Hurricane Irene threatens E. Coast, could impact 80 million

[PatColo]

Don't see anything on GSUS yet about this, looks on track to hit NC on Sat. Here's some google "Hurricane Irene" (http://www.google.com/search?q=Hurricane+Irene) hits for the latest,

from weather.com (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20),


Hurricane Irene: Current Status and Forecast

Hurricane Irene, a large, powerful Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/hurricanes/articles/hurricane-saffir-simpson-wind-scale_2010-05-24), continues to plow through the Bahamas, with more impacts in its sights.

As you can see on our projected path map below, Hurricane Irene will track towards the East Coast this weekend.
Interactive map: Hurricane Irene interactive projected path (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/tracker)

To access our full collection of maps to track Hurricane Irene and its threats, use the links below or scroll down.

Click to access: Status (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic2) | Satellite (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic3) | Model Tracks (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic4) | Watches & Warnings (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic5) | Threat Level (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic6) | East Coast Threats (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic7) | What people are saying (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic8) | Get prepared! (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20#graphic9)

http://image.weather.com/images/maps/tropical/map_tropprjpath09_ltst_5nhato_enus_600x405.jpg TWC's Exclusive Threat Level for Hurricane Irene


Find out the potential impacts from Hurricane Irene in the Bahamas and the U.S. on The Weather Channel's exclusive threat level graphics below.



We've added an "EXTREME" threat level category from eastern North Carolina to southern New England. According to Hurricane Expert, Dr. Rick Knabb and Sr. Meteorologist, Stu Ostro, "this is a particularly threatening situation and it's best for people to be on alert."

Computer models are currently trending toward a forecast solution of rare potency for portions of the Northeast.
Irene has the potential to be a serious and multi-hazard threat for the major metropolitan areas of the Northeast along and east of the I-95 corridor. This includes Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, and Boston. This hurricane has the potential to produce flooding rains, high winds, downed trees (on houses, cars, power lines) and widespread power outages. Significant impacts along the immediate coast include high waves, surge and beach erosion. The severity of the impacts will be determined by Irene's exact path and intensity, which remain uncertain at this time.

For North Carolina, odds are increasing that the main impact will be confined to the Outer Banks and elsewhere in extreme eastern NC
Timing: Irene will make its closest approach to the Carolinas late Friday night through Saturday. Northeast U.S. impacts would be this weekend into early Monday of next week.
We remain several days away from Irene's direct impacts along the US East Coast and critical uncertainties remain. Stay tuned to The Weather Channel and right here on weather.com for further updates.


more @ weather.com (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/tropical-depression-nine-storm-hurricane-irene_2011-08-20)

[PatColo]

from Ruppert/Collapsenet.. it seem's Ruppert's playing dumb here that '05 Katrina "response" was not a "failure" but a martial law dress rehearsal (http://www.freedomforceinternational.org/freedomcontent.cfm?fuseaction=FEMA_Katrina)...


Wednesday, 24 August 2011 19:39
Tracking Hurricane Irene (http://www.collapsenet.com/free-resources/collapsenet-public-access/item/2738-tracking-hurricane-irene)



Comments (3) (http://www.collapsenet.com/free-resources/collapsenet-public-access/item/2738-tracking-hurricane-irene#comments)



NYC Hurricane Irene Surge Map

(click image to view larger)

http://www.collapsenet.com/images/NYC%20Hurricane%20Irene%20Storm%20Surge%20Mashup.j pg (http://www.collapsenet.com/images/NYC%20Hurricane%20Irene%20Storm%20Surge%20Mashup.j pg)


Weather Alert: US East Coast – Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene is blossoming into a force to be reckoned with, and everyone who is in or around the eastern United States should track this storm very carefully. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina showed its warning signs, the response could not have been worse. For the time being, things are looking a tad better. Supplies and volunteers are moving ahead of the storm, as the Red Cross is deploying (http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/on_your_side/local-red-cross-deploys-for-irene-aid) these resources now across the eastern seaboard to prepare.

"This storm is getting stronger as it moves toward the East Coast and people who live in or are vacationing in areas that could see its impact need to get ready now," said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. "We urge them to take the threat of Irene seriously and finalize their hurricane preparations and get their emergency kits ready."

Irene looks to be an ass-kicker. A Category 2 hurricane in NYC would be beyond devastating, and worse than Katrina was in New Orleans. Six million could be trapped on Long Island with no electricity and no water with flooded tunnels and only three bridges out. Those bridges will be closed as soon as winds hit 50 mph, especially the elevated ones like GW and Narrows. - MCR

Collapsenet Coverage

The staff at Collapsenet is tracking the progress of Hurricane Irene, and will be posting updates on the storm as more information comes in. Below are the latest up to date links on the path and progress of Hurricane Irene:

nhc.noaa.gov (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/143914.shtml?5-daynl#contents)
w (http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201109_5day.html)underground.com (http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201109_5day.html)
nassaucountyny.gov (http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oem/Docs/PDF/nys_storm_surge_zones.pdf)
magicseaweed.com (http://magicseaweed.com/hurricane/index.php?name=IRENE&chartId=20&type=wind)

Michael Kane wrote an article in September 2010 entitled "Lessons from Katrina to Earl" (http://www.collapsenet.com/free-resources/collapsenet-public-access/item/228-lessons-from-katrina-to-earl-7-september-2010) which provides some great resource material for those on the East Coast, and what to prepare for if a hurricane were to reach land. It's a great article and it's as timely today as it was 11 months ago.

[PatColo]

from weather.com, should be latest from when u open this thread, check the time stamp on the map, otherwise check
http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm9/atl9stormtrack_large.html

Map Room


Irene Current Information
http://i.imwx.com/images/maps/tropical/map_tropinfo09_ltst_5nhato_enus_600x405.jpg

[Plastic]

Oh man, if only that magnificent swirly would run up the river and take out the buildings of the wall street banksters. It would be as if they were smacked down by the hand of the creator.

[DMac]

Another NYC Hurricane evacuation/flooding map:
(PDF)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/downloads/pdf/hurricane_map_english.pdf

[DMac]

National Data Buoy Center - can track wave heights and such:

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/

[solid]

Oh man, if only that magnificent swirly would run up the river and take out the buildings of the wall street banksters. It would be as if they were smacked down by the hand of the creator.

That's a nice dream. It would also be nice if we could have a witch hunt on banksters. Toss a bankster in the river, if he floats, he's evil and needs to be burned at the stake. If he sinks, he's gone anyway so problem solved.

[chad]

bloomberg just told new yorkers to get ready to evac.

[mick silver]

the sad thing about what you said EE is that the people with all the power will be no were in site if this was to happen . only the poor will be there to rebuild if there alive

[DMac]

bloomberg just told new yorkers to get ready to evac.


City Keeps Close Eye On Hurricane Irene; Residents Told To Prepare (http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/145747/city-keeps-close-eye-on-hurricane-irene--residents-told-to-prepare/)

[sirgonzo420]

That's a nice dream. It would also be nice if we could have a witch hunt on banksters. Toss a bankster in the river, if he floats, he's evil and needs to be burned at the stake. If he sinks, he's gone anyway so problem solved.

How about tossing a bankster in a river, and if he's wet, he's evil.

[AndreaGail]

Hurricane Irene continued to pound the Bahamas on Thursday morning as it churns toward the U.S. coastal states.

The first hurricane of the Atlantic season, with winds gusting up to 115 mph, is now a Category 3 storm on a five-point scale. The storm has caused flooding and power outages across the Caribbean, and U.S. federal officials have warned Irene could cause similar headaches all along the East Coast as far north as Maine. North Carolina coastal towns threatened by the storm have already started evacuating residents and tourists on summer vacations.

