Friday, August 26, 2011

11:00 PM CDT August 26 Irene Briefing

Evening everyone. I am finally back to my computer, and it looks like Irene is taking on a northeast movement. Visible satellite imagery is indicating that Irene is moving in that direction. Additionally, there may be pockets of dry air in the center of circulation (Irene does not have an eye at this time) that could be slowing Irene's strengthening down. We will keep you updated.

New York Region Evacuations (August 26)


MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR LONG BEACH ISLAND.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF ATLANTIC
COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR BERKELEY TOWNSHIP IN OCEAN
COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF
LOCAL OFFICIALS WHEN EVACUATIONS ARE ORDERED.
I'm watching Irene at this time, and it looks like she is moving directly north, indicating she could be making the GFS forecast track (inland just west of OBX). I do believe her eye is being hit by some obstacles, but based on historical information and current imagery, I am anticipating Irene to have a window of opportunity to strengthen a bit in the next 24 hours. As soon as it makes landfall in NC, Irene should begin a weakening phase, hitting New York at a strong Category 1 hurricane at best.

Greyhound cancels some routes in preparation for Irene

http://www.greyhound.com/en/servicealerts.aspx

Click above for all Greyhound Service Alerts.

Projected 5 day Hurricane Irene Rainfall


Hurricane Warning Issued for New York, NY in advance of Hurricane Irene


.STORM INFORMATION...
AT 2 PM EDT...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 31.2N...LONGITUDE 77.5W. THIS WAS ABOUT 590 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF ATLANTIC CITY NJ...OR ABOUT 560 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF DOVER DE. STORM MOTION WAS N OR 360 DEGREES AT
14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 100 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH NORTHEAST
THROUGH SUNDAY, WHICH BRINGS THE CENTER VERY NEAR THE NEW JERSEY
AND DELAWARE COASTS SUNDAY. THE STORM WILL BRING DAMAGING WINDS,
TORRENTIAL RAINFALL RESULTING IN DANGEROUS FLOODING OF CREEKS,
STREAMS AND RIVERS, AND COASTAL FLOODING. THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL
ANTICIPATED IS 6 TO 12 INCHES. WHEN MAKING DECISIONS, DO NOT FOCUS
ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK AS THIS HURRICANE IS A LARGE STORM.
THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION, THEREFORE EVERYONE IS
URGED COMPLETE THEIR PREPARATIONS TODAY.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR LONG BEACH ISLAND.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF ATLANTIC
COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR BERKELEY TOWNSHIP IN OCEAN
COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF
LOCAL OFFICIALS WHEN EVACUATIONS ARE ORDERED.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING, NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETE PREPARATIONS
FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF DIRECTED TO
DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS, OR IF YOUR HOME IS VULNERABLE TO HIGH
WINDS OR FLOODING. PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY
LAST LONG PERIODS OF TIME... AND MAKE SURE THAT YOUR VEHICLE HAS A
FULL TANK OF FUEL.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS, DOCKS AND MARINAS, URGENTLY COMPLETE
PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT, MAKE FINAL
PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE TO
ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS. SMALL
CRAFT SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.

FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH, CONTINUE WITH YOUR PREPARATIONS AND
LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS.

CLOSELY MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS
FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES TO
THE FORECAST.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION,
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

Long Island, New York under Hurricane Watch for Hurricane Irene



Hurricane Watch

HURRICANE IRENE LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
245 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011

...DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE TO IMPACT THE REGION SATURDAY NIGHT
INTO SUNDAY NIGHT...

.NEW INFORMATION...
UPDATED WIND AND RAINFALL INFORMATION.

.AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...
NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY...SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT
COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD...NORTHERN NEW HAVEN...NORTHERN MIDDLESEX...
NORTHERN NEW LONDON...SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD...SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN...
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX...SOUTHERN NEW LONDON...EASTERN PASSAIC...
HUDSON...WESTERN BERGEN...EASTERN BERGEN...WESTERN ESSEX...
EASTERN ESSEX...WESTERN UNION...EASTERN UNION...PUTNAM...
ROCKLAND...NORTHERN WESTCHESTER...SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER...NEW YORK
(MANHATTAN)...BRONX...RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)...KINGS
(BROOKLYN)...NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK...NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK...
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK...SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK...NORTHERN QUEENS...
NORTHERN NASSAU...SOUTHERN QUEENS AND SOUTHERN NASSAU.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR ALL OF
LONG ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT COASTAL WATERS AND NEW YORK HARBOR.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
WESTERN PASSAIC...ORANGE.

