PIX 11 on W12th Road

PIX 11 News has a news team at the bay end of W12th Road where they will be reporting live during tonight's high tide and storm surge.

What we can expect this evening.....

Weather

This Afternoon... Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 62. Very windy, with a northeast wind 41 to 44 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and a half an inch possible.

Tonight...Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 55. Very windy, with a east wind 38 to 47 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 85 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

High Tides

[P.M.]

This evening's high tide is at 8:59 p.m with a scheduled astronomical height of 5.3 feet and will be accompanied by a projected storm surge of some 5 to 10 feet which will peak sometime around 8:00pm.

The bay never returned to a normal low tide height after this morning's high tide because of the constant NE onshore winds.

Sandy's central pressure at 2 pm is still falling at 940mb or 27.76 inches of mercury which is extraordinarily low indicating the storm is still feeding itself off a warm gulf stream.
Additionally Hurricane Sandy is transitioning into a huge Nor'easter as it merges with an Arctic front coming in from the West.

Based on what I am seeing, a best guess scenario for this evening's high tide and accompanying storm surge is a flood level 2 to 2.5 feet above what we experieinced this morning.
 

Comments

There are several factors we all have to be concerned with this afternoon and evening as Sandy approaches and hits the coast south of Atlantic City and we experience the brunt of Sandy's weather.

1. We will be experiencing sustained high winds, oftentimes gusting to Hurricane force. Once the winds pick up, do not venture outside your homes to avoid serious injury.

2. Remain acutely aware that there is a distinct possibility of our area sustaining a power outage this evening because of the sustained Tropical Force winds with Hurricane wind gusts.If the power does go out, shut down your main panel and turn off all your individual breakers. Make sure you have alternative lighting (flashlights/lanterns). When power is ultimately restored, turn your main feed back on and bring your individual circuit breakers back on line one at a time.

3. Make sure an adult is awake and alert during times of tidal flooding this evening to monitor the height of the water which will take place without the benefit of daylight. Again, keep and eye on your propane tanks. I would recommend that you shut them off and disconnect them from your regulator to avoid damage to your regulator and gas lines in the event the flooding rips them away from your house.

4. If, at any time, it appears that the tidal flood waters will reach any area of your house where electrical lines/circuits are located, shut down your main feed immediately and only
attempt to restore power after the storm has passed and tidal waters have receded as described in #2. above.

5. I would recommend that, if you haven't already, take pictures or a video of the interior of your home and all furnishings, appliances, etc. now to provide insurance adjusters with proof of the condition of residence prior to tidal flooding in the event your home is breached.

6.  Effective at this time, if you will allow me the use of a very cliched phrase..."Start battening down the hatches...!"

E6th Road & Walton earlier today...

Only in Broad Channel....

Status of Local Bridges

The Cross Bay Bridge, the Addabbo Bridge and the Marine Parkway Bridge are all open at this time, with the exception of their respective pedestrian walkways, which are closed.

 

From Today's N.Y.Daily News...

FDNY members survey the damage from a boat after two beach houses in Broad Channel, Queens, collapsed into Jamaica Bay after Hurricane Irene struck the community in August 2011.

Storm-hardened residents of Broad Channel and Rockaway gear up for another round with nature

Local residents prep for dual threat of full moon high tide and Hurricane Sandy, which could rip down power lines and send water surging

By Lisa L. Colangelo / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Monday, October 29, 2012, 6:00 AM

High tides from the full moon and Hurricane Sandy are proving to be a worrisome duo for people who live in flood-prone Broad Channel and sections of Rockaway.
Local residents spent the weekend tracking the storm’s path while plotting out their own emergency plans.

“We’re looking at a possible 15-foot tide coming in,” said Peter Mahon of the West 12th Road Block Association in Broad Channel. “We’re finding out who will be here and who is leaving and sending out emails and starting the phone chain.”

Long-time Broad Channel homeowners have seen more than their share of floods and storms. When Hurricane Irene hit last year, two beach houses collapsed into Jamaica Bay.

In Rockaway, the waves ripped through the boardwalk and spilled onto Shore Front Parkway. Over a year later, the city is still trying to fix the boardwalk and replace lost sand.
“The waves are crazy. We are going to lose a lot of beach,” said Jonathan Gaska, district manager of Community Board 14. “A big concern is the storm surge for all our communities along Jamaica Bay.”

The peninsula’s overhead power lines are especially vulnerable during storms with high winds, he noted.

“Anyone hoping to get a generator now is probably out of luck,” Mahon said.
Rockaway and Broad Channel are located in coastal zone areas that could be subject to mandatory evacuation.

“As to the homebound who are living in these communities: If you have homebound relatives or acquaintances in these low-lying areas, consider taking steps now to move them to a safer location, in your own home, or in the home of a relative or friend,” Mayor Bloomberg said on Friday.

Bloomberg told residents to closely monitor the storm and stock up on supplies such as water, a first-aid kit and flashlights.

Mahon said many of his neighbors will embark on a caravan together to move their cars to the parking lot of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, the highest point in Broad Channel.

“We are planning for the worst and hoping we get lucky,” Gaska said.

