Cranford Prepares As Hurricane Sandy Threatens Northeast
The township is closing municipal lots and distributing sand bags in advance of a possible storm that could hit early next week.
It's already been dubbed "Frankenstorm" and "The Perfect Storm," but all kidding aside, local officials are taking Hurricane Sandy seriously, as it threatens to hit the northeast.
Forecasters say it's still too early to predict the exact path of the storm and the potential impact, but because some models suggest a "perfect storm" is possible, they are urging residents to monitor the progress of the system. Hurricane Sandy hit Jamaica on Wednesday evening and is on a course that will carry it across the Bahamas and up the Atlantic Ocean. National Weather Service forecasters say it's possible that the storm could remain over the open water of the ocean and create minor tidal flooding, big surf and some wind.
In preparation for the possibility that Hurricane Sandy will hit Cranford, TV35 conducted a live broadcast at 8 p.m. Thursday night with storm preparation information. Due to the damages incurred during Hurricane Irene, TV35 can only broadcast live so the show only aired last night.
Here is some additional information provided by the Cranford Police Department that residents need to know:
- Municipal Lot #8 will be closed Friday, Oct. 26 for storm preparation by PSE&G. Commuters are to utilize lot #6 on High Street or the parking garage.
- Municipal Lot #1 will be closed Friday, Oct. 26 for the duration of the storm for use by township and emergency service vehicles and equipment.
- The DPW will have sandbags available for township residents starting Friday, Oct. 26 at noon. There will be a limit of 10 bags per household.
- The flood gates have been opened as of this afternoon and the portable pumps have been deployed.
- For those residents in the southwest quadrant of town having their water pipes repaired/replaced, New Jersey American Water has notified us they will be removing any equipment from low lying areas. In addition they will have a crew on standby dedicated just to Cranford in the event any issues surface.
- Residents are asked to keep their leaves out of the street and catch basins. The DPW will be clearing critical sites.
This afternoon, Congressman Leonard Lance, R-7, will meet with officials and first responders at 3 p.. at town hall in an effort to update the township on the preparations being made by the state and find out what the town is doing in advance of the storm.
For continuously updated information about the storm, continue to check Cranford Patch. Information will also be available by following @CranfordPatch on Twitter or on our Facebook Page.
Mr monde
6:04 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
great i get to lose my home again
Toniann Antonelli
8:51 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I'm really, really hoping that this storm turns and doesn't hit us directly. Cranford still hasn't recovered from Irene. Good luck to you and your family Mr. M.
Mr monde
9:39 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thank you!!
john
7:47 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
So nice to see the local politicians yesterday patting themselves on the back for taking over a year after the last disaster to "enter into an agreement" to start looking at potential steps for mitigating the flood problem. I'm sure they will be helping me clear out my house next week...oh that's right...instead they will be riding around in their caravan of SUV's taking pictures again! Disgraceful!!!
Craig M
8:27 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
I hate to sound like an insensitive a-hole, but if floods really bother you, you should consider moving out of the flood zone. You knew you were in a flood zone when you bought your house.
Tesspaul
9:14 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
Even if you know you are buying a house in a Flood zone, unless you are from town or have lived through a flood before, you have no idea what you are in for. It's easier said than done to move out. You have to start over and for many that's very difficult from a financial perspective. It's just not feasible for many residents living in Floyd zone.
john
9:14 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
Well you are an insensitive a-hole. My house flooded once in 40 yrs, and 3 times in the past 7! You think that's a coincidence?!? And how about all of the people who are going to get flooded that aren't in the flood zone and have no insurance! You are a D$ bag and deserve something bad to happen to you so maybe you will learn a little compassion for people!
Craig M
11:26 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
I am not talking about people who DON'T live in the flood zone. Anyone who is not in the flood zone and flooded has my sympathy, the rest of you knew what you were getting into. BTW-If your house flooded 3 times in the past 7 years, you just might be in a flood zone.
Monk
11:39 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
Good response, Craig M. Your comments seem directed toward those who take the risks, but don't want to pay the penalty. Maybe john is just smarting so much from his bad fortune that he isn't reading you correctly. People who take risks often cost others unnecessarily.
john
12:50 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
People like you two make me feel much better about the coming storm. My house may get wet but I will never be as cold hearted and miserable as you both seem are! I hope your good fortunes continue fellas! And I hope someone is there to throw it in your face when they don't!!!
Scotch plains resident
1:20 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Wow! This is not the time for sniping, gentlemen. Cranford is hardly below sea level like New Orleans. The flooding is unfortunate and is also related to all the overbuilding that takes way natural flood barriers. Unfortunately those who have had flooding or live in an identified flood zone will have a hard time selling their homes so they must cope with what is.
john
4:19 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
The most obvious sign of someone with zero character is a person who takes pleasure in others misfortunes. It's truly pathetic.
Craig M
4:46 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Never try to talk horse sense to a jackass. I'm done with this discussion. Happy bailing.
Dave Frank
1:21 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
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