High Winds and Possible Coastal Flooding Wednesday Evening/Thursday Morning...

Our area will be impacted by a winter storm Wednesday with heavy rains and strong easterly winds (25 to 40 mph) gusting to 60 mph.

As the heaviest rain invades the Northeast, strong winds will develop along the mid-Atlantic coast on Wednesday afternoon.

The burst of strong winds will then push northward along the coast, whipping through our area during the evening  of Wednesday 12/26 and morning of Thursday 12/27..

If this storm tracks as presently expected, there will be possible tidal flooding as the Wednesday evening high tide will be at 7:13 pm (4.5 feet) but winds at that time are expected to be gusting 50 to 60 mph from the east which will could result in a 6 to7 foot tide and the Thursday morning 7:26 am high tide (5.5 feet) could result in an 8 to 9 foot tide. 

 NOTE: TOTAL WATER LEVEL HEIGHTS WILL DEPEND ON EXACT TIMING OF STORM TRACK. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS THE HIGHEST STORM SURGE WILL OCCUR BEFORE THE THURSDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE RESULTING IN THE LOWER RANGE OF STORM TIDE.

Suggested Precautions......

We are all still recovering from the enormous damage we sustained just 58 days ago with Hurricane Sandy's storm surge so take some time to ensure you don't sustain any additional damage to your property. 

Safeguard your car(s) and make sure they are parked well away from low lying areas prone to street tidal flooding well in advance of Wednesday evening's 7:13 pm high tide through Thursday morning's high tide.  Coastal flood projections for this storm would suggest that the Cross Bay Boulevard median will suffice to keep your vehicles dry.

Prolonged wind gusts of 50-60 mph could result in a loss of power so make sure you have emergency lighting and a battery powered radio on hand just in case.

 If your house is under construction or structurally compromised, take additional precautions as high winds will push the heavy rain through any openings on your structure.  Ensure that any electrical wiring or panels are not exposed to water seepage during this storm. If your house is covered with a tarp make sure it is securely tied down.

Any loose debris on your property should be secured to prevent damage from such debris being being thrown about.

Talk to your friends and neighbors to make sure they are aware of Wednesday evening's pending storm.

Check the houses of any of your neighbors who may still be displaced because of Hurricane Sandy to make sure the residence is secured.