To get information about the storm and emergency planning, visit www.nyc.gov or call 311.
lcolangelo@nydailynews.com





 

Van Brunt Road Status

I just received this report regarding this morning's flooding from one of our neighbors on Van Brunt Road:

At high tide, the water came up to the driveway (we're the second house in from Cross Bay Boulevard). This was pretty much equivalent to what happened during Irene. The water has receded back down toward the end of the block. The end of the street is underwater.

It's not looking too good for the houses behind us on Demerest, which are at a lower elevation.

Tuesday @ 9:45 am - Tide slowly receding on W12th Road

It's9:45 am, one and a half hours after peak high tide and my fire hydrant just came up for air.

 

Good News....

The water is starting to slowly recede from W12th Road at

 

Yeahhhhh! (I guess?)

 

I will be monitoring the 11am National Hurriane Center advisory later this morning as well as those NWS, NOAA and other sites I have been utilizing to see if I can get a better handle on what we can expect later this afternoon and this evening.

 

I will update you later.

Inquiry from Assemblyman Goldfeder's Office

I just received a call from a member of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder's Office (Erica) inquiring as to how those of us who remained in Broad Channel are making out at this time and assuring us t hat if we require the Assemblyman's assistance it will be forthcoming.

 

NOTE:  If anyone has any news, information, pictures, questions, observations, comments, etc., that they would like to share via this site, please contact us at (718) 945-0805 or via email at

w12thrdblockassociation@gail.com

 

Pete Mahon

St. John's Hospital will remain open....

St. John's will remain open throughout the storm for essential services. The Zone A evacuation order exempted hospitals, plus St. John's is located in Zone B. Would you please send out the attached press release?

Thanks,

Penny Chin

Penelope Chin
Director, Public Relations
St. John's Episcopal Hospital
327 Beach 19th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Tel: 718-869-7750
Fax: 718-869-8216

Peak High Tide

It's 8:39 am and peak high tide has passed.

Now we have to wait and see how much of this water goes out with these strong constant onshore NE winds.

Many homeowners bulkheads (like mine above) have been topped.

Sunset Marina's bulkhead on W10thRd is just about to be topped.

 

Tide coming in at 8:15 am

 

Tide is on Cross Bay Boulevard and my fire hydrant is about to go completely under.

This is the end of W12thRd which is now an extension of Jamaica Bay.

 

BCVFD Overnight Activity

Just got off the phone with one of our vollies....so far so good.

Thus far:

* one car overheated by the North Channel Bridge.

 

* several street signs went down.

If you have an emergency , contact the firehouse at 474-8888.
 

Tide coming in at 7:30am

Sun is starting to rise on W12thRd and we still have one hour to go before high tide.
Winds are about the same coming from the North at 28mph gusting to 39mph.

Tide Coming in at 6:30 am....

It is now 6:30 am and the tide continues to come in slowly. 
It is already over the curb and against the house and
starting to climb up the fire hydrant in front of my house at the end of W12th Road.
The wind is picking up also coing from the North at 30mph with gusts to 38 mph.

Tide coming in at 4:30 am...

It is now 4:30 am on W12th Road and the tide has just started to run in. 
High tide is at 8:30am, 4 hours from now!

The tide is high but we're holding on....

Just a little something for any of you who are up at this hour of the morning...

 

New York Emergency Declaration

President Obama Signs New York Emergency Declaration

Release date:

October 28, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-114

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the State of New York to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 27, 2012, and continuing.
The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all counties in the State of New York.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Philip E. Parr has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Tuesday 10/29/2012 -What we can expect today....

Weather 

 

Windy with periods of rain that will be accompanied by heavy downpours and strong wind gusts at times. High 59F. Winds NNE at 40 to 60 mph. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Winds could occasionally gust over 70 mph.  A s of 2:00am this morning, Sandy has ceased its NorthEasterly ovement and is now moving due North at 14 mph and will be turning towards the coast later today.

 

High Tides

[A.M.]

 This morning's high tide is at 8:38 a.m with a scheduled astronomical height of 6.0 feet and will be accompanied by a projected storm surge of some 3 to 4.5 feet.

[P.M.]

This evening's high tide is at 8:59 p.m with a scheduled astronomical height of 5.3 feet and will be accompanied by a  projected storm surge of some 5 to 10 feet.

Comments

There are several factors we all have to be concerned with today as we experience the brunt of Sandy's weather.

1.  We will be experiencing sustained high winds, oftentimes gusting to Hurricane force.  Once the winds pick up, do not venture outside your homes to avoid serious injury.

2.  Remain acutely aware that there is a distinct possibility of our area sustaining a power outage today because of the sustained high winds. of this storm. If the power does go out, shut down your main panel and turn off all your individual breakers.  When power is ultimately restored, turn your main feed back on and bring your individual circuit breakers back on line one at a time.

3.  Make sure an adult is awake and alert during times of tidal flooding to monitor the height of the water.  This morning's high tide (8:38 am) will be bad but this evening's high tide at 8:59 pm will be worse and will take place without the benefit of daylight. Keep and eye on your propane tanks.  I would recommend that you shut them off and disconnect them from your regulator to avoid damage to your regulator and gas lines in the evnt the flooding rips them away from your house.

