The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts of Tropical Storm Hermine. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the New York City area until further notice.
A Storm Surge Watch has also been issued for New York City coastal areas until further notice. A Tropical Storm Watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the possible onset of tropical-storm-force winds, which include sustained wind speeds of 39 mph – 74 mph.
During a Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch, New Yorkers are advised to prepare their homes for potential storm impacts and review their emergency plans in case a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued.
“The City has more than 30 agencies working together to prepare for the possible effects of Tropical Storm Hermine,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I urge New Yorkers to take the necessary steps to prepare themselves and their families for whatever this storm may bring. If you live in flood-prone areas, secure your properties. Prepare your Go Bags, charge your cell phone batteries, and don’t forget to check in on relatives, friends, and neighbors.”
The current track shows Hermine over Southern Georgia and forecast to move northeast, nearing the North Carolina Coast early Saturday morning. By early Sunday, the storm will be well offshore of Virginia and will slowly track north toward Long Island before stalling and remaining off shore through Wednesday morning.
While there is uncertainty in the track, intensity and speed of Tropical Storm Hermine, possible impacts to the City include strong, dangerous rip currents, high surf, coastal flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. New York City beaches will be closed for swimming on Sunday, September 4.
NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor Tropical Storm Hermine and has taken a number of steps to prepare for potential impacts to the City. The City’s Situation Room has been activated, and NYC Emergency Management has coordinated daily interagency conference calls to facilitate preparations with city and state agencies and private partners.
The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has also been activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur. The plan is activated when rainfall rates are forecast to reach one inch an hour for an hour or longer.
Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning due to the large number of paved surfaces across the city. These surfaces do not allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground and can result in storm drains often being overwhelmed, causing localized flooding.
Additionally, the City’s Downed Tree Task Force has been placed on stand-by. This multi-agency task force is responsible for coordinating the response to a large downed tree event.
VIDEO: Tropical Storm Hermine as seen at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida
VIDEO: Drone footage shows flooded streets in Florida after Hurricane #Hermine pushes through.
Unfortunately this will only spoil our Shabbos. It is expected to be gone, with beautiful weather forecast for the parade on Monday.