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Shore Prepares As Sandy Treks Closer

New forecast model shows greater threat to central New Jersey

 

An afternoon update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts the track of Hurricane Sandy will still lead the storm towards a landfall somewhere near Delaware Bay.

Meanwhile, however, a new forecast model is calling for a direct hit in central New Jersey.

"This storm is for real," said meteorologist Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com.

DiMartino said the latest European forecast model out at 2:30 p.m. showed the storm tracking more toward the Sandy Hook area than Delaware Bay.

No matter where landfall could occur, Jersey Shore residents and officials began preparing for the storm's wrath Friday, stocking up at stores and hauling boats out of the water.

State Police SUVs formed a convoy on Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant Borough, each towing large police boats from the agency's station on the Point Pleasant Canal. On Long Beach Island, a line of about 10 vehicles stretched along Division Street at the Surf City municipal boat ramp as local residents hurried to pull their vessels out of the water.

Down the street, the Tuckerton Lumber Company was already out of sand bags.

"You're just a little too late," an employee told a customer. "We sold out this morning."

In Monmouth County there have already been reports of gas stations being busier than usual and local stores running out of basic supplies including water and batteries.

No watches and warnings have been posted in New Jersey, though Cape May County's barrier islands and Mantoloking Borough, in Ocean County, each were under voluntary evacuations.

The National Hurricane Center's 2 p.m. update Friday showed Sandy tracking north at the snail's pace of 7 m.p.h. The weak category one hurricane was packing winds of 75 m.p.h. and was positioned about 430 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C.

The agency was still forecasting the storm to track south of where computer models forecasted earlier in the week, but the entire Shore Area was advised to keep tabs on the massive storm.

DiMartino said his expectation is that the official National Hurricane Center track will bring the projections on landfall a bit north this evening.

"All the models are having a difficult time with the track of this storm," he said.

About this column: News and essential information about Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Related Topics: Hurricane Sandy

John Adams

3:12 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012

Such BS to create havoc and help retail establishments increase sales for bs supplies that they would not sell otherwise. The elderly spend money they don't have stocking up on crap the weather and news channels endorse. Why aren't meteorologist ever held accountable for being wrong? Retailers raise prices to profit from weather reports that usually hit 20% accuracy on a good day.

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mary knight

7:19 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

havoc is when you are NOT prepared. Retailers are not ogres, unless they are negligent and are not properly stocked. I've been through this and it is pretty nice to have a transistor radio with batteries, maybe a tap light and flashlight, candles, snacks that don't need refrigeration, etc. Hope you are stocked up John Adams.

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Skippy

5:20 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012

It's not BS to be prepared for the possibility of loss of power or clean water for a week. You preparing yourself saves us from paying for you not being prepared. It's not about making money, it's about saving it. Do you think restaurants and other customer service establishments are making money by having to close? Try putting on you objectivity glasses.

Marc LeVine

3:23 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012

Governor Christie is sure to declare a State of Emergency as he did last year. "Get the hell out of the orchards and pumpkin fields. It's 4:30, you've picked enough apples and pumpkins. Get the hell out of there.

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steve h

6:07 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012

Re: Marc LeVine
Governor Christie is sure to declare a State of Emergency as he did last year. "Get the hell out of the orchards and pumpkin fields. It's 4:30, you've picked enough apples and pumpkins. Get the hell out of there

LOL ....you are a riot

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Skippy

5:23 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012

I was in Asbury Park working on the boardwalk on a beautiful sunny day last year hoping to make some money when Christie told everyone to get the hell out and ordered the roads closed. That night, I drove home, stopped at a liquor store for beer and water, and drove home to Tinton Falls. The storm hit the next evening. It was really unnecessary to be such an ass about it last year.

SOG

10:30 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012

would you like to come over to my house to help
me clean up and repair flood damage like i had to do after Irene last year? then we can see who's talking bull, ok john?

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Kelly

12:43 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

Why does everyone buy all the milk, eggs and bread when they hear "storm"! Does everyone crave toast with an omelette during these events?

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marylou

10:01 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

French toast is the official food of hurricanes and blizzards.I bought Pepperige Farms pumpkin spice swirl bread this week.It should make delicious French toast.

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Adam Hochron

10:29 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

I don't know about anyone else... But I'm thinking breakfast at Marylou's on Monday or Tuesday LOL

Annette

12:55 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

Thanks for your comment Greg. This is no time to be sarcastic. John Adams' and the other comment would certainly be valid in some circumstances (in fact many circumstances) - but not now. I hope we ALL take this storm seriously, including those who are too young or inexperienced to understand when to assess the situation and realize that this storm has already killed people in the Caribbean. If it hits land on the NJ coast, it has deadly potential for those who aren't prepared. Not only when it hits shore, but afterwards, when the water surge occurs. Better to be prepared than not.

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Kelly

9:39 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

I dont think anyone is making fun of lives lost. Just stating the facts. The facts are that we can only hope this is not what they say. Sometimes people say things to try and make a situation seem less than what it is for thrir own sanity. You cant go everyday with fear of what will hsppen.

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Edward Dooley Jr.

10:29 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

Excellent post. At least you have the right attitude re Sandy & life.

Edward Dooley Jr.

10:26 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

Marylou, that sounds like a good idea but it won't work for people that have Electric Stoves if they lose power and some homes are all electric when they are built now.
I live in a +55 Adult Community and most of our units are all electric. We have NJNG for heat but that needs electric too to run it.

Using common sense will help all of us to survive.
I hope everyone stays safe and comes through this OK.

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marylou

11:04 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

I live in an all electric house as well.We lost power for 5 days with Irene,but never before.We do have propane grill wit a burner,which we used on the days after Irene. I now have to go out for cat food,peanut butter and a few other things.Stay safe,everyone!

John Adams

10:31 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

Kelly, seems the most lògical on here and not afraid to Type the truth. I'd probably enjoy being in Kelly and having her French toast. Let me know? :)

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John Adams

10:36 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012

A nice tasty omelette and rye toast with Kelly, I'm in. Also, meant toast with Kelly.

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Kelly

1:11 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012

We will all make the best of it and instead of doom and gloom we will band together And make new friends over breakfast food....if we can still find eggs..;) We all just need to help each other if things get tuff. Be a good neighbor and be safe. Thanks..John for getting my point

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