4. If, at any time, it appears that the tidal flood waters will reach any area of your house where electrical lines/circuits are located, shut down your main feed immediately and only
attempt to restore power after the storm has passed and tidal waters have receded as described in #2. above.

5.  I would recommend that you take pictures or a video of the interior of your home and all furnishings, appliances, etc. now to provide insurance adjusters with proof of the condition of residence prior to tidal flooding in the event your home is breached.

6.  Remember, none of us are alone as we are all facing this storm together!  As I was posting this, I received an email from Queens DOT Commisioner Maura McCarthy and Joe Menzer from the RBA Group wishing all their friends here in Broad Channel well in the hopes that all stay safe.Keep in touch with your neighbors and friends during this storm and above all...stay safe!

 

 

Updated Coastal Flood Warning

Event:

Coastal Flood Warning

Alert:

...LIFE THREATENING COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... ...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 3 PM EDT TUESDAY... * LOCATIONS...ALONG NEW YORK HARBOR...NEWARK BAY...THE ARTHUR KILL...THE TIDALLY AFFECTED PORTIONS OF THE HACKENSACK AND PASSAIC RIVERS...LONG ISLAND SOUND...THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN SHORES OF LONG ISLAND...AND TIDALLY AFFECTED PORTIONS OF THE HUDSON AND CONNECTICUT RIVERS. * TIDAL DEPARTURES...BETWEEN 2 TO 3 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES TONIGHT DURING HIGH TIDE WITH LOCALLY HIGHER VALUES...3 TO 4.5 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES MONDAY MORNING...AND POTENTIAL FOR 6 TO 11 FT ABOVE MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY MORNING. THE HIGHER END OF THE RANGE RELEGATED TO THE NEW YORK HARBOR...WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND AND THE LONG ISLAND SOUTH SHORE BACK BAYS. * HIGH SURF AND BEACH EROSION...BREAKING WAVES ARE EXPECTED TO BUILD TO 15 TO 20 FT ALONG OCEAN FACING SHORELINES BY LATE MONDAY INTO MONDAY NIGHT. THE DESTRUCTIVE WAVES ON TOP OF THE STORM SURGE WILL CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEAREST TO SEA LEVEL. AT THE SAME TIME...5 TO 10 FT WAVES ARE POSSIBLE ALONG EXPOSED EASTERN AND NORTHEASTERN FACING PORTIONS OF LONG ISLAND SOUND...PECONIC BAY...AND NEW YORK HARBOR. THIS IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE MAJOR BEACH EROSION AND WASHOVERS. THIS WILL ESPECIALLY BE FELT FOR FIRE ISLAND COMMUNITIES SUCH AS FAIR HARBOR...OCEAN BEACH...CHERRY GROVE...FIRE ISLAND PINES AND DAVIS PARK. * TIMING...MINOR TO LOCALLY MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING IS LIKELY WITH THE HIGH TIDES THROUGH TONIGHT...WITH WIDESPREAD MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING LIKELY BY THE MONDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE. MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING...POSSIBLY TO RECORD LEVELS...IS LIKELY DURING THE MONDAY NIGHT HIGH TIDE CYCLES. MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING IN POSSIBLE INTO THE TUESDAY MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON HIGH TIDES CYCLE. * IMPACTS...A LONG DURATION COASTAL FLOOD EVENT IS EXPECTED WITH MINOR COASTAL TO LOCALLY MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING THROUGH TONIGHT AND MODERATE TO MAJOR FLOODING ON MONDAY...WITH POTENTIALLY RECORD BREAKING FLOODING MONDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. THE EXACT TRACK AND TIMING OF THE COASTAL STORM WILL DETERMINE THE MAGNITUDE OF COASTAL FLOODING MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING`S HIGH TIDE CYCLES...BUT THE POTENTIAL IS INCREASING FOR SIGNIFICANT INUNDATION AND DAMAGE TO STRUCTURES IN HISTORICALLY FLOOD PRONE SPOTS.

American Legion Hall Available as Shelter - Parking at Wildlife Preserve - and more

I have just been advised that the Broad Channel American Legion Hall (located on the north/high side of town) will be available as a shelter if any resident requires it.

As more information becomes available I will post it.

The Wildlife Preserve parking and grass area are full at this time.

Due to expected severe weather conditions, all MTA subway, and commuter rails suspended citywide as of Sunday, 10/28/12 at 7:00 PM. MTA bus service will be suspended as of Sunday, 10/28/12 at 9PM. Currently, there is no estimated time for service restoration.  

Message from Assemblyman Goldfeder

Mandatory evacuation for Zone A, including Rockaway, Broad Channel and Hamilton Beach Residents

We expect the storm to reach our city early Monday, with the peak of the storm arriving later in the day. While it is not likely to produce significant rainfall, sustained winds from 40-60 miles per hour with gusts up to 70 mph and moderate to severe storm surge of 6 to 11 feet are predicted over an extended period of time. Winds are expected to pick up very early Monday morning, with the most intense period of wind and elevated water levels occurring from mid-day Monday through Tuesday afternoon.

At this time there is a mandatory evacuation for Rockaway, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach and for any residents who live in Zone A. To find if you live in Zone A click here. If you are concerned about the impact of flooding or power outages on your home and would like to seek shelter elsewhere, there are currently 72 city shelters already available throughout the boroughs and they will remain open for the duration of the storm. Below is a list of the storm shelter/evacuation center near you or click here for a full list from the OEM website:

As you know, this is a serious and dangerous storm.

