Rye City: Residents of Flood Prone Areas Should Evacuate

In a warning Friday night, Rye City is suggesting residents of flood prone areas evacuate by Saturday evening:

Alert: Hurricane Warning issued. Residents of known flood-prone areas should consider evacuating homes by Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for our area. A Flood Watch is also in effect. The effects of Hurricane Irene are expected to be felt beginning on Saturday evening through Sunday, with winds of 55 to 75 miles per hour with higher gusts, coastal surge, and rainfall between five and ten inches.

Based on the current forecast, both coastal and river flooding are likely. Therefore, we encourage residents of known flood-prone areas to consider evacuating their homes by early Saturday evening. Please be aware that based on current predictions, it is likely that there will be a period when high wind will make it impossible for rescue personnel to reach you if you need assistance.

This is a potentially dangerous storm. Please monitor the news media and the National Weather Service website for the latest forecasts and weather advisories, and implement your personal storm plans now. We will continue to issue advisories as appropriate.

Hurricane Warning
HURRICANE IRENE LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
708 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011

…LARGE HURRICANE IRENE HEADING TOWARD THE EAST COAST OF THE
UNITED STATES…HURRICANE WARNING EXTENDED NORTHWARD INTO
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND…

.NEW INFORMATION…
A HURRICANE WARNING AND A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAVE NOW BEEN
ISSUED. UPDATED STORM SURGE AND WIND SECTIONS.

.AREAS AFFECTED…
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT
COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS…
A HURRICANE WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS…
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD…NORTHERN NEW HAVEN…NORTHERN MIDDLESEX…
NORTHERN NEW LONDON…SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD…SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN…
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX…SOUTHERN NEW LONDON…EASTERN PASSAIC…
HUDSON…WESTERN BERGEN…EASTERN BERGEN…WESTERN ESSEX…
EASTERN ESSEX…WESTERN UNION…EASTERN UNION…PUTNAM…
ROCKLAND…NORTHERN WESTCHESTER…SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER…NEW YORK
(MANHATTAN)…BRONX…RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)…KINGS
(BROOKLYN)…NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK…NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK…SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…NORTHERN QUEENS…
NORTHERN NASSAU…SOUTHERN QUEENS AND SOUTHERN NASSAU.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS…A HURRICANE WARNING CONTINUES FOR ALL OF
LONG ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT COASTAL WATERS AND NEW YORK HARBOR.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS…
WESTERN PASSAIC…ORANGE.

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT. PLEASE LISTEN
CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR
AREA.

.STORM INFORMATION…
AT 6 PM EDT…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 31.7N…LONGITUDE 77.4W. THIS WAS ABOUT 650 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF NEW YORK CITY NY…OR ABOUT 720 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTAUK POINT NY. STORM MOTION WAS N OR
360 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 100 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW…
HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH ALONG THE EASTERN
SEABOARD OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS…WITH THE OUTER BANDS FROM IRENE
LIKELY TO BEGIN IMPACTING THE AREA SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY
AFTERNOON. CONDITIONS ARE THEN LIKELY TO RAPIDLY DETERIORATE IN
TORRENTIAL RAIN AND STRENGTHENING WINDS SATURDAY NIGHT. THE WORST
CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY
AFTERNOON…WITH INCREASING POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING
WINDS…FLOODING RAINS…AND SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FLOODING.

WHEN MAKING DECISIONS…DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST
TRACK…AS THE IMPACTS OF THE HURRICANE WILL BE FELT OVER A LARGE
AREA DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE STORM.

IT IS TOO EARLY TO PROVIDE EXACT WIND AND SURGE FORECAST VALUES
FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS. HOWEVER…DEPENDING ON THE EXACT
TRACK…INTENSITY AND TIMING OF THE HURRICANE…THERE IS POTENTIAL
FOR MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING DAMAGE IF THE GREATEST
SURGE COINCIDES WITH THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDES ON SUNDAY.
THIS SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE…DESTRUCTIVE…AND LIFE
THREATENING WAVES.

THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR 6 TO 12 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALLY
HIGHER AMOUNTS. BASED ON RECENT HEAVY RAINS…IF THESE RAINFALL
AMOUNTS OCCUR…MODERATE TO MAJOR RIVER FLOODING IS LIKELY.
SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL
ALSO BE AN ISSUE. AS A RESULT A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT.

