each day can be safely accommodated during this severe weather event. The agency also will activate its emergency management office to monitor the changing weather conditions and coordinate with the governor’s offices in New York and New Jersey, the New York City mayor’s office, other external stakeholders and the Federal Aviation Administration, which controls air traffic.
At the Port Authority’s five airports, officials have begun taking precautions including securing any outdoor loose materials and notifying tenants and lessees to do the same; checking and clearing all storm drains and roadway gutters; servicing and fueling all vehicles, generators and pumps; preparing and placing sand bags and preparing traffic control equipment such as cones and barrels. As the storm approaches, the Port Authority strongly advises airline passengers to check with their carriers on the status of their flight.
Workers in the agency’s Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department are reviewing high wind procedures and readying for potential traffic restrictions or closings.
At the Port Authority Bus Terminal, staff is coordinating with all of the terminal’s bus carriers to determine their service plans in the coming days.
The World Trade Center staff notified contractors to secure construction sites and take precautionary measures including tying down and securing material and loose debris at construction sites; storing loose tools; and securing netting, banners, scaffolding and sidewalk sheds. Engineers also are implementing plans to secure cranes against the storm’s winds, while crews are preparing to use pumps, sandbags and other measures to stem flooding.
The Thruway Authority is carefully monitoring the progress of Hurricane Sandy to ensure that the agency is ready to handle any potential impacts to their system. The agency has inspected drainage systems and culverts to ensure that they are functioning properly and not blocked, prepared and tested equipment that may be needed for storm response, and mobilized staff for deployment as needed. As usual, the agency’s Statewide Operations Center functions around the clock to monitor conditions throughout its 570-mile highway system.

UTILITIES
Administration officials conducted a conference call earlier today with the Chief Executive Officers of all the public utilities and the Public Service Commission to plan for storm preparations, recovery and response. Approximately 2700 utility workers are on alert to assist in storm preparation around the state. Additional crews will be deployed for post-storm recovery.

FLOOD CONTROL
New York Power Authority (NYPA): The water level of the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project’s lower reservoir on the Schoharie Creek has been lowered to the minimum depth as a precaution against flood conditions. NYPA has also released water to lower the level of the Hinckley Reservoir where it operates a small-hydro facility to create additional storage capacity.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is working closely with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to lower the water level in the Schoharie and Ashokan reservoirs to prevent flooding in Schoharie and the Catskills. DEC has authorized an emergency drawdown of the Schoharie Reservoir at a rate of approximately 600 million gallons per day. Lowering the water level can reduce the amount of water that may spill over the top of the Gilboa dam and flow downstream into the Schoharie Creek. This release will assist in creating a void space in the Schoharie Reservoir. Waters drained from the Schoharie is diverted to flow through the Shandaken Tunnel to the Esopus Creek then into the Ashokan Reservoir. DEC has authorized releases from the Ashokan Reservoir at a rate of 600 million gallons per day to facilitate a reduction in peak storm flows through maximization of reservoir storage capacity. These releases will be terminated at the onset of storm precipitation or if any flood risk arises based on monitored stream gauges.
The Canal Corporation has implemented a plan to lower water levels in the Mohawk River sections of the Erie Canal between Fort Plain and Schenectady in order to increase the rainwater storage capacity for potential rainfall associated with Hurricane Sandy. The Canal Corporation is working with marinas, contractors, and commercial and recreational vessels on the Canal System to clear vessels from these impacted areas, and will begin lowering these levels by approximately three to five feet on Saturday, October 27. If the projected track of Hurricane Sandy suggests severe impacts to the Mohawk River Basin, the Canal Corporation will further reduce these levels to their lowest winter points, beginning on Sunday, October 28. In addition, to help create more rainwater storage capacity mitigate the impact of any potential flooding associated with Hurricane Sandy, the Canal Corporation began lowering the level of Hinckley Reservoir near Utica on Thursday, October 25.
The Hudson River – Black River Regulating District is preparing to store rainfall in response to potential significant inflow to the Great Sacandaga Lake and Indian Lake reservoirs in the Hudson River watershed and to the Stillwater, Sixth Lake, and Old Forge Reservoir in the Black River watershed. After the storm, and after any river flooding conditions have subsided, the Regulating District will maximize the release of water from each reservoir in a reasonable and prudent manner to lower water elevation in each reservoir as quickly as possible.
The Lake George Park Commission, which oversees the lake level of Lake George and ensures that the operator of the outlet dam in Ticonderoga (LaChute Hydro) operates within the “rule curve” to ensure the welfare of the public and infrastructure and power generation. The commission is coordinating with LaChute Hydro on the operation of the penstock and waste gates which control lake levels and has recommended immediate maximum drawdown from the current level to allow capacity.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The New York State Police has implemented internal agency disaster preparedness plans for Hurricane Sandy. Troop personnel remain ready for assignment to county and local Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) as needed. Personnel in each troop have been pre-identified to be available for deployment to hardest hit areas of the state if necessary. All emergency power and communications equipment has been tested. Specialized resources including boats, aircraft, and four wheel drive vehicles are staged for deployment.