At 7.p.m. tonight the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin to orderly suspend of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service including the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. People should stay off the roads as much as possible. Conditions may become dangerous, and any traffic would impede our emergency services.

Evacuation Zones near you:

YORK COLLEGE
94-20 GUY R BREWER BLVD
QUEENS 11433

JOHN ADAMS HS - Q
101-01 ROCKAWAY BLVD
OZONE PARK 11417

P.S. 108 - QUEENS
108-10 109 AVENUE
S. OZONE PARK 11420

P.S. 117 - QUEENS
85-15 143RD STREET
JAMAICA 11435

MARTIN VAN BUREN HS - Q
230-17 HILLSIDE AVENUE
QUEENS VILLAGE 11427

I.S. 109 - QUEENS
213-10 92 AVENUE
QUEENS VILLAGE 11428

HILLCREST HS - Q
160-05 HIGHLAND AVENUE
JAMAICA 11432

These facilities are open to anyone who needs them, will provide a safe
place to sleep, and will have food. Pets are welcome.

All shelters have at least one entrance usable for wheelchairs. More
information is available via 311, the OEM website and the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities website, both of which will also provide
information about accessible transportation.

Schools:
ALL public schools are closed on Monday.

Healthcare Facilities:
Yesterday the city recommended that healthcare, nursing, and acute care facilities in low-lying areas take steps in preparation for the storm. These recommendations include halting new admissions, discharging those patients who can leave, and making arrangements for those who need to remain in care.

Parks and Beaches:
All city parks will close at 5pm today (Sunday.)
Any events scheduled in parks today will conclude at 2pm.
Please emphasize to your constituents that going to parks and
beaches during the storm will be very dangerous. Falling tree branches and
strong ocean currents will be constant threats.

Construction:
The Department of Buildings has mandated that all outdoor
construction be suspended as of 5pm today.

Staying Safe and Being Prepared:
All New Yorkers are encouraged to stock up on necessary supplies. A guide for storm preparations can be found here. During the storm flying debris will be a risk. People should stay
away from windows and draw their shades.

Staying Informed
· For the latest updates on the storm, New Yorkers can:
o Visit the NYC Severe Weather site on NYC.gov
o Follow @nycmayorsoffice Twitter
o Sign up for notifications from Notify NYC

We will continue to update you as the storm progresses.

Remember...

1) Check your emergency supply kits and make sure your Go Bags are stocked and ready to go with supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. Also note, this storm has potential to take down trees and power lines.

2) Keep Streets and Catch Basins Clean: A major contributing factor to flooding is a catch basin clogged by garbage or leaves. New Yorkers can do their part by sweeping and cleaning their driveway and the area in front of their property or business of debris such as leaves, paper and general garbage. In addition, City forces staff will be going out to known flooding hot spots through the City over the next few days to inspect and clean catch basins.

3) Protect your property: Please do everything you can to protect your property against flooding. This includes raising or removing valuables and appliances (heaters, TV's, refrigerators, etc) off the ground in basements or low floors. More information is included in the attached brochure.

4) Report Flooding to 311 via phone or on-line: If you experience any flooding or sewer back-ups, please report them to 311, either by calling 311 or going on-line at www.nyc.gov. The City has added additional staff at 311 in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

5) To find out if you live in the hurricane evacuation zone (residents of Hamilton Beach and Rockaway are recommended to check), click here for a map:

Let's hope that the hurricane will track away from New York, but in the event that it doesn't, we must be prepared. Please take every necessary precaution and from my family to yours, please have a safe weekend.

Best,

Phil Goldfeder

Member of Assembly

Broad Channel Ordered to Evacuate

The MTA will suspend subway, bus and commuter rail service tonight and city public schools will be closed tomorrow in advance of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York, authorities announced.

Mayor Bloomberg also ordered coastal areas of New York City, known as "Zone A," evacuated. Those high-risk areas include the Rockaways, parts of Staten Island, City Island, the South Bronx, Battery Park City and the Lower East Side.



 

MTA to Suspend Service

Governor Cuomo and MTA Chairman Joe Lhota have announced that the MTA will begin to shut down the city’s transit network starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Bus service will halt at 9 p.m., and all commuter rail and subway service will be suspended as of 3 a.m. Monday morning ahead of what forecasters are predicting to be a very bad storm in the New York area, and there will be no transit service in the city for the Monday morning rush hour. “It is unsafe to operate trains in high winds,” the Governor said this morning.

 

Parks Department Advisory Re: Sandy

In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, the Parks Department will close all parks, playgrounds and beaches at 5 p.m.on Sunday, October 28, 2012. All events are cancelled after 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Surfing is prohibited at all beaches throughout the course of the storm. These facilities are closed until further notice. \

We urge people to stay out of parks and proceed with caution on tree-lined sidewalks in the event of falling trees or branches. To report downed trees or branches, please call 311. In case of emergency, please call 911.

