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