Gov. Cuomo: Get ready for possible hit from Hurricane Joaquin

NY officials urge residents to stock up on flashlights, batteries, water and canned goods

September 30, 2015 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A forecast cone of the storm’s probable five-day path, prepared at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, shows Joaquin reaching New York late Monday. Courtesy of NOAA

See update of this story here.

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At this point, however, the numerous computer models have not converged. A European model takes the storm to the northeast and out to sea without hitting the United States, according to Weather Underground’s Dr. Jeff Masters, and experts say Joaquin’s path is particularly tricky to forecast.

In any case, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is warning New Yorkers to prepare for what could be our first hurricane of 2015.

On Wednesday, Cuomo urged residents to begin preparing their homes and families for heavy rains and potential flooding.

“Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene proved that you do not have to be near the coast to be impacted by Mother Nature. I have directed state agencies to ready their emergency response equipment in partnership with local governments, and I encourage all of our state’s residents to be prepared and stay safe,” Cuomo said in a statement.

John Melville, Commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said residents should take preparation seriously.

“Having emergency supplies on hand such as flashlights and batteries, and water and canned goods is essential. Residents should begin monitoring weather conditions through local media reports and broadcasts, and be sure to follow any protective orders issued by emergency officials,” he said in a statement.

Congressman Dan Donovan (Staten Island, Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay) said in a release that he has requested regular updates on Joaquin’s trajectory from city Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joe Esposito and FEMA officials.

“We’ve been through this before, and the most important actions people can take are to prepare well in advance and to listen to FEMA and the New York City Office of Emergency Management,” Donovan said. “The models show potential tracks for Joaquin ranging from South Carolina to Maine, and FEMA has staff and supplies pre-positioned. The earliest the storm could hit us is late this weekend – between now and then, put together a family communication plan, monitor the forecasts closely, and create an emergency supply kit.”

The New York City Office of Emergency Management plans to deploy floodlights and generators in advance of the storm making landfall, Donovan said. FEMA will be sending supplies like food and meals ready-to-eat between South Carolina and Maine.

Ready.gov provides a list of basic preparedness steps and recommendations for supply kit contents. Donovan compiled a model “go-kit” as part of Wednesday’s National PrepareAthon Day.

Gov. Cuomo also reminded New Yorkers to sign up for NY-Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov to receive immediate alerts on flood warnings and severe storms.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Joaquin, with sustained winds approaching 85 mph on Wednesday, is expected to reach the Central Bahamas by Thursday morning, then turn northwest Thursday or Thursday night.

Ready.gov provides a list of basic preparedness steps and recommendations for supply kit contents. Donovan compiled a model “go-kit” as part of Wednesday’s National PrepareAthon Day.

Gov. Cuomo also reminded New Yorkers to sign up for NY-Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov to receive immediate alerts on flood warnings and severe storms.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Joaquin, with sustained winds approaching 80 mph on Wednesday, is expected to reach the Central Bahamas by Thursday morning, then turn northwest Thursday or Thursday night.