The following facilities are closed as of 5 p.m. Sunday, October 28. This information will be updated as it is available:

• All City Parks
• All City Playgrounds
• All City beaches - Surfing is prohibited at all beaches throughout the course of the storm.
• All Recreation Centers
• All Nature Centers in parks
• Greenmarkets, citywide

All park events are cancelled after 2 p.m. Sunday, October 28, and will remain suspended until further notice. This information will be updated as it is available.

High Tide Storm Surge Projections

[Astronomical High Tide Height + projected maximum surge height = Total tide height]

Sunday 8:18 P.M. 5.5' High Tide with a 1-2 foot urge = 6.5 - 7.5 foot total tide height

Monday 8:38 A.M. 6.0' High Tide with a 2-4 foot surge = 8.0 - 10.0  foot total tide height

Monday 8:59 P.M. 5.3' High Tide with a 5-10 foot surge = 10.3 - 15.3 foot total tide height

Tueday 9:14 A.M. 6.0' High Tide with a 5-10 foot surge = 11.0 - 16.0 foot total tide height

NOTE:

Although the above projected maximum storm surge heights are frightening, a check with the National Weather Service's Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge Probability Model application indicates that there is a less than 10% probability that the storm surge height will exceed 8 feet during this storm, additionally, although the moon will be full it is also approaching apogee (furthest distance from earth) so its gravitational attraction of the ocean will be lessened.  Every little bit helps!

 

GIVEN THE LARGE WIND FIELD ASSOCIATED WITH SANDY...ELEVATED WATER

LEVELS COULD SPAN MULTIPLE TIDE CYCLES RESULTING IN REPEATED AND

EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIDAL FLOODING. 

The exact track of Sandy is critical to determine the worst of the storm surge and as such, the above storm surge projections are tentative at this time and are dependent on the strength, speed and exact location of the storm as it approaches us.  I will keep you advised of any changes to the above projections as they become available.

(As a matter or reference, Tropical Storm Irene which hit us here in Broad Channel in August of 2011 at high tide had a storm surge of 4 to 8 feet.)

Coastal Flood Warning Issued

Coastal Flood Warning

COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
1123 PM EDT SAT OCT 27 2012

...MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED MONDAY MORNING
INTO TUESDAY MORNING...

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO
3 PM EDT TUESDAY...

* LOCATIONS...ALONG LONG ISLAND SOUND...THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN
  SHORES OF LONG ISLAND...NEW YORK HARBOR...THE ARTHUR KILL...AND
  TIDALLY AFFECTED PORTIONS OF THE HUDSON AND CONNECTICUT RIVERS.

* TIDAL DEPARTURES...1 TO 1 1/2 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES SUNDAY
  NIGHT...2 TO 4 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES MONDAY MORNING...AND
  POTENTIAL FOR 5 TO 10 FT ABOVE MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY
  MORNING. THE HIGHER END OF THE RANGE RELEGATED TO THE MOST FLOOD
  PRONE COASTAL LOCATIONS.

* TIMING...MINOR COASTAL FLOODING IS LIKELY WITH THE EVENING HIGH
  TIDES ON SUNDAY...WITH WIDESPREAD MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING
  LIKELY BY THE MONDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE. MAJOR COASTAL
  FLOODING...POSSIBLY TO RECORD LEVELS...IS LIKELY DURING THE
  MONDAY NIGHT HIGH TIDE CYCLES. MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL
  FLOODING IN POSSIBLE INTO THE TUESDAY MORNING AND EARLY
  AFTERNOON HIGH TIDES CYCLE.

* IMPACTS...A LONG DURATION AND MAJOR COASTAL FLOOD EVENT IS
  EXPECTED TO START SUNDAY NIGHT AND PEAK MONDAY NIGHT INTO
  TUESDAY MORNING. THE EXACT TRACK/TIMING OF THE COASTAL STORM
  WILL DETERMINE THE MAGNITUDE OF COASTAL FLOODING MONDAY NIGHT
  THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING`S HIGH TIDE CYCLES...BUT THE POTENTIAL
  IS INCREASING FOR SIGNIFICANT INUNDATION AND MODERATE DAMAGE
  TO STRUCTURES IN HISTORICALLY FLOOD PRONE SPOTS.

High Wind Watch Issued for Broad Channel....

High Wind Watch

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
436 PM EDT SAT OCT 27 2012

...DANGEROUS COASTAL STORM EXPECTED MONDAY INTO TUESDAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
281000-
/O.NEW.KOKX.HW.A.0003.121029T1000Z-121030T2200Z/
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-
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-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
436 PM EDT SAT OCT 27 2012

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS...SOUTHEAST NEW YORK...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND
  SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT.

* HAZARDS...DAMAGING WINDS OF LONG DURATION.

* WINDS...NORTHEAST INCREASING TO 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS 50 TO 60
  MPH MONDAY MORNING...BECOMING EAST 40 TO 55 MPH WITH GUSTS 70 TO
  80 MPH MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN BECOMING SOUTHEAST
  35 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS 50 TO 60 MPH LATE MONDAY NIGHT INTO
  TUESDAY.

* TIMING...MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON. STRONGEST
  WINDS ARE EXPECTED MONDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT.