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...
NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT. PLEASE LISTEN
CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR
AREA.

PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST PUBLIC AND MARINE FORECASTS FOR DETAILED
INFORMATION ABOUT ADDITIONAL HAZARDS.

.STORM INFORMATION...
AT 2 PM EDT...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 31.2N...LONGITUDE 77.5W. THIS WAS ABOUT 690 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF NEW YORK CITY NY...OR ABOUT 750 MILES
SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTAUK POINT NY. STORM MOTION WAS N OR
360 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 100 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH ALONG THE EASTERN
SEABOARD OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS...WITH THE OUTER BANDS FROM IRENE
LIKELY BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE AREA SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO
SATURDAY EVENING. CONDITIONS ARE THEN LIKELY TO RAPIDLY
DETERIORATE IN TORRENTIAL RAIN AND STRENGTHENING WINDS SATURDAY
NIGHT. THE WORST CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...WITH INCREASING POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING
WINDS...FLOODING RAINS...AND SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FLOODING.

WHEN MAKING DECISIONS...DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST
TRACK...AS THE IMPACTS OF THE HURRICANE WILL BE FELT OVER A LARGE
AREA DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE STORM.

IT IS TOO EARLY TO PROVIDE EXACT WIND AND SURGE FORECAST VALUES
FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS. HOWEVER...DEPENDING ON THE EXACT
TRACK...INTENSITY AND TIMING OF THE HURRICANE...THERE IS POTENTIAL
FOR MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING DAMAGE IF THE GREATEST
SURGE COINCIDES WITH THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDES ON SUNDAY.
THIS SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE...DESTRUCTIVE...AND LIFE
THREATENING WAVES.

THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR 6 TO 12 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALLY
HIGHER AMOUNTS. BASED ON RECENT HEAVY RAINS...IF THESE RAINFALL
AMOUNTS OCCUR...MODERATE TO MAJOR RIVER FLOODING IS LIKELY.
SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL
ALSO BE AN ISSUE. AS A RESULT A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT.

A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF AT LEAST
DAMAGING WINDS ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...NORTHEASTERN NEW
JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH...NOW IS THE TIME TO BEGIN PREPARING YOUR
HOME OR BUSINESS ACCORDING TO YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN.
LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS AND BE READY TO EVACUATE IF
NECESSARY. HEED THE ADVICE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMPLY WITH ANY
ORDERS THAT ARE ISSUED.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS...DOCKS...AND MARINAS...IT IS RECOMMENDED
THAT YOU PERFORM THE PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR
HURRICANE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT...
BEGIN TO SAFELY SECURE YOUR CRAFT AND MAKE PLANS TO LEAVE IT FOR
ADEQUATE LAND BASED SHELTER. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS.

REGARDING THE COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WATCH...SMALL CRAFT SHOULD
RETURN TO PORT OR SEEK SAFE HARBOR.

CLOSELY MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS
FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES TO
THE FORECAST.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION...
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

&&

.NEXT UPDATE...
THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN UPTON AROUND 630 PM...OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.

CTZ005>012-NJZ004-006-103>108-NYZ068>075-078>081-176>179-271845-
/O.CON.KOKX.HU.A.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-
WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-
WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-
SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-
RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-
NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
245 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011

...HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT...

...PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

STAY CALM AND KEEP INFORMED. COMPLY WITH ANY EVACUATION ORDERS
THAT ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA. IF YOUR HOME IS VULNERABLE TO HIGH
WINDS...OR YOU LIVE IN A SURGE ZONE OR ANY LOCATION PRONE TO
FLOODING...EVACUATE TO A DESIGNATED SHELTER OR RIDE OUT THE STORM
IN THE STURDY HOME OF FAMILY OR FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF EVACUATION
ZONES.

ITEMS TO BRING TO A SHELTER INCLUDE A FIRST AID KIT...MEDICINES
AND PRESCRIPTIONS...BABY FOOD AND DIAPERS...GAMES AND BOOKS...
TOILETRIES...A BATTERY POWERED RADIO...A CELL PHONE...FLASHLIGHTS
WITH EXTRA BATTERIES...A BLANKET OR SLEEPING BAG FOR EACH
PERSON...PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION...COPIES OF KEY PAPERS SUCH AS
INSURANCE POLICIES...AVAILABLE CASH AND CREDIT CARDS. REMEMBER...
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MOST PUBLIC SHELTERS...SO CHECK AHEAD
WITH YOUR INTENDED SHELTER.