Hurricane Irene could threaten the New York metropolitan area as early as Sunday.


The National Hurricane Center warned Irene could make landfall on the North Carolina coast on Saturday and hit the Northeast -- New Jersey, New York, Long Island and Connecticut-- on Sunday.

Forecasters said Irene has the potential to be a serious and multiple-hazard threat for the New York area, with the potential for flooding rains, high winds, and widespread power outages and fallen trees. In New York, the city's 8 million residents were being urged to take the storm threat seriously and to prepare for it by stocking up on needed staples.


The last hurricane to pass directly over the New York City was the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane in 1821. It's one of only two hurricanes in recorded history that made landfall in New York City itself, and the only one in at least the past 500 years (historians believe the other storm hit New York sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries).

That storm surge was spectacular, reaching 13 feet at its peak and flooding Manhattan all the way from Battery Park to Canal Street. There wasn't much rain, but winds were extremely high, although the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale didn't exist at that time to categorize them. According to official estimates, a storm, similar to the Long Island Express of 1938, would cause $40 billion in damage if it hits Long Island now.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/203773/20110825/hurricane-irene-hurricane-irene-path-new-york-area-category-3-storm-east-coast-national-hurricane-ce.htm

[solid]

How about tossing a bankster in a river, and if he's wet, he's evil.

That works too! I just want to toss one in the river, regardless. Maybe one day I'll be able to fulfill this dream. :)

[Canadian-guerilla]

after the DC area just got hit by a quake ?

doesn't look good for the big dick ( washington monument )

[Dogman]

No problem just get one of these in XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX + size!

http://condomunity.com/wp-content/uploads/buenosaires.jpg

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

City Keeps Close Eye On Hurricane Irene; Residents Told To Prepare (http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/145747/city-keeps-close-eye-on-hurricane-irene--residents-told-to-prepare/)

DMac

If you're gonna get out- Go EARLY. I witnessed the RITA evac first hand. (that was the one that came in close the Houston right after Katrina)

By the time they announce evac's - It's too late. You WILL be in the suck.
Whether you ride it out or get out- Good thoughts to you and yours. stay safe.

[DMac]

DMac

If you're gonna get out- Go EARLY. I witnessed the RITA evac first hand. (that was the one that came in close the Houston right after Katrina)

By the time they announce evac's - It's too late. You WILL be in the suck.
Whether you ride it out or get out- Good thoughts to you and yours. stay safe.

I don't live in NYC anymore, been a bit north for a few years now. I also work from home quite a bit these days.

You folks can guess whether or not I've got food/water preps :D (oh, and the arms to protect them) ;)

But thank you very much for your concern.

My concern is for family out in Long Island. Some have listened to me and are prepped, but not all.

[Libertytree]

Would a major hit to the east coast be an economy positive or negative?

[DMac]

Would a major hit to the east coast be an economy positive or negative?

It depends who you talk to - Sane folks say no. Batshit crazy Keynesians like Paul Krugman say it's good.

[Dogman]

Would a major hit to the east coast be an economy positive or negative? No good can come of it for the people living in the effected areas.


Edit:

It would be cool to have a bunch of gen sets and fuel for sale in the back of a semi , in case the power gets wiped. A lot of people buy gen sets and after a few years of nothing happening , will get rid of them or they will not work because lack of maintenance.

Bet the ones on the store shelfs are flying off them as soon as it is seen where the storm will hit and go through.

[DMac]

Great article on Irene:

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html

[Canadian-guerilla]

Great article on Irene:

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html


Irene's storm surge may flood New York City's subway system


and there goes any east coast NFL games

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb2F1V4nLRk&feature=player_embedded#!

[Dogman]

Too dam bad all of the important government critters are on vacation. We can be only be so lucky.

[mick silver]

can the tall building in ny take the wind from a large hurricane

[Dogman]

can the tall building in ny take the wind from a large hurricane Most likely --yes! But the glass in some of them will break and come out. Would not be a good thing to be out on the streets.

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

BUMP

This is the main Irene thread.... ;)

[Sparky]

I bought two extra cans of baked beans last night. ;)

I was at the grocery store late (Tuesday), and asked the cashier when she thought the rush would be. From her response, I don't think she had given it much thought.

It's supposed to reach my area Sunday afternoon...

[k-os]

I bought two extra cans of baked beans last night. ;)

I was at the grocery store late (Tuesday), and asked the cashier when she thought the rush would be. From her response, I don't think she had given it much thought.

It's supposed to reach my area Sunday afternoon...

Best of luck to you, Sparky!

[PatColo]

I bought two extra cans of baked beans last night. ;)

good idea, esp since the gastro-intestinal consequences will be quickly swept away by the hurricane.

** embedding disabled, watch here (1 min): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6dm9rN6oTs

[midnight rambler]

:d

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2f1v4nlrk&feature=player_embedded#!

awesome!!!

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

que the wtf's


http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/real-time/marti/2011_09L/webManager/basicGifDisplay48.html

[PatColo]

que the wtf's


http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/real-time/marti/2011_09L/webManager/basicGifDisplay48.html

what should I be WTF-ing about that animation? Looks a little dated, if the following is correct eye is passing about the FL/GA border latitude now, but it's further east than it's former direction, map says it's headed N now instead of it's former NNW. You think they're steering it like they did katrina? Shows Cat-2 now, down from 3, but over warm/open water it'll prolly pick up to 3 again. On track to hit Carolinas now, unless it keeps turning right towards NNE and stays over atlantic.

Irene Current Information
http://i.imwx.com/images/maps/tropical/map_tropinfo09_ltst_5nhato_enus_600x405.jpg

on track to hit Caroliinas tomorrow/Sat:


http://image.weather.com/images/maps/tropical/map_tropprjpath09_ltst_5nhato_enus_600x405.jpg

[Cebu_4_2]

If it hits land then it was planned to do so. With Bernanke spewing his filth, the issues with BoA, bankster probs in the UK, the tunnel nukes, Libya, Israel about to go heavy on Palestine it is a planned disaster... a distraction of some magnitude. Keep your eyes open this weekend.

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

what should I be WTF-ing about that animation?

Does kinda look steered.- took a pretty sharp turn and those "stripes" ... I dunno.. just looked un-natural.

[PatColo]

from "Lord Stirling" blog: http://europebusines.blogspot.com/

http://www.customroadsign.com/generate.php?line1=Europe%20News%20Blog&line2=First%20Update&line3=Friday&line4=26%20August%202011




AccuWeather: Forecast Eye Path ~ link (http://hurricane.accuweather.com/hurricane/atlantic/2011/irene/storm.asp) ~ Since over a decade ago, the then sitting Secretary of Defense admitted that there was technology to change weather, cause/control massive hurricanes, cause earthquakes, etc.....that is that Scalar Warfare is real.....why are we not talking about using HAARP to steer Hurricane Irene out to sea??? Stirling


One day until Irene strikes the Outer Banks ~ link (http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/54217/powerful-hurricane-irenes-firs.asp) ~ Adding to the danger to lives and property across the Outer Banks will be a storm surge of 6 to 10 feet above normal water levels, along with dangerously large and pounding waves.

Other flooding concerns will arise throughout easternmost North Carolina as Irene unleashes a total of 4 to 8 inches with amounts up to a foot on the Outer Banks tonight into Saturday.




Hurricane Irene: Mandatory Evacuation Order for 1 Million Cape May, NJ Residents ~ link (http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2011/08/25/hurricane-irene-mandatory-evacuation-order-1-million-cape-nj-residents-65291/) ~ Those who choose to ignore the mandatory evacuation order have been asked to place an ID card in their left shoe so they may be identified if necessary.