A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING WINDS
ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING…NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETION
PREPARATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF
DIRECTED TO DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS…OR IF YOUR HOME IS
VULNERABLE TO HIGH WINDS OR FLOODING.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS…DOCKS…AND MARINAS…URGENTLY COMPLETE
PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT…MAKE FINAL
PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE
TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS.

REGARDING ANY COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WARNING…SMALL CRAFT SHOULD
REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION…
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

MAKE THE FINAL PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. RUSH TO
COMPLETION THE HARDENING OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS BY CLOSING
SHUTTERS AND BRACING GARAGE DOORS.

IF EVACUATING…LEAVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. GUARD AGAINST BEING
STUCK OUT ON ROADWAYS WHEN DANGEROUS WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS
ARRIVE. AGAIN…DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME.
REMEMBER…PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MOST OFFICIAL SHELTERS…SO
CHECK AHEAD WITH YOUR INTENDED SHELTER.

IF STAYING IN A HOME…TURN THE REFRIGERATOR TO MAXIMUM COLD AND
KEEP IT CLOSED. TURN OFF PROPANE TANKS AND UNPLUG SMALL
APPLIANCES. FILL THE BATHTUB WITH WATER IN CASE THE TAP WATER
BECOMES UNAVAILABLE AFTER THE STORM. THIS IS FOR CLEANING AND
FLUSHING PURPOSES. DO NOT DRINK IT.

WINDS
AS HURRICANE IRENE APPROACHES…SUSTAINED TROPICAL STORM FORCE
WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN SATURDAY NIGHT…WITH HURRICANE FORCE
WINDS SUNDAY. MAXIMUM WINDS ARE FORECAST TO BE IN THE 55 TO 75 MPH
RANGE WITH GUSTS TO 85 MPH.

A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR THE LIKELIHOOD OF DAMAGING WINDS
SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE AREA.NUMEROUS LARGE BRANCHES OF HEALTHY
TREES WILL SNAP. SOME TREES WILL BE UPROOTED…ESPECIALLY WHERE
THE GROUND IS SATURATED.

STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE
IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE THE EXACT HEIGHTS OF COMBINED
STORM SURGE AND TIDE WATERS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE
FORECAST AREA TO BE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRENE. MUCH DEPENDS ON THE
PRECISE SIZE…INTENSITY AND TRACK OF THE SYSTEM AS IT APPROACHES
THE COAST. BASED ON THE FORECAST TRACK OF IRENE THERE IS POTENTIAL
FOR SEVERAL FEET OF SURGE…PARTICULARLY IN WESTERN LONG ISLAND
SOUND…NEW YORK HARBOR…LONG ISLAND SOUND…AND THE SOUTH SHORE
BACK BAYS OF LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY. THESE TIDAL CONDITIONS
WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE…DESTRUCTIVE…AND LIFE
THREATENING WAVES.

INLAND FLOODING…
A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. RAINFALL AMOUNTS
OF 6 TO 12 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED.
SEE THE LATEST FORECAST FOR LATEST INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR
POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS FOR YOUR LOCATION…AND BE READY TO ACT IF
FLOODING RAINS OCCUR.

…COASTAL HAZARDS…
INCREASINGLY LARGE SWELLS ARRIVING FROM HURRICANE IRENE WILL
CREATE HIGH SURF AND SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION ALONG THE ATLANTIC
FACING COASTLINE AS EARLY AS SATURDAY AND CONTINUING INTO MONDAY.
SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION IS ALSO POSSIBLE ALONG THE COASTLINE OF
LONG ISLAND SOUND AND PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAYS DUE TO THE
BATTERING SURF.

Alert: For Hurricane preparedness info: www.ready.gov (FEMA) or https://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/ awareness.html (Weather Service)

Attached is Hurricane preparedness information issued by the National Weather Service. For additional information, please refer to the FEMA website at www.ready.gov or the National Weather Service website at https://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/ awareness.html

…PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT…

…HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION…

WITH HURRICANE IRENE EXPECTED TO APPROACH THE TRI-STATE AREA
SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO REMIND
OURSELVES OF THINGS WE SHOULD CONSIDER REGARDING TROPICAL STORMS
AND HURRICANES.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL STORM OR
HURRICANE WATCH…AND A WARNING.