* IMPACTS...A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY EXISTS.
  PREPARE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF MODERATE WIND DAMAGE. WINDS WILL
  BE CAPABLE OF DOWNING TREES AND SNAPPING OFF LARGE TREE
  BRANCHES. POWER OUTAGES COULD LAST AT LEAST SEVERAL DAYS. DEBRIS
  WILL BLOCK SOME ROADS. MINOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS AND
  HOMES IS POSSIBLE. WINDOWS IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS COULD BE
  BROKEN BY FLYING DEBRIS.

Hurricane Update (sort of....)

If you live in Broad Channel you have to have a sense of humor.....we may all be singing along with Johnny Cash this week!

 

E-Mail from Lew Simon

Received the below email from Lew Simon a few minutes ago:

Pete:

 

My prayers are with you and all of my Broad Channel family .

I live in Rockaway Park first house on the beach .

I'm as frightened as all .

I'm here if anyone needs me .

We will survive !

Lew Simon

Coastal Flood Watch Issued for Broad Channel area....

Event:	Coastal Flood Watch
Alert:	...INCREASING THREAT OF MODERATE TO SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FLOODING SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY... ...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT. * LOCATIONS...COASTLINES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND...THE SOUTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND...AND NEW YORK HARBOR. * TIDAL DEPARTURES...1 TO 1 1/2 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES SUNDAY NIGHT. 2 TO 3 FT ABOVE ASTRONOMICAL TIDES MONDAY MORNING INTO TUESDAY MORNING...WITH POSSIBLE HIGHER DEPARTURES DEPENDENT UPON THE TRACK OF SANDY. * BEACH EROSION...MAJOR BEACH EROSION WILL BE POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND AND SOUTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND BEGINNING MONDAY. * TIMING...MINOR COASTAL FLOODING IS POSSIBLE ALONG WITH THE EVENING HIGH TIDES ON SUNDAY...WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR WIDESPREAD MODERATE FLOODING BY MONDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE AND LASTING UNTIL TUESDAY MORNING. * IMPACTS...WIDESPREAD MODERATE FLOODING ASSOCIATED WITH THE HIGH TIDES MONDAY COULD LEAD TO WIDESPREAD FLOODING OF VULNERABLE AREAS ALONG ALL THE COAST LINES. A PERSISTENT AND INCREASING EASTERLY FLOW IS EXPECTED DURING THIS TIME...KEEPING AREAS POSSIBLY FLOODED DURING SUCCESSIVE HIGH TIDE CYCLES. MONDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE... COASTAL............TIME OF......FORECAST TOTAL.....FLOOD..... LOCATION...........HIGH TIDE.....WATER LEVEL.......CATEGORY.. ...................................(MLLW).................... THE BATTERY NYC.....831 AM.........8.7.............MODERATE.. BERGEN POINT NY.....830 AM.........9.2.............MODERATE.. E ROCKAWAY INLET NY.814 AM.........7.6.............MODERATE.. FREEPORT GAGE NY....858 AM..........6.1.............MODERATE.. KINGS POINT NY......1159 AM........11.7............MODERATE.. LATTINGTOWN NY......1158 AM........11.2............MODERATE.. STAMFORD CT.........1131 AM........10.1............MODERATE.. BRIDGEPORT CT.......1128 AM........11.7............MODERATE.. NEW LONDON CT.......928 AM.........5.2.............MINOR.....
Instructions:	A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR FLOODING ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP. COASTAL RESIDENTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR LATER STATEMENTS OR WARNINGS...AND TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT PROPERTY.
Target Area:	Bronx Kings (Brooklyn) New York (Manhattan) Northeast Suffolk Northern Nassau Northern Queens Northwest Suffolk Richmond (Staten Is.) Southeast Suffolk Southern Nassau Southern Queens Southern Westchester Southwest Suffolk

Tropical Storm Sandy Sandy (Update #10)

STORM STATUS REPORT

Effective this morning at 5:00 a.m., a status report on Sandy will be posted in the top right hand column of this blog every 3 to 4 hours.

This status report will provide you with:

Category:  The current clasification of the storm (Tropical Storm - winds 39-73 mph or Hurricane - winds 74+mph)

Location:  The distance of the center of the storm from Broad Channel at the time of the status report.

Movement:  The direction and speed of the storm at the time of the status report

Wind:  Sustained wind speed of the storm (in mph) at the time of the status report.

Pressure:  Barometric presure of the storm's center (in millibars) at the time of the status report

(*) Landfall Track:  The projected track of the storm's center landfall at the time of the status report.

Evacuation Order:  Status of any Mayoral Evacuation Order for Broad Channel (Mandatory, Voluntary, None)


(*): Note - a projected landfall track south of Broad Channel indicates that our community is in danger of serious storm surge tidal flooding starting early Monday morning and continuing through Tuesday. 

We will be monitoring the storm very closely and it's impact on Broad Channel over the next few days and, absent a power outage, we will continue to post updates, advisories, pictures and all other pertinent information on this site as they become available.

Before the storm hits, please check with your neighbors to ascertain if they require assistance and then stay in contact with each other during the storm.

Once the storm starts in earnest, with area winds projected at 60 - 80 mph and an accompanying serious storm surge tide, please stay inside your home until the storm passes so as not to risk serious injury.