Hurricane Irene: Latest Forecasts, Projections - Real Time Satellite Imagery, Infrared, and Radar - video images ~ link (http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2011/08/25/hurricane-irene-live-satellite-image-video-65031/)~ Alexander Higgins has done an excellent job of gathering together a collection of visual sites to update the many millions of people who are being effected by this massive storm, now over 1,000 miles wide. Stirling

Hurricane Irene: As many as 200,000 evacuate in North Carolina ~ link (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/08/hurricane-irene-evacuations-north-carolina.html) ~ I really hate to see the Outer Banks hit. This is one of the most beautiful places in America. And near where my ancestors first came to America in the 1600s. Stirling


Hurricane Irene threatens 65 million people, North Carolina in path ~ link (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2011/08/hurricane-irene-threatens-65-million.html) ~ Hurricane Irene is barreling toward North Carolina early Friday with landfall expected Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon. Forecasters said the storm will hit eastern North Carolina as a Category 3 storm with winds estimated at 115 miles per hour. Mandatory evacuations of coastal North Carolina residents will take place throughout the day on Friday. Officials are expected to order evacuations Friday as far north as New Jersey. Forecasters said early Friday the storm is as large as the Southeast, and has the potential to affect as many as 65 million people as it moves north along the East Coast of the U.S.




How flooding caused by Irene could be made worse by the arrival of a new moon ~ link (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2030278/Hurricane-Irene-New-moon-warm-Atlantic-water-make-flooding-worse.html) ~ The intensity of Hurricane Irene and the extent of the flooding on the East Coast could be made worse by a new moon and high temperature of water in the Atlantic, scientists warn.


During new and full moons, the sun, Earth, and the moon are arranged in a straight line, with the sun and moon intensifying each other's gravitational pull on Earth.




Before Hurricane Irene hits, New York City planning to shut down transportation system, evacuate areas ~ link (http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/08/25/2011-08-25_before_hurricane_irene_hits_new_york_to_shut_do wn_entire_transportation_system_p.html) ~
The city is planning to shut down the entire transportation system on Saturday in anticipation of Hurricane Irene's arrival, officials revealed Thursday.


A mandatory evacuation of all nursing homes in flood-prone areas of the city was also ordered Thursday.




Heed the Warnings, Irene a Rare but Dangerous Hurricane - THE EXTRAORDINARY HURRICANE ~ link (http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/irene-rare-dangerous-hurricane_2011-08-25) ~ - There is historical precedence for a hurricane impacting the major metropolitan areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast but these hurricanes are rare.

However, with a population explosion along coastal areas of the Northeast during the past several decades, a hurricane this strong hasn't affected the Northeast urban corridor for at least the past two decades.

[MNeagle]

@NYTMetro (http://twitter.com/NYTMetro)
Gas stations on #NJ shore say they are out of fuel as tens of thousands in vulnerable areas head inland. #irene (http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23irene)

Story data:



spotted by editor
<LI class=via>from http://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=twitter.comtwitter.com/NYTMetro (http://twitter.com/NYTMetro/status/107108292387540992)
http://www.breakingnews.com/

[DMac]

Just got off the phone with my folks who are in the firing line of Irene in Long Island.

6 stores were sold out of batteries. Dad got lucky at a dollar store and found extras.

I'm a little concerned because the storm surge maps place their street under water if a Cat 2 has a direct hit. So far they declined my recommended "Panic early, beat the rush!" and head out to my place north west and on much higher ground.

Fingers crossed we get a non-event here.

Some storm surge maps - good stuff here:

http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/storm_surge_maps.html

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ssurge/risk/index.shtml?gm

[Libertytree]

Best of luck to your folks and yourself DMac, lots of people just don't understand the power of a cane and how it works.

[sunnyandseventy]

[I'm a little concerned because the storm surge maps place their street under water if a Cat 2 has a direct hit. So far they declined my recommended "Panic early, beat the rush!" and head out to my place north west and on much higher ground.]

You might want to try and convince them again. I'm a few hundred miles north and people here are preparing. Our local emergency and public safety operations are urging people to prepare for power outages, downed trees, high winds, and flooding.

Maybe some of those Jap tidal surge videos might be appropriate for them!? ;)

[DMac]

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html

The good news so far is that the eye wall has collapsed as of 9:30am EST. Given that the storm is about 24 hours away from landfall this does not leave it much room to intensify.

With the new moon and current high tide cycles, however, Irene is still posing a serious threat across the eastern seaboard.

From the link above:


Since tides are at their highest levels of the month this weekend due to the new moon, storm surge flooding will be at a maximum during the high tidal cycles that will occur at 8 pm Saturday night and 8 am Sunday morning. At those times, Irene is expected to be near the NC/VA border, then close to Long Island, NY, respectively. Thus, storm surge damage rivaling that experienced during Hurricane Isabel in 2003 is likely in northern NC, southern Maryland, and up Chesapeake Bay on Saturday night. It looks like Irene will pass New Jersey during low tide, which may limit the storm surge inundation to 3 - 6 feet there. Coastal New England from New York City to Massachusetts may also see storm surges characteristic of a Category 1 hurricane during Sunday morning's high tide, even if Irene has weakened to a tropical storm. I continue to give a 20% chance that a storm surge high enough to over-top the Manhattan flood walls and swamp the New York City subway system will occur on Sunday.

[DMac]

Ocean temperature map for the US:

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/atlm.html

[solid]

Ocean temperature map for the US:

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/atlm.html

wow, wunderground's marine forcasting is fantastic. Easy to use and with all the needed info right there.

[JJ.G0ldD0t]

853...

bigger one here

http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/avhrr/gs_n/averages/11aug/gs_n_11aug25_2311_mult.png

PS

note the clearly defined Gulf Stream

[Libertytree]

A couple major factors here that are helping the situation....Pressure-946 MB's up from 700 earlier and higher pressure is great news! It's talked about in the "discussion" from NOAA but that lower and higher windshear has started to affect Irene ie..trying to tear it apart.

Fact is though, it is NOT going to degrade appreciably before landfall and this will be a SHTF situation for hundreds of thousands/millions of people.

[DMac]

A friend of mine lives in Staten Island, NY. He says cops have been driving around towns telling folks to prepare for an 8pm evacuation announcement.

Governor Cuomo Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting Regarding Hurricane Irene (http://governor.ny.gov/press/082611hurricaneirenecabinetmeeting)


Governor Continues Deployment of State Resources for Emergency Storm Assistance



Albany, NY (August 26, 2011)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today convened an emergency session of his Cabinet to review plans to protect New Yorkers and mitigate the potential effects of Hurricane Irene. The Governor is continuing to coordinate the state government-wide mobilization of resources to prepare for the storm.



On Governor Cuomo's orders, the following actions are being implemented immediately:



The New York Army and Air National Guard will deploy up to 900 soldiers and airmen and over 100 vehicles to support civil authorities; those troops have already begun to report
The Metropolitan Transit Authority will institute a system-wide shut-down when trains and buses begin their final runs starting at approximately noon on Saturday; the shut-down will include subways, buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride
If sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph, all of the following bridges will be closed to all traffic: George Washington Bridge, Tappan Zee bridge, all bridges operated by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, and the following Hudson River bridges: Bear Mountain Bridge, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson (Poughkeepsie), Kingston-Rhinecliff, and Rip Van Winkle (Catskill)
The New York State Thruway and possibly other major highways will also be closed if sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph; further closings will be announced as the storm progresses
LIPA will have 2,500 line workers and tree trim personnel available throughout the weekend for emergency repair work, its largest emergency roster ever
175 extra ambulances and personnel will be deployed in regions expected to be hit the hardest by the storm



"We have moved quickly to initiate our emergency plans, to work with our federal and local partners, and to identify, prepare, and put into place one of the most aggressive activations of New York State government ever assembled in the face of a possible natural disaster," Governor Cuomo said. "We are fully committed and we are preparing for the worst."