A WATCH MEANS THAT A TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE HAS BECOME A
THREAT TO COASTAL AREAS…AND IS USUALLY ISSUED 24 TO 48 HOURS
BEFORE EXPECTED LANDFALL. EVERYONE COVERED BY A WATCH SHOULD
LISTEN FOR CURRENT ADVISORIES…AND ACT PROMPTLY IF A WARNING IS
ISSUED.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT WINDS OF 39 TO 73 MPH…AS
WELL AS HIGH AND ROUGH SEAS…ARE EXPECTED IN A SPECIFIC COASTAL
AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE FORCE WINDS OF 74 MPH OR
GREATER…AS WELL AS HIGH AND ROUGH SEAS…ARE EXPECTED IN A
SPECIFIC COASTAL AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS SHOULD BEGIN IMMEDIATELY WHENEVER A WARNING
IS ISSUED.

BEFORE THE STORM…

STAY INFORMED BY MONITORING THE LATEST HURRICANE AND TROPICAL
STORM ADVISORIES. LISTEN TO RADIO AND TELEVISION REPORTS…AS WELL
AS NOAA WEATHER RADIO TO GET THE LATEST ADVISORY UPDATES.

LISTEN CAREFULLY TO LOCAL OFFICIALS AND EVACUATE THE AREA IF TOLD
TO DO SO. LEAVE LOW LYING OR COASTAL AREAS…AS WELL AS OFFSHORE
ISLANDS. THESE ARE THE LOCATIONS MOST PRONE TO STORM SURGE. THE
STORM SURGE IS THE MOST DANGEROUS PART OF A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL
STORM. THE SURGE IS A DOME OF WATER THAT COMES ACROSS THE COAST AS
THE STORM MAKES LANDFALL. WATER LEVELS CAN RANGE FROM 4 TO AS MUCH
AS 7 FEET ABOVE NORMAL SEA LEVEL. SUPERIMPOSED ON THIS HIGH STORM
TIDE ARE LARGE WIND DRIVEN WAVES. NINE OUT OF TEN DEATHS RESULTING
FROM HURRICANES HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN THE RESULT OF STORM SURGE.
IF YOU LIVE CLOSE TO THE COAST IN A MOBILE HOME YOU SHOULD
EVACUATE TO A MORE SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER…EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN A
STORM SURGE PRONE AREA.

IF EVACUATION IS NOT REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED…STAY AT HOME IF
YOUR HOUSE IS STURDY AND ON HIGH GROUND. IF YOUR PLANS CALL FOR
EVACUATION…BE PREPARED TO GO TO SHELTERS…TO A NEARBY FRIENDS
OR RELATIVES HOME…OR TO CITIES WELL INLAND AWAY FROM THE STORM.
IF UTILIZING OFFICIAL SHELTERS…LEARN THEIR LOCATIONS BEFOREHAND
AND THE MOST DIRECT SAFE ROUTES TO GET TO THE SHELTER.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES…

OBTAIN A PORTABLE…BATTERY OPERATED RADIO ALONG WITH A FRESH
SUPPLY OF BATTERIES. A RADIO WILL BE ONE OF YOUR MOST USEFUL
SOURCES OF INFORMATION.

OBTAIN SEVERAL FLASHLIGHTS WITH FRESH BATTERIES. USE OF CANDLES
FOR LIGHTING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SAFETY REASONS.

HAVE ENOUGH EXTRA BATTERIES TO LAST FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THERE MAY BE
NO ELECTRICITY AFTER THE STORM.

HAVE A FULL TANK OF GASOLINE IN YOUR AUTOMOBILE. NEVER LET YOUR
VEHICLE GAS TANK BE LESS THAN HALF FULL DURING A HURRICANE OR
TROPICAL STORM THREAT. ELECTRICALLY OPERATED GAS PUMPS MAY FAIL
DURING THE STORM.

OBTAIN CANNED GOODS AND NON PERISHABLE FOODS. STORE PACKAGED FOODS
WHICH CAN BE PREPARED WITHOUT COOKING AND NEED NO
REFRIGERATION…AS THERE MAY BE NO ELECTRICITY OR GAS AFTER THE
STORM. REFILL NEEDED PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.

OBTAIN CONTAINERS FOR DRINKING WATER. HAVE CLEAN…AIR TIGHT
CONTAINERS TO STORE A SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS.
THE CITY WATER SUPPLY WILL POSSIBLY BE INTERRUPTED OR
CONTAMINATED.

