Politics & Government

In Anticipation of Hurricane Irene, Gov. Christie Declares State of Emergency

Gov. Chris Christie is telling NJ residents to take Irene seriously.

Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

This declaration allows the National Guard to begin mobilizing preparation and relief efforts for the storm.

In a news conference at State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, he urged tourists to abandon their plans for a weekend trip to the Jersey Shore and for residents to instead immediately focus on hurricane preparedness.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a Tweet sent Thursday afternoon, the governor's office urged residents to check the website of the state Office of Emergency Management for more information on how to prepare,

The forecast track of Hurricane Irene will cause significant impacts regardless of its exact course, forecasters from the National Hurricane Center warned in an update released at 11 am Thursday.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hurricane Irene, currently a category 3 storm bearing down on the Bahamas, is expected to hit the Jersey Shore area by Sunday, forecasters predict.

How hard the storm will hit is not known. But current predictions from the National Weather Service put the storm arriving in the area late Saturday or early Sunday, bringing high winds and heavy rain.

"The threat of this is increasing,'' the service said in the latest weather advisory. "Since tides are astronomically high, the presence of Irene may cause moderate coastal flooding during high tide, especially Sunday.''

The following are suggested actions to be taken prior to the storm's arrival:

  • Check battery-powered equipment such as radios and flashlights. Buy extra batteries.
  • Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind.
  • Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. 
  • Be aware of where evacuation routes are located.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food items and water.
  • Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.
  • Be familiar with the telephone number of your local Office of Emergency Management. The number for the Middlesex County OEM is 732-316-7100.
  • In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. The Woodbridge Police Department's non-emergency number is 732-634-7700.

Residents are urged not to enter flooded roadways.

Stay tuned today as Patch brings you regular updates as well as important emergency information.


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