Specific plans include:



PUBLIC SAFETY



Office of Emergency Management: OEM is working with the National Weather Service to track the storm and coordinate resources. The state's Emergency Operations Center in Albany has been activated since Wednesday and staffed around the clock. Senior OEM management is being deployed to the anticipated problem areas downstate to improve coordination with local government response. Command vehicles have been deployed to Nassau and Suffolk counties and OEM will make additional deployments of personnel and resources as needed.
Division of Military and Naval Affairs: The New York Army and Air National Guard will mobilize and deploy approximately 900 soldiers and airmen and over 100 vehicles on Saturday to support civil authorities on Long Island, New York City, and the Hudson Valley as directed by the Governor.



The plan the National Guard is executing at the direction of Governor Cuomo calls for:



230 soldiers and airmen will be stationed with high-axle vehicles and high-tech satellite communications equipment at the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center by Saturday evening. These troops will remain in place at the center to ride out the storm and then immediately respond to aid civil authorities as directed. This task force will include 120 military police soldiers from the 206th Military Police Company in Latham; 50 transportation soldiers from the 1427 Medium Truck Company in Queensbury; 30 Air National Guard civil engineers from the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia; 10 soldiers assigned to the Signal Detachment at Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham who will operate high-tech satellite communications equipment known as the JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability); 20 military police soldiers from the 102nd Military Police Battalion in Auburn, who will be equipped with Humvees and high-axle military trucks from around the state that can traverse flooded areas.



Approximately 290 soldiers will be stationed at Camp Smith near Peekskill and will be prepared to move to Long Island after the storm passes over and transportation routes are reopened. This task force will include 45 military police soldiers from the 102nd Military Police Battalion in Auburn; 65 military police soldiers from the 222nd Military Police Company in Auburn; 60 transportation soldiers from the 1569th Transportation Company in New Windsor; 120 Air National Guardsmen from three Air National Guard Wings.



225 soldiers will be placed on duty to augment the National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield in New York City, or to assist local governments in the lower Hudson Valley. These soldiers will be based at the Harlem Armory in New York City and Camp Smith near Peekskill. This task force will include 75 soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion 69th Infantry headquartered at Camp Smith; 75 members of the New York Air National Guard from bases across the state; 75 soldiers from the 369th Support Brigade in New York City.



140 soldiers and airmen will be on duty in Latham, Camp Smith, and other locations to provide logistical support and command and control for the National Guard Task Force.



Additionally, a total of 12,466 airmen and soldiers, more than 680 vehicles, 16 Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, 4 Ch-47 Chinook helicopters, 10 C-130 cargo aircraft, and 6 HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopters are ready to respond if called upon for assistance, surveillance, search and rescue, and post-storm damage assessment.



Division of State Police: The State Police have approximately 600 troopers statewide that could respond to Troop L (Farmingdale), Troop K (Poughkeepsie), and Troop F (Middletown), as needed. Aviation staging will occur at Stewart Airport and aircraft from upstate have been moved to prepare to deploy in the storm area. The State Police have helicopters and airboats available for immediate response. SCUBA teams will be deployed as missions require. Troop Emergency Management personnel are working closely with County Emergency Managers and local police. State Police Aviation assets are on standby.



The State Police will maintain its presence in all other areas of New York State.



Department of Correctional Services: The Department operates facilities located within the hurricane's projected path in New York City. There are no correctional facilities located in Nassau or Suffolk counties. All of the correctional facilities have been equipped with proper generators, water storage tanks, and sufficient supplies of food to last well beyond the storm's duration.
Fire Prevention and Control: The State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan has been activated. Staff is being deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the Southern Hudson Valley, as well as the State Emergency Operations Center. The Fire Operations Center is operating 24 hours a day.





TRANSPORTATION



Thruway Authority: Severity of winds will be constantly monitored and when sustained wind speeds exceed 45 mph, tandem, commercial, and large vehicles will be prohibited on the Thruway and on the Tappan Zee Bridge. If sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph, all traffic will be prohibited on the Thruway and Tappan Zee Bridge because of the effect on driver vehicle control. Maintenance personnel are performing inspection and cleaning of drainage systems to minimize flooding and pooling. Debris removal equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, loaders, and trucks, are being prepared for use. Equipment will be pre-deployed today based on the forecasted track of the hurricane. Emergency generators at Authority facilities and travel plazas have been fueled and tested. Fuel tanks at highway maintenance sections and travel plazas will be filled to insure adequate supplies for response forces and the public. Traffic control devices are being pre-deployed.



Bridge Authority: The Authority is conducting constant monitoring of wind conditions at its six bridges. The Authority has extra staff to monitor wind conditions and to respond to emergency situations. Particularly vulnerable are empty box trucks and trailers, which should avoid all bridges during a high wind storm. The Authority will issue a wind advisory at 30 mph and restrict box trucks, tractor trailers, and other high profile vehicles at 40 mph. Notification to the traveling public urging them to stay off the roads or to find alternative routes will begin immediately.



If sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph, all of the following bridges will be closed to all traffic: George Washington Bridge, Tappan Zee bridge, all bridges operated by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, and the following Hudson River bridges: Bear Mountain Bridge, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson (Poughkeepsie), Kingston-Rhinecliff, and Rip Van Winkle (Catskill).



The pedestrian "Walkway Over the Hudson" park in Poughkeepsie will be closed by 5:00 pm on Friday and will not reopen until after the Authority's Chief Engineer has had an opportunity to inspect the structure.



Department of Transportation: DOT has begun preventive maintenance and debris removal and is distributing flood control equipment. Equipment in active work zones is being secured, additional erosion protection is being addressed as necessary, barges are secured, and plans for post-storm clean-up are being developed. DOT will have 450 staff, more than 75 dump trucks, and dozens of other equipment and vehicles assigned to the storm effort, much of it marshaled on Long Island. DOT will relocate its construction barges to Coast Guard-approved locations and is stockpiling portable signs, barricades, light towers, arrow boards, and portable VMS signs for delivery to storm-hit areas. Maintenance crews will be available for weekend callouts to ensure that state highway lanes are open to traffic and to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority: The MTA will institute a system-wide shut-down when trains and buses begin their final runs starting at approximately noon on Saturday in the interest of public safety and to ensure that the system can be operational for use after the storm. The shut-down will include subways, buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride.



The MTA will continue to focus on providing whatever service can be maintained safely and on preserving lines, equipment, and other resources so that the system can recover from the storm as quickly as possible. More than 1,370 managerial, supervisory, and hourly employees have been called in to supplement the MTA's usual weekend staffing levels. Approximately 200 subway trains, 3,321 buses, and 100 Access-a-Ride vehicles are being moved from low-lying storage locations. 10 subway emergency dispatch vehicles equipped with chainsaws and special tools are staffed and standing by throughout the weekend and 7 extra bus tow trucks will be in service. 26 pieces of heavy track maintenance equipment and their personnel are on duty. 8 emergency generators are on standby for deployment for subway station lighting or power failures. The Bridges and Tunnels Division has an additional 15 standby generators fueled and ready for use. The Subways Division has inspected 72 critical subway pump rooms, 17 track pumps, track drains in 16 flood-prone areas, 34 direct sewer connections, and sump pumps at 216 substations. The Bridges and Tunnels Division has examined and cleared more than 3,500 roadway drains and scuppers and 56 pumps at the Queens Midtown Tunnel and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. The LIRR is equipping 17 work engines with emergency equipment, 44 diesel and dual mode engines with couplers, and checking generators and equipment in 14 electric yards and 7 diesel yards.



