Hoboken Hunkers Down For Hurricane Joaquin

As Hurricane Joaquin closes in on North Jersey, Hoboken officials are beginning to make preparations for possible stormy weather and flooding.

As of Wednesday, forecasters were predicting that the storm – and accompanying winds up to 100 mph - could reach the New Jersey region by late Sunday or early Monday morning.

• See related article: Joaquin Becomes Hurricane, Expected To Head Toward N.J.

According to the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management, there may be a threat of major coastal flooding, very heavy rainfall and inland flooding for Friday and Saturday.

Six to eight inches of rain are possible in the next week, city officials added.

“Prior to the possible impacts from Hurricane Joaquin, several days of heavy rain will saturate the ground and high tides caused by strong winds could make it difficult for the sewer system to naturally drain into the river,” Hoboken officials stated.

• See related article: Hoboken Faces Sewage Smell And Flooding After Overnight Storm

“We are closely tracking weather forecasts, talking to experts at Stevens, and planning for a serious one-two punch from back-to-back storm systems that could cause serious flooding from late Thursday into early next week,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Our Office of Emergency Management team is coordinating with all departments and agencies and making preparations to ensure the safety of our community. Most importantly, now is the time for residents to make sure that they have a plan in place and are prepared for all possibilities.”

According to a release, city officials have plans in place to activate an Emergency Operations Center and relocate flood-prone public safety operations if necessary. A municipal high water vehicle is ready to be deployed if needed, along with several small boats. The City will be moving municipal vehicles to higher ground along Washington Street between Observer Highway and 2nd Street as well as 13th Street to 14th Street. In addition, the City is pre-positioning backup generators, filling a potable water tank, and coordinating plans to open a shelter and distribution center if necessary.

Barricades have been pre-positioned to close off streets and “No Parking” signs have been posted in the most flood-prone areas to inform drivers of the possibility of flooding.

“For their own safety and to protect property, drivers must obey barricades and not drive through flooded roads,” city officials warned. “The wake generated by vehicles can cause additional flood damage to homes and businesses. Flood waters contain a mixture of rainwater and sewage, could be electrified due to fallen wires, and may conceal manhole covers that have become dislodged, so pedestrians should not walk through flooded areas.”

According to city officials, the North Hudson Sewerage Authority has been clearing out catch basins, and while a flood pump is operational, very heavy rain can still result in flooding.

City officials urged residents and businesses to take the following steps to prepare:

• Sign up for the City’s Reverse 911 system at www.hobokennj.org/emergency and for email and text alerts through the Nixle system at www.hobokennj.org/alerts.
• Download weather apps, monitor weather forecasts, and sign up for weather alerts.
• Move parked vehicles from low-lying flood-prone areas to higher ground. A map of the most flood-prone areas is available at www.hobokennj.org/flooding, however flooding is possible beyond these areas.
• Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
• Create a family emergency communication plan. Visit www.ready.gov/prepare and download “Be Smart. Take Part: Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan.”
• Create an emergency kit. Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit.
• Make a pet emergency kit and plan. Visit www.ready.gov/caring-animals for more information.
• Refill prescriptions, make a list of prescriptions, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled, to make sure they are prepared.

Have a storm-related story to tell or photo to share? Email eric.kiefer@patch.com