Hurricane Sandy Poses Huge Threat for Area

As Hurricane Sandy continues to pick up steam, the likelihood of it being a major threat to our area grows.

As Hurricane Sandy continues to pick up steam, the likelihood of it being a major threat to our area grows.

Sandy has already made landfall in Jamaica with winds reaching 80 mph. The next likely target is eastern Cuba and the target after that is the Bahamas.

While most models agree that the center of the storm will hit the Bahamas in a day or so, there is disagreement over how far the storm will curve back towards the East Coast.

The chances of a direct hit somewhere along the East Coast on Sunday have increased. The exact location of that hit is still unknown however since it’s so many days away.

Regardless of whether or not we get a direct hit from Sandy, we shouldn’t expect anything major for our area until Sunday.

Models are tracking two possible scenarios, with scenario 2 now looking much more likely.

The first scenario predicts Sandy turning to the right after striking the Bahamas until a huge area of high pressure pushes it back to the left, taking it up to New England which would get the worst of the storm. Scenario 1 would still mean strong winds, a chance of power outages and heavy rains with the possibility of flooding and coastal flooding for our area.

Scenario 2, which is supported by the European model, predicts the center of the storm being very close to our area beginning Sunday and going into Monday. That would mean damaging winds and power outages, as well as major local, river and coastal flooding.

In preparation for Sandy, here are some emergency items you should purchase before Sunday in case of a major hit:

  • 3-day supply of drinking water (1 gallon per day/per person)
  • Non-perishable food, ready-to-eat canned foods
  • Manual can opener (in case power is out)
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight w/extra batteries
  • Battery operated radio
  • Personal care/toiletries
  • Prescription medicines
  • Special items for infants/disabled/elderly (formula, diapers, etc.)
  • Eyeglasses
  • Whistle to signal for help

It’s still very early and the scenarios are constantly changing. So stay with the NBC10 Weather team for any future updates.

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