Port Authority of New York & New Jersey: The PA has more than 200 heavy-duty vehicles available at its 5 airports to deploy as needed, plus dozens of police vehicles, including mobile command centers and heavy-duty rescue equipment. More than 1,000 staff and contractors are available to assist customers as needed in every area of airport operations. The PA has hundreds of cases of bottled water, diapers, cots, blankets, and pillows available to provide to stranded passengers if necessary. The PA has dozens of airport shuttle buses that can assist in the movement of passengers if needed. At least one food vendor in every terminal will remain open 24 hours so that food is available at any time. The PA will also deploy Central Office staff throughout the terminals during overnights when passengers are stranded to monitor conditions and provide whatever assistance may be needed, such as finding hotel rooms or ground transportation.





HEALTH



Department of Health: DOH is receiving 175 ambulances from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Of the 175 ambulances, 50 (40 Basic Life Support and 10 Advanced Life Support) are being turned over to Fire Department of New York City. The remaining 125 ambulances will be deployed as necessary throughout the region. DOH is coordinating with all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the areas with the most potential for evacuation. DOH advised facilities to implement emergency response plans and work with local emergency management and response partners.
Office of Mental Health: Starting Friday, all 327 patients and staff at the South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island will be evacuated to the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens. The medically fragile and secure unit will be the first moved with their staff. OMH staff will be at Creedmoor to accept the patients into the cleared units. Records will move with patients. Family members of all patients have been contacted. 10 youth patients will be moved to the Queens Children's Psychiatric Center. The co-located Alcohol Treatment Program is going to Kingsboro Psychiatric Center and the co-located Office for People With Developmental Disabilities program is moving to the Connelly Center of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office. OMH is working with New York City officials to secure transportation. All OMH facilities are reviewing their emergency management plans with special attention to their evacuation plans and are stocking necessary resources for the storm's duration.





ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT



Department of Environmental Conservation: All DEC conservation officers and forest rangers – approximately 200 in total – will be mobilized for duty during the storm and are prepared to deploy 5 ranger airboats normally stationed upstate. The law enforcement and rescue boats – totaling 32 in various sizes and capabilities – are already deployed throughout Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley. DEC will establish an Incident Command Team to maintain situation awareness of all resources and personnel. DEC Spills Response Unit is preparing to respond to petroleum and chemical spills. Water engineers have notified waste water treatment plants to prepare for flooding and loss of electricity. Adirondack Park and Catskill Preserve Campgrounds will be closed and evacuated by noon on Saturday. DEC advises everyone to stay off the trails in the Adirondack Park and Catskill Preserve. DEC has preemptively closed areas to shellfish harvest due to the storm's possible impact on water treatment facilities.
Public Service Commission: The PSC is monitoring implementation of the utilities' emergency plans for electric, natural gas, steam, water and telecommunications services. The PSC has activated its toll-free call center – 1-800-342-3377 – to assist customers this weekend and has provided staff to support the state's Emergency Operations Center. The PSC is focusing on deployment of utility crews to respond to storm conditions. Utility crews are also on their way to New York from Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois to provide additional assistance.
New York Power Authority & Long Island Power Authority:



NYPA is in the process of repositioning 3 transmission crews – each crew has between 5-7 workers – as well as trucks and equipment from the Massena and Utica areas closer to Long Island and New York City. These workers specialize in high- and medium-voltage transmission lines and could also be made available to assist with any needs with low-voltage distribution lines. NYPA is readying over 100 staffers for any technical support needed by LIPA and other utilities, including project managers, construction managers, and engineers. NYPA will open its Emergency Command Center at its headquarters in White Plains on Saturday to closely monitor the storm's impact on NYPA facilities and to continue to assist LIPA and National Grid and Con Ed.



LIPA is closely coordinating with National Grid to ensure it is fully prepared on Long Island. NYPA is monitoring the effects of storms on power generation capacity. LIPA anticipates 2,500 line workers and tree trim personnel will be available throughout the weekend for emergency repair work – its largest emergency roster ever – relying on arrangements for mutual aid crews from other utilities as the storm passes and on contract crews from as far away as Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, and Mississippi. NYPA is making additional two man crews of 10-14 lineman available to LIPA, making a total of 5 crews available including about 30-35 lineman. Transmission crews are being repositioned. Environmental health and safety engineers as well as other technical staff are already located downstate. The transmission crews will total approximately 15-20 high- and medium-voltage transmission line operators. Over 100 engineers, construction managers, and project managers are being made available to assist LIPA and the utilities. LIPA has secured 950 on-island electric and tree removal contractors and 1,200 off-island personnel.



Office of Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation: Staff is preparing emergency equipment, proactively lowering lake levels at park facilities with dams, and coordinating with the National Weather Service. All camping reservations at Wildwood and Hither Hills (Long Island) for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday arrivals, as well as Palisades (Rockland, Orange, and Ulster) and Taconic (Putnam, Dutchess, and Columbia) regions have been cancelled. Any campers remaining in the campgrounds as of Saturday evening will be evacuated. LIPA will be staging vehicles and equipment at Belmont Lake State Park (Long Island) beginning Saturday morning.





OTHER AGENCIES



Office of General Services: The Capitol Roof and all other construction projects will be secured by the close of business Friday. Emergency construction contractors are on alert and OGS staff is on call to be deployed to any state property that experiences damage. OGS has hired 30 part-time civil engineers to assist the state Office of Emergency Management with post-hurricane damage assessments.

[solid]

I'm a bit confused actually. I've got a good buddy who lives on Long Island. I called him this morning to check in on him, he said he was putting together a barbeque with a few friends, and it was 70 degrees, and a beautiful sunny day. He mentioned the hurricane, and said it was all just media hype.???

Didn't get the chance to chat for long...but he's a sharp guy and like a brother to me. We served together on the fire dept. He hates our corrupt gov like any decent guy does as well.

So, I don't know what to think. Sounds like he's going to be barbequing the whole weekend not worrying about a thing.

[Libertytree]

I'm a bit confused actually. I've got a good buddy who lives on Long Island. I called him this morning to check in on him, he said he was putting together a barbeque with a few friends, and it was 70 degrees, and a beautiful sunny day. He mentioned the hurricane, and said it was all just media hype.???

Didn't get the chance to chat for long...but he's a sharp guy and like a brother to me. We served together on the fire dept. He hates our corrupt gov like any decent guy does as well.

So, I don't know what to think. Sounds like he's going to be barbequing the whole weekend not worrying about a thing.

I hope he's prepped up, bigtime! It ain't gonna be 70 and sunny for long. Ya might wanna give him a call?

[Dogman]

I'm a bit confused actually. I've got a good buddy who lives on Long Island. I called him this morning to check in on him, he said he was putting together a barbeque with a few friends, and it was 70 degrees, and a beautiful sunny day. He mentioned the hurricane, and said it was all just media hype.???

Didn't get the chance to chat for long...but he's a sharp guy and like a brother to me. We served together on the fire dept. He hates our corrupt gov like any decent guy does as well.

So, I don't know what to think. Sounds like he's going to be barbequing the whole weekend not worrying about a thing.

Your friend will change his tune, in probably less than 48 hours. His attitude could also come from where he lives, if he lives inland and high enough above sea level. There are people that will not believe a fact unless they see it them selfs and even then they may not believe what they saw. (We all know some like that!) ;D

Call him again like tomorrow and see what he has to say. Minds can change...Sometimes!

[po boy]

I hope he's prepped up, bigtime! It ain't gonna be 70 and sunny for long. Ya might wanna give him a call?


Been through a couple 'canes and there's always a party somewhere.

[sunnyandseventy]

Vermonters should continue getting ready for power failures by stockpiling flashlights and batteries, food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated, and making sure car gas tanks are full

Never, ever, have heard this before in regards to a local event. From the sound of it they are expecting the whole state to lose power.