If you have any information, pictures, questions or comments you would like to share with your neighbors please email us at w12thrdblockassociation@gmail.com or call me directly at 718-945-0805 and we will post them right away.
As an aside, I received the below email from one of our neighbors last evening which all of you should be aware of.

Pete: There is a flyer being put in peoples mailboxes, advertising an "adjuster" service in case home is
damaged during Hurricane Sandy. It appears to be a legitimate business; however, they charge the homeowner for the service.

Most insurance companies, FEMA, and National Flood send out their own adjustors, and the service is free.

Mentioning this, just so folks know they don't have to be paying anything out of pocket in case they need help if there is damage from the storm.

 

Hurricane Sandy (Update #9)

As it stands right now (5:00 pm), Sandy is expected to continue its northward track along the coast until Sunday at which time it is anticiated that the storm will track west towards the coast.

At this time computer forecasts are showing landfall on the coast somewhere between Deleware and New England.  Current projections favor a landfall of Sandy's Center to the south of us near the Delewar/New Jersey border but those forecasts will change as Sandy draws closer.   

Exact tracking of the Sandy's landfall will probably start coming together late tomorrow into Sunday when the storm starts its westward turn towards the coast.

There is still some wiggle room regarding where the storm's center will make landfall.  The best  case scenario for Broad Channel would be a landfall to our north, or even a direct hit by the storm's center. Both scenarios would mitigate serious storm surge tidal flooding of our community.

On the other hand, any landfall of the storm's center to our south would subject our area to serious storm surge tidal flooding. (Note: A storm surge is not a wave, but rather it is a building of the ocean due to the wind. The drag exerted on the ocean by the strong winds of a hurricane/nor'easter literally shoves more and more water toward the coast. This results in a piling-up effect and the height of sea level increases as the storm nears.)

Obviously we have all been through this before but it doesn’t hurt to review the basics.

Make sure that any loose articles (deck furniture, barbeques, bicycles, garbage cans, flower pots/planters, etc.) are secured.

Check all floating docks to ensure they are secure with sufficient play to obviate breakage in the event of extremely high storm surge tidal flooding.  Raise and secure your dock’s ramp as well.

Make sure you have a working (battery) powered radio and flashlights on hand in the event of a power outage.

In the event the storm track does indicate a landfall to our south, seriously consider evacuating children, the elderly and the infirm to higher ground inland.

Make sure all propane cylinders are thoroughly secured.  During Irene many residents, not dependent on propane for heating, disconnected their tanks from the house lines to prevent damage to the lines/regulators should they be torn away from the house.

Move your private vehicles to high ground prior to Sunday evening.

Check with your neighbors to ascertain if they require assistance and maintain telephone contact with each other during the storm.

Any member of your household requiring routine medications should have sufficient quantities of those meds for at least 3 days.

Ensure sufficient food and water is on hand to suffice for the duration of the storm.  (Don’t forget your pets.)

In the event of an emergency contact the BCVFD at 474-8888.,

 

Hurricane Sandy (Update #8)

Mayor Bloomberg's Press Conference regarding Hurricane Sandy earlier this afternoon.

[Start viewing at 9:20]

 

Stay Prepared and Be Ready!

 

While the forecast still remains uncertain, my office has been in constant contact with New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and other city and state agencies to ensure that we are updated on the progression of the storm and actions being taken to protect our families and neighborhood.

Currently, there is a chance that our community will experience hurricane or tropical storm conditions as early as sunset on Sunday. This storm is different from Hurricane Irene in that it is predicted to gradually build strength as it moves into New York City and we may experience an increasing build up of heavy winds, severe rain, and strong storm surges for several days from Sunday into late Tuesday.

In Rockaway, agencies are already working to prepare and ensure the safety of residents and our beaches. Presently, the Parks Department is mobilizing equipment and personnel to ready the beach for a storm and take action to protect vulnerable areas, including buildings located on the beach, openings in the fascia boards along Shore Front Parkway, the B. 91st St. ramp and the baffle walls in Belle Harbor and Neponsit. Additionally, they will also be placing sand bags around all boardwalk buildings and removing all garbage cans and other non fixed objects on the beach and boardwalk.

I want to thank all the agencies that are hard at work monitoring and preparing for the potential threat and all the residents that have called my office with updates and suggestions.

Now is the time to prepare and take proactive steps to make sure you and your family are ready for any type of weather.

Remember...

1) Check your emergency supply kits and make sure your Go Bags are stocked and ready to go with supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. Also note, this storm has potential to take down trees and power lines.

2) Keep Streets and Catch Basins Clean: A major contributing factor to flooding is a catch basin clogged by garbage or leaves. New Yorkers can do their part by sweeping and cleaning their driveway and the area in front of their property or business of debris such as leaves, paper and general garbage. In addition, City forces staff will be going out to known flooding hot spots through the City over the next few days to inspect and clean catch basins.

3) Protect your property: Please do everything you can to protect your property against flooding. This includes raising or removing valuables and appliances (heaters, TV's, refrigerators, etc) off the ground in basements or low floors. More information is included in the attached brochure.

