What’s one more emergency?
New Jersey, operating under a declared health emergency since March, also will deal with an official weather emergency, starting at 5 am on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020.
Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency late Monday night, ahead of Hurricane Isaias, which is predicted to dump four- to six inches of rain on the Garden State and hurl wind gusts of up to 65 mph at Greater Morristown.
A Tropical Storm Warning and a Flash Flood Watch are in effect for our area. The National Weather Service says tornadoes are possible, too, along with coastal flooding and seas of 10- to 18 feet.
“Hurricane Isaias is expected to impact the state with severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall,” Gov. Murphy said in a statement. “The safety of our residents is our main priority, and we urge everyone to be informed of local weather conditions and to stay off the roads.”
The governor’s order enables him to provide state resources to help county- and local governments. It covers all 21 counties.
Murphy encouraged residents to visit ready.nj.gov for weather updates and safety information, and to heed local forecasts and warnings.
The National Weather Service issued these safety guidelines:
Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can
be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