[Libertytree]

Been through a couple 'canes and there's always a party somewhere.

Lord knows I partied my ass off but I was majorly prepped and had fallback plan 1 and 2.

[Dogman]

Never, ever, have heard this before in regards to a local event. From the sound of it they are expecting the whole state to lose power.
It is always good to prepair for the worst, no one has a crystal ball that works, and as far as the grid goes most of it is old and strained too the max and would not take much to bring the whole shebang down. So prepping for food, gas, and power are the smart thing to do.

In the long run nothing is wasted and all will be used.

"To err on the side of caution" is a good thing!

[po boy]

Lord knows I partied my ass off but I was majorly prepped and had fallback plan 1 and 2.

I had to bail out the nay sayer in my family right before Charlie made it's unpredicted turn, made a believer out of them.

Saw fights over gas, it was ugly.

[sunnyandseventy]

I'm all set. It just seems unusual as I've never really heard the order or suggestion to prep up from government. Especially topping off gas tanks. Seem to recall they've discouraged that practice in the past.

[solid]

I hope he's prepped up, bigtime! It ain't gonna be 70 and sunny for long. Ya might wanna give him a call?

I'm waiting for him to call me back. I don't know how well prepped he is, but I do know he's a survivor. Tough guy, there's a reason why we call him the "animal icon". He's definitely the type of guy you could trust your life with, and the type you want around if TSHTF.

I'm really not worried about him actually. I was just surprised he didn't seem to care that a hurricane was bearing down on him...

[DMac]

It is always good to prepair for the worst, no one has a crystal ball that works, and as far as the grid goes most of it is old and strained too the max and would not take much to bring the whole shebang down. So prepping for food, gas, and power are the smart thing to do.

In the long run nothing is wasted and all will be used.

"To err on the side of caution" is a good thing!

+1 to the bold part Dogman.

I was going through some older food preps on Wednesday and found some of my expired canned veggies. To prove a point to my GF we used several in the night's dinner. Dinner was delicious and the canned goods with 1-2 years past expiry were still quite edible.

Topping off food preps is always a smart idea. It can and will be used.

[Dogman]

I'm all set. It just seems unusual as I've never really heard the order or suggestion to prep up from government. Especially topping off gas tanks. Seem to recall they've discouraged that practice in the past.

Yea , but in the past the gov did not have as much egg in its face from frigging up like it has done say as in Katrina and other disasters.
So maybe they learned something, that it is better advise the people on some good common sense things to do.

[po boy]

Yea , but in the past the gov did not have as much egg in its face from frigging up like it has done say as in Katrina and other disasters.
So maybe they learned something, that it is better advise the people on some good common sense things to do.

They have been preaching the same tune long before Katrina.

[Dogman]

+1 to the bold part Dogman.

I was going through some older food preps on Wednesday and found some of my expired canned veggies. To prove a point to my GF we used several in the night's dinner. Dinner was delicious and the canned goods with 1-2 years past expiry were still quite edible.

Topping off food preps is always a smart idea. It can and will be used.

If the can is tight and still under vacuum it will be editable for multiple years past the use by date. The use by date is a joke, and helps them sell more product.

[Libertytree]

I had to bail out the nay sayer in my family right before Charlie made it's unpredicted turn, made a believer out of them.

Saw fights over gas, it was ugly.

Wow po boy, I was in the Cape for Charlie. I was a noob to canes then but I was prepped to the hilt etc... but I'll tell ya what, I fully respect the force of a hurricane now. I came very close to either dying or being severely injured that day, my garage door was collapsing inward and I rassled w/ it to shore it up w/ 2x4's and duct tape. Lets face it too, the people up east can't survive like we can...totally different mindset.

BTW......anybody heard from TT? He's in NJ right?

[DMac]

If the can is tight and still under vacuum it will be editable for multiple years past the use by date. The use by date is a joke, and helps them sell more product.

That was what I told her as she made the stink face after I pulled out the expired cans.

She was impressed that I was right :D

[Dogman]

They have been preaching the same tune long before Katrina. Good point, maybe people are paying attention more now.

[DMac]

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/mayor_bloomberg_orders_mandato.html

snip

Nearly 300,000 residents in the city are affected by NYC's first-ever mandatory evacuation. Residents must be out by 5 p.m. on Saturday.

[po boy]

Good point, maybe people are paying attention more now.

I hope so hurricanes are no joke.

[Large Sarge]

not sure if someone posted this, glanced through the thread...

but they said the ground up there is completely saturated, record rains for all of august....

"expect extreme flooding"

[solid]

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/mayor_bloomberg_orders_mandato.html

snip

This is big news, imo. I wonder how prepared FEMA is. If you think about it, this could make Katrina and New Orleans look pale in comparison to the rioting/looting, complete chaos that New York could become.

What if Wall Street was underwater, literally? Could this cause the markets to collapse? Would the markets even open? Bank closures could be this weekend. Could this cause the epic collapse we all think is on the horizon?

Hopefully, this storm turns out to be nothing. God bless GSUS'ers in the area. It would be nice have a thread for folks to check in, so we know they are OK.

[Dogman]

This is big news, imo. I wonder how prepared FEMA is. If you think about it, this could make Katrina and New Orleans look pale in comparison to the rioting/looting, complete chaos that New York could become.

What if Wall Street was underwater, literally? Could this cause the markets to collapse? Would the markets even open? Bank closures could be this weekend. Could this cause the epic collapse we all think is on the horizon?

Hopefully, this storm turns out to be nothing. God bless GSUS'ers in the area. It would be nice have a thread for folks to check in, so we know they are OK.Think of saltwater in the subways and what that will do to the electrical and machanical stuff.

Not good! Subways do not run , city dam near will shut down.

[JDRock]

one could only hope it makes a beeline for 1600 pennsylvania ave.

[zap]

I'm glad it missed Florida, Hope everyone here in harms way stays safe. ;)

[DMac]

Think of saltwater in the subways and what that will do to the electrical and machanical stuff.

Not good! Subways do not run , city dam near will shut down.

Should the storm surge breach the lower Manhattan walls the subways are toast. Literally. No repairs will be required, rebuilding will be the order of the day.

A Keynesian wet dream.

My parents were put under mandatory evac and arrived at my house a couple hours ago. A big sigh of relief for me there..

There are currently 2 million Americans under mandatory evac notice:

Irene takes aim on Northeast: 2 million ordered out; ‘people may die,’ NYC mayor warns (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/irene-takes-aim-on-northeast-2-million-ordered-out-people-may-die-nyc-mayor-warns/2011/08/26/gIQAlG6qgJ_story.html)

[zap]

Should the storm surge breach the lower Manhattan walls the subways are toast. Literally. No repairs will be required, rebuilding will be the order of the day.

A Keynesian wet dream.

My parents were put under mandatory evac and arrived at my house a couple hours ago. A big sigh of relief for me there..

There are currently 2 million Americans under mandatory evac notice:

Irene takes aim on Northeast: 2 million ordered out; ‘people may die,’ NYC mayor warns (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/irene-takes-aim-on-northeast-2-million-ordered-out-people-may-die-nyc-mayor-warns/2011/08/26/gIQAlG6qgJ_story.html)

Good they are safe !

[DMac]

The weather underground site and intellicast site have been the best for maps and info, IMO.

There is a live chat of folks all over the east coast going on @ wunderground.com here:

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=1903&theprefset=BLOG&theprefvalue=1#commenttop

[DMac]

Top Sail Island, NC - Live feed.

The waves are sick.

There were people on this pier somewhat recently!
http://www.surfchex.com/

[solid]

Well, Dmac, what do you think? Is she going to hit?

From us on the west coast, God bless and good luck.