The actual strength of the hurricane will depend on its course up the east coast of the United States. Parts of the state that are adjacent to coastal waters, such as Long Island and New York City, are considered most at risk. Inland locations can also be affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds, which can cause flooding and power outages.

Governor Cuomo urges New Yorkers to take stock of their emergency supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, radios, batteries, supplies for any pets, and first aid kits. The Governor also encourages New Yorkers to check in with neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, who might need assistance to ensure that their needs are met if emergency instructions are issued.

The Department of Health also issued the following tips for New Yorkers in preparation of the storm:
Have plenty of non-perishable food and water supplies on hand. Make sure battery-operated radios and flashlights are available and have an ample supply of batteries. Hand-cranked flashlights and radios that do not need batteries may also be useful. Have a first aid kit available and make sure there is adequate supply of medicines on hand for those who require it.
Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact.” Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family emergency meeting place where the family can meet in case you can’t go home.
Pay particular attention to relatives with special needs, small children and pets. Know where to relocate pets during a storm because many shelters are not able to accept pets. Shelters often only accept “service animals” that assist people with disabilities.
Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called. Include children’s schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
Follow the news and emergency broadcasts of local radio and television stations that will provide up-to-date official information during a storm emergency, including recommendations to evacuate specific areas.
Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and how you will be notified in the event of an emergency.
Know the hurricane risks in your area and learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
Store important documents such as insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, and social security cards in waterproof containers. Also have cash (in small bills), a checkbook, and credit/ATM cards readily available.

New Yorkers can get up to date information at governor.ny.gov and following our office on Twitter @NYGovCuomo. The public can also receive notifications via email, text and phone call through the state’s notification system, NY-Alert by going to
www.NYalert.gov to sign up for free.

#####

Hurricane Sandy # 2


Good afternoon
Weather forecasts continue to indicate a great deal of uncertainty about track, speed and timing of Hurricane Sandy. Since all of these variables are uncertain, trying to provide information relative to local impacts is very challenging. That said, here is the latest guidance:

·         The storm is expected to make landfall somewhere near the Mid Atlantic coast late Monday into early Tuesday.

·         The landfall is farther south today than it was yesterday. This is good news for Ulster County.

·         Significant impacts will be felt Monday - Wednesday with Monday night through early Tuesday the worst.

·         We can still expect high winds (estimated at this time to be 30-40 MPH), heavy rain (approximately 4 inches), and potential flooding (including flash flooding). NOTE THAT RAINFALL TOTALS WILL BE HIGHER IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS.

·         Reservoir totals remain at 77.8% for Ashokan and 95.1% for the Rondout.

·         There is still no snow forecast to be a part of this hybrid storm.


Ulster County government and the emergency services of the County are taking this storm very seriously. Planning efforts are under way for staffing of the emergency operations center and human needs shelters. Residents should also be making their preparations for securing their homes, making plans for pets, and assuring the elderly and other special needs populations have someone to turn to. The National Weather Service will issue weather statements (including flood warnings) through NY ALERT. If you have not already done so, please subscribe to this free service.


Additional web sites for useful tips and information include:

·         Ulster County

·         American Red Cross

·         FEMA

·         NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services


This is an evolving event, please monitor the situation carefully.
Art

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Hurricane Sandy #1

Good afternoon


Hurricane Sandy is getting a lot of media attention based on similarities to "the perfect storm" and other significant late season events. It is still very early to accurately project the timing, track and possible impacts. However, at this early stage, here is a compilation of information from the National Weather Service offices in Binghamton and Albany, as well as the National Hurricane Center.
Model trends are toward an east coast landing Monday or Tuesday. This could be anywhere from New Brunswick to the Chesapeake Bay. However, the official track of the storm by the National Hurricane Center now indicates a possible landfall in New Jersey on Tuesday.
If the storm does hit this general area, expect strong gusty winds which will lead to widespread power outages, possible flash flooding and potential river flooding, and even the possibility of snow (although this appears to be an outlier possibility at this time).

Most areas of the County have received between 3 and 5.5" of rain thus far in October.
Currently the Ashokan Reservoir is at 77.8% of capacity and the Rondout is at 95.2%.
There are multiple scenarios! Recall that during Irene a "last minute" change in course had a significant impact on our area.

It is certainly not too early to "get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed". Have a supply of nonperishable foods and water on hand along with a sufficient quantify of medications, Determine if your home is storm ready - are the gutters cleaned out, tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, etc. Monitor local weather forecasts on this developing situation.

Art