Morris events cancelled as Christie declares emergency
Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency as forecasters tried to figure out Hurricane Joaquin’s path and people began cancelling events and changing plans.
“I need all of you to begin to prepare today,” Christie said. “We are not quite sure whether this is gonna be a single punch or a double punch. There’s no question there’s gonna be a single punch. … We need you to prepare and not panic.”
The single punch was a rain storm that was expected to arrive Thursday night and continue through Saturday night or even Sunday morning, dropping as much as two inches of rain if not more.
As of Friday morning, the entire state was under some kind of flood watch, warning or advisory from the National Weather Service, which is telling people to be prepared for rising water levels and not to drive through flood waters.
The path of Hurricane Joaquin is unclear, but the state climatologist said it’s likely to be felt in some way in New Jersey no matter where it turns — and that it’s not expected to be as severe as 2012’s Superstorm Sandy even if it makes a direct hit on the shore.
SEE ALSO: Hurricane Joaquin: Does it compare to Sandy? http://dailyre.co/1KUrZpL
There are disparate possibilities for where the storm may head, and that’s why state climatologist David Robinson called it a “problem child.”
If it hits the state directly, he said, it could cause heavy rains like Tropical Storm Irene did in 2011. A storm hitting Long Island could put New Jersey on its rainy side.
If it makes landfall in Virginia or the Carolinas, the major impact on New Jersey would more likely be strong winds.
SEE ALSO: Hurricane Joaquin batters Bahamas as U.S. braces for 'historic' floods http://dailyre.co/1KQ67y5
Flood advisory
Jeffrey S. Paul, director of the Office of Emergency Management, said his office continues to monitor the storm and that “significant variability currently exists.”
“Periods of rain will be likely Sunday night and Monday and this could become heavy at times,” Paul said in a statement. “Breezy conditions can be expected today through Sunday with wind gusts to 30-35 mph possible. Higher gusts will be possible Sunday night and Monday depending on the ultimate track of Joaquin.”
NJ Transit, Amtrak: We're ready for Joaquin
JCP&L crews mobilized; NJDOT prepares
First Energy/Jersey Central Power and Light has activated storm plans and additional crews have already been mobilized ahead of the storm. The First Energy customer call centers will be fully staffed. Customers who are without power should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the “Report Outage” link at www.firstenergycorp.com
FirstEnergy customers also can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications. For more information, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.
New Jersey Department of Transportation officials issued a statement saying they had begun taking steps to prepare for the impending storm.
Over the past 48 hours, DOT maintenance forces have been clearing drainage systems on state highways and roads to ensure they remain clear and safe for passage. Additionally, all regional Emergency Operations Centers have been testing communication systems and will be ready as needed, the statement said.
Throughout the storm, NJDOT will have more than 700 highway technicians, electricians and mechanics activated. More than 500 dump trucks, front end loaders, bucket trucks, light towers and tree cutting equipment will be activated and pre-positioned for use, the statement said.
Cancellations in Morris area
The weather has already had an impact locally with organizers of some weekend events opting to cancel or postpone.
The Grand Harvest Wine Festival in Morristown scheduled for Saturday and Sunday has been postponed. The event, which was to be held outdoors, will be held Oct. 24 and Oct. 25.
Drew University is holding presidential inaugural festivities this weekend but has cancelled a fireworks show that was to be part of the event.
The Just Jersey Food Truck & Music Fest event, originally scheduled for Oct. 3, has been rescheduled to Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://justjerseyfest.com.
The Head Start Community Health Fair & 50th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed until Oct. 17. It will be held that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 18 Thompson Ave., Dover.
The 9th Annual Hackettstown Community Day, scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled, according to a press release from the Hackettstown police. Anyone that won Quick Chek gift cards can pick them up at the Hackettstown police station starting Monday.
“The safety of all attendees is of the utmost importance and although we regret having to cancel the event, we look forward bringing Community Day back in 2016,” said Sgt. Darren Tynan.
SEE ALSO:
Morris County OEM offers preparedness tips http://morriscountypr.blogspot.com/2015/10/hurricane-joaquin-preparedness-update.html
The Associated Press contributed to this report.