[crazychicken]

Our prayers are with you folks in the northeast. I was just talking to a friend in Nassau County right at the Queens line. They are heading to our place in upstate NY, elevation 2,635. We aren't there so maybe it will help them. Funny thing is the floods in NY in 2005 started on our mountain.

Good luck to all of you.

CC

[Sparky]

...
Lets face it too, the people up east can't survive like we can...totally different mindset.
...

Excuse me?

[solid]

Excuse me?

We're all praying for you Sparky. God Bless, be safe, and we are there for you if you need us.



;D

[Sparky]

We're all praying for you Sparky. God Bless, be safe, and we are there for you if you need us.

;D

Thanks solid. Of course, I didn't really need to do much to prep, since most of the standard recommendations are always in hand. They are telling people to make sure you have at least a few days of food in the house. Ha, if they only knew...

Actually one guy on the radio was mocking people who were rushing out to buy a week's worth of food. Then he realized that's just normal grocery shopping.

I did try to pick up a few extra D-cell batteries today, but learned that pretty much every store in eastern Massachusetts sold out of them already. But I've got enough.

Highest winds are supposed to be here Sunday 10AM-6PM. If I don't lose power, I'll keep you posted.

[po boy]

Excuse me?

Hey, who did the Yanks ask to build their "fly south" homes in the winter? The Crackers. And when the Crackers were too expensive, they used the Mexicans.
I can't speak for LT, but this is the way that I've seen it as being down here in Florida.
Stay safe.

[Libertytree]

Excuse me?

What I meant is that a lot of people think a hurricane is a joke, if for no other reason they've never been through one. Lots of Floridians made that mistake for Charlie and a few of them died.

Just for the record....I wouldn't direct that remark at anyone here at GSUS.

[DMac]

Well, Dmac, what do you think? Is she going to hit?

From us on the west coast, God bless and good luck.


It seems almost a guarantee that NY will be hit and I think Long Island will take the brunt of the storm. The eastern side of the cane is going to bring some nasty water with it, rain and surge.

I'm not overly concerned about the wind. I think flooding is going to be the real problem since we've had a ton of rain already this August.

All in all we're hunkered down pretty safely here. Thanks a lot for the well wishes folks :)

I've been watching live feeds from NC and VA.
Here (VA)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-severe-weather-webcam

And here (3-4 NC cams)
http://www.surfchex.com/nags-head-web-cam.php

There are some good updates via twitter feeds:
best I found so far- http://twitter.com/#!/wunderground/
http://twitter.com/#!/Ala_StormChaser
http://twitter.com/#!/JustinNOAA

[MNeagle]

Great to hear your parents are w/ you. Here's a pic via Drudge:

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Hiuq2HteGcpmJWYFflyAWA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00NjE7cT04NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/4f0a49b12aa3fa13f60e6a70670071d3.jpg

Stay safe everyone!

[Santa]

One thing about hurricanes is they just go on and on and on relentlessly for days.
I've had two roofs torn off from hurricanes. I hope I never see another.
Good luck everyone and God bless.

[solid]

It must be a nightmare to evacuate from New York city with most people not even owning cars.
What do you do when you get off the bus? Probably worse then the hurricane itself?
Screw that, I wouldn't leave.

With this tool, I'll find a safe place to stay.
http://photo-dict.faqs.org/photofiles/list/7312/9791crowbar.jpg

What you need, is the crovel. :)

Here's the latest from the Communist News Network. (CNN)

Irene made landfall as a Cat 1, 85 mph winds.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/27/tropical.weather/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

[solid]

U R going to make me buy a crovel, aren't you? ;)

It's a good apocolyptic zombie tool to have on hand...;D

On a related note, I'd just like to say I really like how hurricanes are named after women. It's a good reflection and reminder of how much damage the wrath of a woman can cause. ;D

[po boy]

It's a good apocolyptic zombie tool to have on hand...;D

On a related note, I'd just like to say I really like how hurricanes are named after women. It's a good reflection and reminder of how much damage the wrath of a woman can cause. ;D

and you want to sail on mother mother ocean(jimmy buffet). You might just be a land lubber. haha

[MNeagle]

It's a good apocolyptic zombie tool to have on hand...;D

On a related note, I'd just like to say I really like how hurricanes are named after women. It's a good reflection and reminder of how much damage the wrath of a woman can cause. ;D

Actually, they alternate hurricane names: Male, female, male, etc. with each storm.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml

[solid]

Actually, they alternate hurricane names: Male, female, male, etc. with each storm.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml

It still seems like all the really mean ones are named after women though.;D

[solid]

and you want to sail on mother mother ocean(jimmy buffet). You might just be a land lubber. haha

LOL, good point. My boat's named after a woman, hopefully I treat her well enough to bring good luck. I can be a bit superstitious. :)

[po boy]

It still seems like all the really mean ones are named after women though.;D

I disagree charlie was a major dick.

[solid]

I disagree charlie was a major dick.

Charlie 'could' be a woman's name though...

I wonder though, if they tallied up all the damage from hurricane's throughout history, which one's, male or female, caused the most damage collectively.

[po boy]

Charlie 'could' be a woman's name though...

I wonder though, if they tallied up all the damage from hurricane's throughout history, which one's, male or female, caused the most damage collectively.

transvestite hurricanes, okay now your stretching it

[Dogman]

Charlie 'could' be a woman's name though...

I wonder though, if they tallied up all the damage from hurricane's throughout history, which one's, male or female, caused the most damage collectively.
Women when they are insanely pissed are best avoided and the best defense is to stay out of their sight/sights and line of fire! ;D

[solid]

;D

Maybe they should change the name of the hurricane if it's going cause major damage.

For example: "Hurricane Ed is now on pace to slam into the East Coast causing catastrophic damage. Therefore, we've changed the name to Hurricane Ximmy."

If there's ever a hurricane Ximmy, look out folks, head for the bunkers.. ;D

[Dogman]

;D

Maybe they should change the name of the hurricane if it's going cause major damage.

For example: "Hurricane Ed is now on pace to slam into the East Coast causing catastrophic damage. Therefore, we've changed the name to Hurricane Ximmy."

If there's ever a hurricane Ximmy, look out folks, head for the bunkers.. ;D


That would be DOOM! ;D

[po boy]

;D

Maybe they should change the name of the hurricane if it's going cause major damage.

For example: "Hurricane Ed is now on pace to slam into the East Coast causing catastrophic damage. Therefore, we've changed the name to Hurricane Ximmy."

If there's ever a hurricane Ximmy, look out folks, head for the bunkers.. ;D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0TAxLjkdFU

[DMac]

Flooding in New Bern NC


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2IoSs3cEPE

[DMac]

Some really good pics here from the damage in NC
http://www.wral.com/weather/hurricanes/image_gallery/10052867/

[ximmy]

;D

Maybe they should change the name of the hurricane if it's going cause major damage.

For example: "Hurricane Ed is now on pace to slam into the East Coast causing catastrophic damage. Therefore, we've changed the name to Hurricane Ximmy."

If there's ever a hurricane Ximmy, look out folks, head for the bunkers.. ;D

My storm would be as a welcome summer rain...

A drop fell on the apple tree,
Another on the roof;
A half a dozen kissed the eaves,
And made the gables laugh.

A few went out to help the brook,
That went to help the sea.
Myself conjectured, Were they pearls,
What necklaces could be!
;D

[MNeagle]

@twc_hurricane (http://twitter.com/twc_hurricane)
A total of 9 fatalities from #Irene so far. NC-4, VA-3, FL-1, NJ-1






NYC hotels will shut off air conditioning at 10p; all hotel elevators will be grounded - @77WABCradio (http://twitter.com/77WABCradio)


http://www.breakingnews.com/

I understand grounding elevators so people aren't trapped. But why kill the AC??