OBTAIN MATERIALS FOR PROTECTING GLASS OPENINGS. HAVE SHUTTERS OR
LUMBER FOR PROTECTING LARGE WINDOWS AND DOORS. USE MASKING TAPE ON
SMALL WINDOWS. PUTTING TAPE ON GLASS WINDOWS OR DOORS WILL NOT
PREVENT FLYING DEBRIS FROM BREAKING THE GLASS…BUT WILL MINIMIZE
THE SPREADING AND SHATTERING OF GLASS IF THE WINDOW DOES BREAK.

HAVE MATERIALS FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS. YOUR INSURANCE POLICY MAY
COVER THE COST OF MATERIALS USED IN TEMPORARY REPAIRS…SO KEEP
ALL RECEIPTS. THESE WILL ALSO BE HELPFUL FOR ANY INCOME TAX
DEDUCTIONS.

MOOR YOUR BOAT SECURELY OR MOVE IT TO SAFE SHELTER. SECURE OUTDOOR
OBJECTS OR BRING THEM INDOORS. BRING PETS INDOORS.

DURING THE TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE…

STAY INDOORS AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS AND DOORS. TAKE REFUGE IN A
SMALL INTERIOR ROOM.

BEWARE OF THE EYE OF THE STORM. THIS CALM CENTER OF THE STORM CAN
BE DECEPTIVE DUE TO ITS CLEARING SKY AND RELATIVELY CALM WINDS.
THE EYE IS BORDERED BY WINDS AND RAINS OF MAXIMUM FORCE THAT WILL
INCREASE RAPIDLY AND FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO THE WINDS AND
RAINS PRIOR TO THE ARRIVAL OF THE EYE. MINOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS MAY
BE POSSIBLE WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE EYE IF NECESSARY…BUT IN
GENERAL ONE SHOULD NOT VENTURE OUT OF SAFE SHELTER INTO THE EYE OF
THE STORM…AS RAPIDLY DETERIORATING CONDITIONS WILL FOLLOW.

AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED…

IF YOU NEED TO USE AN ALTERNATE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY FOR YOUR
HOME…BE CAREFUL. OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING…ELECTROCUTION OR A FIRE. PORTABLE GENERATORS
SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED OUTDOORS IN A DRY AND WELL VENTILATED
AREA. NEVER OPERATE A PORTABLE GENERATOR INDOORS.

IF YOU EVACUATED TO A PUBLIC SHELTER…REMAIN THERE UNTIL YOU ARE
TOLD THAT IS SAFE TO RETURN HOME. LISTEN TO YOUR LOCAL RADIO OR
TELEVISION FOR ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS REGARDING FOOD…HOUSING AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE.

DO NOT DRIVE UNLESS NECESSARY. THE STREETS ARE LIKELY TO BE FILLED
WITH DEBRIS AND DOWNED POWER LINES. ROADS SHOULD BE PRIMARILY
RESERVED FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND ESSENTIAL RESCUE AND RECOVERY
WORK.

AVOID LOOSE OR DANGLING WIRES AND REPORT THEM TO YOUR LOCAL
ELECTRIC COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. REPORT ALL BROKEN OR DAMAGED
WATER…SEWER…GAS AND ELECTRICAL LINES.

HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS MOVING INLAND CAN CAUSE SEVERE
FLOODING DUE TO HEAVY RAINFALL. STAY AWAY FROM RIVER
BANKS…CREEKS OR STREAMS. WHEN DRIVING…DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS
WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY…THE WATER MAY BE TOO DEEP TO
SAFELY NAVIGATE. REMEMBER…LIVE TO DRIVE ANOTHER DAY. TURN
AROUND…DONT DROWN.

IF YOU LEFT YOUR HOME FOR THE STORM…CAUTIOUSLY RE-ENTER UPON
RETURNING AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED. CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS…FOOD
SPOILAGE…WATER AND WIND DAMAGE.

DISCUSS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WITH YOUR FAMILY. SHARE YOUR IDEAS
WITH FRIENDS…NEIGHBORS AND RELATIVES. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS IS
A JOB FOR EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.

FOR ADDITIONAL HELP OR ASSISTANCE ON HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS…PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY OR YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE. IT IS BEST
TO FORMULATE YOUR PREPAREDNESS PLAN WELL IN ADVANCE OF A STORM
SYSTEM…DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.