Cranford Prepares As Hurricane Sandy Threatens Northeast

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.