[DMac]

@twc_hurricane (http://twitter.com/twc_hurricane)
A total of 9 fatalities from #Irene so far. NC-4, VA-3, FL-1, NJ-1








NYC hotels will shut off air conditioning at 10p; all hotel elevators will be grounded - @77WABCradio (http://twitter.com/77WABCradio)


http://www.breakingnews.com/

I understand grounding elevators so people aren't trapped. But why kill the AC??

To slow down the power outages. Those ac units are real power hogs and if parts of the grid get shut off unexpectedly the drain from them could accelerate power outages in other areas as the grid tries to compensate. At least that is what the logic part of me is thinking.

[Sparky]

Something funky happened to the east coast satellite imagery starting at 0430 GMT. It seemed to shift to the northeast, and get all blurry. Calling all conspiracy theorists.

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_loop.php

http://www.nytimes.com/projects/hurricanes/

[PatColo]

For example: "Hurricane Ed is now on pace to slam into the East Coast causing catastrophic damage. Therefore, we've changed the name to Hurricane Ximmy."

If there's ever a hurricane Ximmy, look out folks, head for the bunkers.. ;D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alUEEA9qFXM

[Sparky]

NYC: Irene damage photos just in!
Insurance claims are expected to be in the hundreds of dollars!
...

If there is a next time, you won't be able to pry New Yorkers out of their city and homes!
Many are going to be pissed off that they left.

The bottom photo shows sunlight in the background, yet the storm is over Manhattan right now. I call foul.

[DMac]

We're getting scattered blue sky amidst the clouds. Some trees down, luckily we did not lose power.

There were shots on the news this AM of the water breaking the wall of Battery Park but it has since subsided. 10% higher water would have been the end of the subway in lower Manhattan.

Most of Hoboken is under water, 6 inches in the north and up to 2.5 feet in the south. A lot of pics are available via twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/search/hoboken

I know it's fun to call the media and weather folks a bunch of chicken littles but keep in mind, some 10 people died due to Irene and there will likely be more than $10 billion in damages - there was $3 billion in damage in the Bahamas alone.

The NY Daily News has had regular photo updates here:
http://live.nydailynews.com/Event/Storm_Tracker_Hurricane_Irene_2011

Plenty of flooded areas throughout NY/NJ.

Long Beach Island in LI got hit bad.

As of 10am there are about 250,000 NYC/Westchester residents w/o power.

[DMac]

Some pics:

The aptly named "Water St" lower NYC

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg615/scaled.php?tn=0&server=615&filename=r3hup.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

Governor Cuomo tours storm damage upstate near Margetville, meets with local elected officials

http://images.scribblelive.com/2011/8/28/0528630a-8de2-498a-817b-c1265a8c9be6.jpg

Hoboken, NJ

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/384022087.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1314544919&Signature=YgSkUkyNyXCW%2FlDOx9FAoHz%2BdDM%3D
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/384000202.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1314544961&Signature=8Aaz0qXSQB3lWVZ%2FRpFFcDsszxs%3D
http://p.twimg.com/AX8VwMxCEAAX8S8.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/384005094.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1314545048&Signature=7mtHAwEnmGYm2Zw%2BaGG29T6amQk%3D
http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg614/scaled.php?tn=0&server=614&filename=yvqbm.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640


10:42 AMCeleste KatzUpdate via the governor's office: Sunday 8/28 10:30AM:
Power Outage Update:

Total customers without power (statewide): 750,000


LIPA: 404,481

ConEdison: 102,783


National Grid: 71,870

NYSEG: 79,191

Central Hudson: 66,613

Orange & Rockland: 31,218

RG&E: 670

[Sparky]

So far so good here in eastern MA. Had 0.7" of rain in the early bands last night, and another 1.3" today. The rain let up about 30 minutes ago, and the wind immediately picked up; getting some good gusts now as we enter the height of the storm. Just a lot of small branch debris strewn over my neighborhood, but I just heard one of the town wood chippers crank up the next street over which is a well-travelled road, so there's probably a big tree down there.

So far this has been similar strength as a pretty hefty winter Nor'easter, without the snow. Have heard reports that other parts of town have more damage, in terms of downed electrical wire and trees hitting structures. Four roads have been reported as blocked by tree damage.

Wind starting to pick up again now. Just heard a firetruck siren in the distance. Let's see how the rest of it goes.

[DMac]

The death toll is misleading, the news media needed a death toll to justify the big story.
I've only heard of one death at this time directly related to the storm. (tree branch fell on man)
Others included in the report, one FL surfer died in heavy waves, heart attacks due to preparing and evacuation.
There were many more deaths from the heat wave this summer.

I hear you, the media sells DOOM and the people lap it up. I think we got away very lucky this time. That concerns me a bit because if there is another storm this year or next folks are going to just brush it off, which could be disastrous for those that do.

[Ponce]

Hey Pat........in the video, I like the part about "I gave him two warning shots, into his head" hahahahahaha.

Everyone?........like I posted elsewhere "Hurracaine will fizzel out before reaching NY".......one for the skipper.

[Joe King]

LOL, good point. My boat's named after a woman.Would you own one that wasn't? lol

[Sparky]

My neighbor just lost a 30-foot limb off his oak. It's just sitting in the middle of his yard, but he's out there trying to cut it up in the middle of the storm. What?

[Horn]

861

[Neuro]

The death toll is misleading, the news media needed a death toll to justify the big story.
I've only heard of one death at this time directly related to the storm. (tree branch fell on man)
Others included in the report, one FL surfer died in heavy waves, heart attacks due to preparing and evacuation.
There were many more deaths from the heat wave this summer.

Seems like the hype killed more people than the storm...

[Joe King]

My neighbor just lost a 30-foot limb off his oak. It's just sitting in the middle of his yard, but he's out there trying to cut it up in the middle of the storm. What?Is he married? lol

[Sparky]

Okay, I'm back in business. I escaped relatively unscathed, but was surprised how much tree damage there was locally. I took a walk around after the storm and saw six 40- to- 50-foot trees down within a 200-yard radius of my house. Turns out my neighbor was out cutting his downed limb in the middle of the storm because it was resting on the power line to his house, and he wanted to release some weight before it snapped. He was successful. Many people in my town lost power; I only lost internet service. An estimated 700,000 Massachusetts residents lost power, with about 500,000 remaining without power today. I only have to deal with a bunch of debris in my yard (lots of leaves and branches), so no complaints from me!

[k-os]

Okay, I'm back in business. I escaped relatively unscathed, but was surprised how much tree damage there was locally. I took a walk around after the storm and saw six 40- to- 50-foot trees down within a 200-yard radius of my house. Turns out my neighbor was out cutting his downed limb in the middle of the storm because it was resting on the power line to his house, and he wanted to release some weight before it snapped. He was successful. Many people in my town lost power; I only lost internet service. An estimated 700,000 Massachusetts residents lost power, with about 500,000 remaining without power today. I only have to deal with a bunch of debris in my yard (lots of leaves and branches), so no complaints from me!

I am so happy you are OK, Sparky!

That dude cutting down a branch that was resting on a powerline is lucky he didn't get killed.

[Libertytree]

Cool...you're lucky Sparky, glad to hear it! The aftermath, let alone the shit that happens during the storm sucks. Your neighbor should play the lottery this week! Very lucky SOB!

[Sparky]

I am so happy you are OK, Sparky!

That dude cutting down a branch that was resting on a powerline is lucky he didn't get killed.

Thanks. Yeah, risky business on his part. I think he felt that if he lost power (as a single, isolated outage), he probably wouldn't be getting repair service for many days. In his defense, he was making a cut on the remote end of the limb away from the power line, taking into account a potential break. But still...