Weather Update

MONDAY - OCTOBER 29TH - 6AM

We are now at the start of one of the most extreme weather events ever witnessed in the State of New Jersey.

Sandy strengthened overnight and now has maximum sustained winds of 85mph.  Sandy has made the turn to the northwest and is now headed directly toward the central NJ coast where landfall will occur sometime around 8pm or 9pm this evening.

Coastal flood guidance indicates major coastal flooding this morning between 7am and 8:30am.  The next high tide this evening centered around 8:00pm is forecast to be 2 to 3 feet above the highest tide of record at Sandy Hook.  Severe coastal flooding will occur this evening with the likely of complete destruction of all boardwalks, pavilions, piers and docks along the immediate coast.  There will also be damage to homes located near the ocean, bays or rivers.

Sandy's central pressure is currently 947mb and some further strengthening is possible.  When Sandy makes landfall this evening, it will be the deepest storm (lowest pressure) ever recorded in New Jersey and it will not even be close....the record will be smashed.

Winds are on the increase and are already gusting between 50 mph and 60 mph along the immediate coast.  Wind gusts of hurricane force, over 80 mph, are likely along the coast.  Hurricane force wind gusts could also extend well inland tonight.  This will cause tree damage and many power outages.  Prepare to be without power for an extended period of time. 

Winds tonight will shift from northeast to southeast and remain strong through much of the night but will be slowly decreasing after midnight.  Winds on Tuesday will still be gusting to over 40mph.

Rainfall is advancing up the coast and heavy rain will be occurring for much of today and tonight.  The heaviest rain will be in southern NJ or south of where the center makes landfall.

Please remain indoors today...there is no need to venture outside.  Heed all advise from your local emergency management office.  This is a particularly dangerous situation.  This storm is of unprecedented magnitude and should be treated as such.  Will continue to provide updates on the web site as long as power is available.