Amherst Prepares for Possible Hurricane Strike

So far the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been a quiet one, with no hurricanes making landfall in North America. But that may be about to change.

Hurricane Sandy, a Category 2 storm currently near Cuba, is expected to track north in the Atlantic and make landfall on the East Coast somewhere between Maryland and Southern New England, probably on Monday. But the National Weather Service has said the exact path of the storm is impossible to predict at this point. The storm could affect areas farther north.

“There is a lot of uncertainty about Hurricane Sandy,” said Christopher M. Pope, director of homeland security and emergency management for the State of New Hampshire. “For that reason we strongly encourage New Hampshire residents and visitors to monitor the storm via news media and Internet sources and pay attention to where the storm may eventually strike.”

In addition, Pope encouraged people to review their home emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies so they can stay in their homes for up to three days without assistance. He also encouraged people to remove lawn furniture or other outdoor items that could blow around in high wind and cause damage. 

The major threat to New Hampshire, even without a direct hit from the storm, is possible heavy rain and flooding. This is what happened last year with Tropical Storm Irene.

State and local emergency management and public safety officials are making preparations to respond if Hurricane Sandy strikes New Hampshire.

ReadyNH, the state’s emergency preparedness website has recommendations for you at: http://www.nh.gov/readynh/.

Attached to this story as PDFs to the right are more tips on how to prepare and a printable emergency checklist of what types of items you should have ready in case the storm does hit.