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Storm watch under way
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NEWS-TIMES
BY MIKE SHUTAK and HELEN OUTLAND
MOREHEAD CITY — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is predicting Tropical Storm Hanna to reach North Carolina sometime this week, but very little is certain about its strength or intended path at this point.
According to the 11 a.m. report from the NHC today, Hanna is expected to reach hurricane strength and to make landfall at the South Carolina coast by 8 a.m. Saturday. It is expected from there to head northeast up the coast, pass over North Carolina, close to Carteret County, reaching Massachusetts by 8 a.m. Sunday. By then it will have downgraded to a tropical storm again and will continue along the coast of Canada, passing over Newfoundland by 8 a.m. Monday.
Jim Wingenroth, forecaster with the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport office, said today Hanna is expected to reach hurricane strength again over the Bahamas sometime Thursday.
“The track has a more northward track,” he said.
The storm is only predicted to reach Category 1 hurricane strength by landfall, with winds between 74-95 mph and storm surges 4 to 5 feet above normal. North Carolina last saw a Category 1 hurricane with Hurricane Ophelia on Sept. 14, 2005.
Hanna is expected to weaken as it moves northeast, but its uncertain if it will be at hurricane strength as it passes over North Carolina.
The far-reaching affects of the storm have already reached North Carolina’s coast. Mr. Wingenroth said there has been some swell, which has increased the rip current threat. However, at this point it’s too early to predict if the state coast will see tropical storm force conditions.
As of this morning, Eastern North Carolina is expected to see an increase in rainfall potential and may get 2 to 4 inches. Winds are expected to increase Friday afternoon through Friday night, then die down again as the storm moves northeast Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Wingenroth said a little coastal flooding might occur, but added that the weather service has little confidence in the storm’s predicted track right now.
“If it makes landfall further north,” he said, “There will be a greater threat of coastal flooding. The cone of uncertainty (the area that a storm’s path could change in) extends out to Cape Hatteras. Any deviation to the east will increase the threat.”
Locally, not many are alarmed about Tropical Storm Hanna. Pete Allen, Atlantic Beach town manager, said Tuesday the town has plans in place for situations like this.
“We’re fortunate,” he said, “Labor Day is over, most of our tourists have gone home. Our people are pretty experienced (with tropical storms). “
David McCabe, Morehead City director of Public Works, said today the city staff is meeting and going over its storm procedures.
“When we go into a watch is when we’ll actually do things like take down banners and fuel up vehicles,” he said. “We may go into a watch later today.”
As the storm approaches, however, the County Emergency Services Department is checking the batteries in its flashlights. JoAnn Smith, director of the department, said they’re checking their equipment while monitoring Hanna’s activity.
“We’re making sure all our equipment is working properly, our contact numbers are up-to-date and we’re contacting all our special needs population to make sure they’re aware of the approaching storm and we know what their needs are,” she said.
Mrs. Smith, along with state directors of Emergency Management from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, joined county emergency services directors from North Carolina counties east of Interstate 95 in a phone conference Tuesday morning to coordinate plans for the impending storm.
“Although Hannah is still well south of our coast we are not waiting for her to make up her mind what she is going to do,” said Mrs. Smith. “We are going through all our systems to make sure they are operational.”
Mrs. Smith said the recent test of the county’s CodeRed system showed it was working well.
The CodeRed Emergency Notification System is a high- speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses at the rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour.
“Should we need to call for an evacuation, this system will notify our residents,” she said.
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is encouraging fishermen to be aware of the increase in storm activity. The division advises fishermen to be prepared to remove fishing gear from the water ahead of time of any storm’s arrival. Crab pots and gill nets are prone to damage and displacement during storms.
Vessel owners are advised to check all safety equipment to ensure it’s in proper working order and to be prepared to remove boats from the water or take them to a safe harbor. Fishermen should monitor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather radio for storm updates, as well as channel 16 on marine radios for U.S. Coast Guard emergency broadcasts.
The Morehead City Salvation Army has been put on alert and volunteers are busy stocking food supplies and the mobile canteen that is dispatched to assist with disaster relief.
While Capt. Mark Czanderna of the Salvation Army said he has volunteers in place for Hannah if she hits the county, he’s in need of volunteers for future events.
“The more the better,” said Capt. Czanderna Tuesday night. “We need people to staff the canteen, assist with clean up and restock shelves.”
Those interested in volunteering can call 726-7147.
Gov. Mike Easley activated the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) at 7 a.m. today in advance of Hanna. The governor said in a press release Tuesday that since they have 36-48 hours to prepare for the storm, with others forming further out to sea, it’s important for people to have their emergency kits ready, which should have three days of food, funds, fuel and clothes ready, as well as an evacuation plan.
“Be sure to let all family members know who your family contact is, like an uncle in Kansas, in case you have to move quickly so that each person will know where to call to check on the others,” he said in the release.
State Emergency Management Division leaders have been holding conference calls all weekend with SERT partners including the N.C. National Guard. Plans are being developed based on the scenarios of Hurricane Hugo’s track in 1989 that made landfall in Charleston, S.C., and traveled up through Charlotte and into the mountains. Plans are also being developed around the path of Hurricane Fran in 1996 that came ashore near Wilmington and moved northwest into the Triangle area.