4) Report Flooding to 311 via phone or on-line: If you experience any flooding or sewer back-ups, please report them to 311, either by calling 311 or going on-line at www.nyc.gov. The City has added additional staff at 311 in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

5) To find out if you live in the hurricane evacuation zone (residents of Hamilton Beach and Rockaway are recommended to check), click here for a map:

Let's hope that the hurricane will track away from New York, but in the event that it doesn't, we must be prepared. Please take every necessary precaution and from my family to yours, please have a safe weekend.

Best,

Phil Goldfeder

Member of Assembly

 

Hurricane Sandy (Update #7)

The worst of the storm is expected to be Monday through Tuesday, but the storm's aftermath may linger days later. Conditions will begin to deteriorate in our area Sunday and Sunday night.

Storm surge flooding will occur over a much larger area, when compared to a hurricane and more severe than a typical nor'easter. Sandy has the potential to bring historic storm surge flooding near and north of the center. It is possible our area will experience some of the worst coastal flooding on record, depending on exactly where the storm tracks.  If these predictions hold true, we will see yet another instance of the "bay meeting the bay" on Cross Bay Boulevard.

Meteorologists are expecting a storm surge of 5 to 10 feet, but locally higher levels are possible near and just north of the storm track. The full moon of Monday, Oct 29th will add to high tide levels spanning the 28th through the 30th.

Sandy will not be your typical hurricane when it moves in from the southeast. Hurricanes are small and compact.  Sandy will be more like a large nor'easter on steroids. It could have the strength of a Category 1 hurricane. Tropical storm and hurricane-force wind gusts will extend out hundreds of miles from the center.

The storm surge tide that accompanied Tropical Storm Irene in August of last year, although high, dissipated relatively quickly as the storm passed our area moving north without making landfall.

Surge tide flooding from Sandy will be similar, if not worse than Irene's, and will continue for a much more protracted period of time as the storm approaches the coast and makes landfall to the south of New York.

Hurricane Sandy (Update #6)

It presently appears that that the center of Hurricane Sandy will approach the coast and make landfall somewhere to the south of our area.

That would place us north of the storm's center and thus vulnerable to the effects of storm surge.

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical  tides.

Storm surge should not be confused with storm tide, which is defined as the total water level rise due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. 

The astronomical high tide heights for Monday and Tuesday mornings are both 6 feet .  Storm surge from from Sandy may exceed 5 feet.  That would result in a storm tide of 11 or more feet at times of high tide.

To make matters worse, it appears that Sandy will be a rather slow moving storm as it approaches and makes landfall with it's 80 mph onshore winds in our area for a protracted period of time making it difficult for tidal water to flow back into the bay after the time of high tide.

That being said, the exact track of Sandy after it turns towards the coast late Sunday is still far from certain but landfall anywhere to the south of New York City will not be good news for us here in Broad Channel.

We will kep you updated.

Hurricane Sandy (Update #5)

It looks like Sandy is going to make our acquaintance!

While the dangerous storm is still days away, the probability of the feared left hook has increased and will take place during a big atmospheric fight from the mid-Atlantic to New England and neighboring Canada. The result could be a knockout blow to some areas and not only along the immediate coast.

Most of the computer models now forecast Sandy to initially track N/E away from the coast but then abruptly turn back towards the East Coast and make landfall.

Exactly where this change of direction takes place is critical for the worst impacts, which have the potential to be very disruptive, if not very damaging and in some cases life-threatening.  Presently, our area here in NYC has been designated to be at "High Risk" for a direct landfall early next week.

 

 

Some areas will be hit with damaging winds, power outages, flooding rainfall, battering surf and storm surge. Windswept rain will slow travel in general. Some roads may be blocked by high water and downed trees. Air travel disruptions could radiate outward from the epicenter.

Anywhere near the storm center to 100 miles or more to the northeast of the center during landfall, there is an elevated risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge.

 

The storm will be making landfall around the same date as the full moon. There is the potential for a storm surge of five feet or more when this storm hits.

The strongest winds would also occur near and northeast of the storm center to within a few hours during landfall. Gusts to hurricane force (74 mph) are possible. However, gusts (40 to 60 mph) can occur for a time around much of the storm's circulation out to at least 100 miles and perhaps more.

The details of exactly where landfall occurs will not be apparent perhaps until the left turn actually begins this weekend. However, the zone likely to experience the most damaging and disruptive effects will be narrowed down as more information become available and updated here.

The opportunity to protect property will end quickly in this situation. If you want to take precautionary measures, waiting until Sunday evening to do so may be too late.

Don't put yourself in harm's way during the storm later Sunday into Tuesday.

Hurricane Sandy (Update #4)

There is a consensus forming in weather forecast models that Sandy is unlikely to go out to sea. Computer forecast models (above) continue to indicate that the steering pattern for Hurricane Sandy, now a Category 2 storm, is setting up to be a potential major concern for our area.

A so-called "blocking pattern" in the upper levels of the atmosphere over the Atlantic appears to be strong enough that it most likely will not allow the storm to turn east into the open Atlantic, but, rather, drive northward just off the East Coast where it will merge with a strong cold front and transition into a powerhouse storm along the east coast Sunday through Wednesday. 

The track of this storm should solidify in the next 24 hours and we will keep you advised of all new information as it becomes available and residents of Broad Channel should remain vigilant and be prepared to take action in the next few days.