REGARDING YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS...COVER ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS
WITH SHUTTERS OR PLYWOOD. MOVE PATIO FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE
OBJECTS INDOORS. BRACE ALL EXTERIOR DOORS...INCLUDING GARAGE
DOORS. DO THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

IF YOU NEED TO MAKE A TRIP TO THE HARDWARE STORE...THE GROCERY
STORE...OR THE GAS STATION...DO SO AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

&&

...PROBABILITY OF TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE CONDITIONS...
THE CHANCE FOR HURRICANE CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME IS LESS THAN OR
EQUAL TO 8 PERCENT. ALSO...THE CHANCE FOR TROPICAL STORM
CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME IS UP TO 65 PERCENT. THE ONSET OF
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS COULD START AS EARLY AS SATURDAY
NIGHT...WITH HURRICANE CONDITIONS POSSIBLE BY SUNDAY MORNING.

...WINDS...
AS HURRICANE IRENE MOVES CLOSER...THE THREAT FOR SUSTAINED HIGH
WINDS IS LIKELY TO INCREASE. THE LATEST FORECAST IS FOR STRONG
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS FROM SUNDAY MORNING TO EARLY SUNDAY
EVENING...AND POSSIBLE HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ON SUNDAY.
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ARE CURRENTLY FORECAST TO BEGIN
AFFECTING THE AREA SATURDAY NIGHT. A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR
THE POSSIBILITY OF AT LEAST DAMAGING WINDS SOMEWHERE WITHIN
THE AREA.

...STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE...
IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE THE EXACT HEIGHTS OF COMBINED
STORM SURGE AND TIDE WATERS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE
FORECAST AREA TO BE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRENE. MUCH DEPENDS ON THE
PRECISE SIZE...INTENSITY AND TRACK OF THE SYSTEM AS IT APPROACHES
THE COAST. BASED ON THE FORECAST TRACK OF IRENE THERE IS POTENTIAL
FOR SEVERAL FEET OF SURGE...PARTICULARLY IN WESTERN LONG ISLAND
SOUND...NEW YORK HARBOR...LONG ISLAND SOUND...AND THE SOUTH SHORE
BACK BAYS OF LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY. THESE TIDAL CONDITIONS
WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE...DESTRUCTIVE...AND LIFE
THREATENING WAVES.

...INLAND FLOODING...
A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. RAINFALL AMOUNTS
OF 6 TO 12 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED.
SEE THE LATEST FORECAST FOR LATEST INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR
POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS FOR YOUR LOCATION...AND BE READY TO ACT IF
FLOODING RAINS OCCUR.

...COASTAL HAZARDS...
INCREASINGLY LARGE SWELLS ARRIVING FROM HURRICANE IRENE WILL
CREATE HIGH SURF AND SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION ALONG THE ATLANTIC
FACING COASTLINE AS EARLY AS SATURDAY AND CONTINUING INTO MONDAY.
SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION IS ALSO POSSIBLE ALONG THE COASTLINE OF
LONG ISLAND SOUND AND PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAYS DUE TO THE
BATTERING SURF.

...RIP CURRENTS...
THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING RIP
CURRENTS.

Dry Air Band Wrapping into Irene, Should Prohibit Further Strengthening (August 26)

This is a water vapor image of Irene, the latest at the time of posting. You can see how much moisture there is in Irene. But do you see that gray band wrapping westward into Irene? That is a band of dry air. It may prohibit Irene from strengthening further. The dry air band is indeed cutting off the arm of storms from the core of Irene. I would think that this arm of storms would dissipate as it will no longer be connected to the centre of Irene, but with moisture everywhere, it could go by itself. We aren't entirely sure yet.

Storm Surge Irene Probabilities as of 3:30 PM August 26


Irene Weakening- So is her Forecast (August 26)

Irene has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane as she struggles with her center of circulation. However, I still stand by my suggestions to evacuate along OBX ASAP, because the GFS shows Irene STRENGTHENING over North Carolina.
Here is Irene's current forecast from the NHC.

Hurricane WARNINGS for OBX and areas west. EVACUATE NOW
There is a possibility of evacuation for islands near and or in the new york city area. We are unable to put up a detailed post, so this is the best we can do.