Countdown to 1 Year Anniversary of Super Storm Sandy - Sunday October 28, 2012 (1 day until storm surge)

One year ago the below information regarding approaching Hurricane Sandy was posted on this site.

***************

Sunday

October 28, 2012

[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.)

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.

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.

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.

We also received this message from Assemblyman Goldfeder...

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

Finally, the NYC Parks Department has issued the following advisory....

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.....NYC ParksDept