The state has put its various specially trained storm teams on alert. They include 25 Swift Water Rescue Teams, 11 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, 36 Wilderness Search and Rescue Teams, 34 State Medical Assistance Teams, seven Public Health Regional Surveillance Teams and seven Regional Response Teams for hazardous materials.
The state emergency warehouse already has food on hand to feed 50,000 people for a day-and-a-half and water for 50,000 people for one day. The state has pre-arranged contracts in place for additional resources including food, water, ice, generators and other emergency needs.
Gov. Easley urged every citizen to have an emergency plan and emergency kit ready, stressing that those who have plans and supplies will fare better during any emergency than those who do not.
“Emergencies disrupt the systems we depend on, electricity, clean water, grocery stores, gas stations, transportation, commerce and education,” he said. “If people can be prepared for those disruptions, then emergency responders can focus on helping those who are in life-threatening situations.”
An emergency preparedness kit should include enough of the following items to last a family for at least 3-5 days:
• Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable).
• Water purification kit or bleach.
• First aid kit and first aid book.
• Pre-cooked, nonperishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals.
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices.
• Nonelectric can opener.
• Antibacterial hand wipes or gel.
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Essential medications.
• Extra pair of eyeglasses.
• Extra house and car keys.
• ABC-type fire extinguisher.
• Food, water, leash and carrier for pets.
• Cash and change.
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes.
According to the 11 a.m. report from the NHC today, Hanna is expected to reach hurricane strength and to make landfall at the South Carolina coast by 8 a.m. Saturday. It is expected from there to head northeast up the coast, pass over North Carolina, close to Carteret County, reaching Massachusetts by 8 a.m. Sunday. By then it will have downgraded to a tropical storm again and will continue along the coast of Canada, passing over Newfoundland by 8 a.m. Monday.
Jim Wingenroth, forecaster with the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport office, said today Hanna is expected to reach hurricane strength again over the Bahamas sometime Thursday.
“The track has a more northward track,” he said.
The storm is only predicted to reach Category 1 hurricane strength by landfall, with winds between 74-95 mph and storm surges 4 to 5 feet above normal. North Carolina last saw a Category 1 hurricane with Hurricane Ophelia on Sept. 14, 2005.
Hanna is expected to weaken as it moves northeast, but its uncertain if it will be at hurricane strength as it passes over North Carolina.
The far-reaching affects of the storm have already reached North Carolina’s coast. Mr. Wingenroth said there has been some swell, which has increased the rip current threat. However, at this point it’s too early to predict if the state coast will see tropical storm force conditions.
As of this morning, Eastern North Carolina is expected to see an increase in rainfall potential and may get 2 to 4 inches. Winds are expected to increase Friday afternoon through Friday night, then die down again as the storm moves northeast Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Wingenroth said a little coastal flooding might occur, but added that the weather service has little confidence in the storm’s predicted track right now.
“If it makes landfall further north,” he said, “There will be a greater threat of coastal flooding. The cone of uncertainty (the area that a storm’s path could change in) extends out to Cape Hatteras. Any deviation to the east will increase the threat.”
Locally, not many are alarmed about Tropical Storm Hanna. Pete Allen, Atlantic Beach town manager, said Tuesday the town has plans in place for situations like this.
“We’re fortunate,” he said, “Labor Day is over, most of our tourists have gone home. Our people are pretty experienced (with tropical storms). “
David McCabe, Morehead City director of Public Works, said today the city staff is meeting and going over its storm procedures.
“When we go into a watch is when we’ll actually do things like take down banners and fuel up vehicles,” he said. “We may go into a watch later today.”
As the storm approaches, however, the County Emergency Services Department is checking the batteries in its flashlights. JoAnn Smith, director of the department, said they’re checking their equipment while monitoring Hanna’s activity.
“We’re making sure all our equipment is working properly, our contact numbers are up-to-date and we’re contacting all our special needs population to make sure they’re aware of the approaching storm and we know what their needs are,” she said.
Mrs. Smith, along with state directors of Emergency Management from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, joined county emergency services directors from North Carolina counties east of Interstate 95 in a phone conference Tuesday morning to coordinate plans for the impending storm.
“Although Hannah is still well south of our coast we are not waiting for her to make up her mind what she is going to do,” said Mrs. Smith. “We are going through all our systems to make sure they are operational.”
Mrs. Smith said the recent test of the county’s CodeRed system showed it was working well.
The CodeRed Emergency Notification System is a high- speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses at the rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour.
“Should we need to call for an evacuation, this system will notify our residents,” she said.
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is encouraging fishermen to be aware of the increase in storm activity. The division advises fishermen to be prepared to remove fishing gear from the water ahead of time of any storm’s arrival. Crab pots and gill nets are prone to damage and displacement during storms.
Vessel owners are advised to check all safety equipment to ensure it’s in proper working order and to be prepared to remove boats from the water or take them to a safe harbor. Fishermen should monitor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather radio for storm updates, as well as channel 16 on marine radios for U.S. Coast Guard emergency broadcasts.
The Morehead City Salvation Army has been put on alert and volunteers are busy stocking food supplies and the mobile canteen that is dispatched to assist with disaster relief.
While Capt. Mark Czanderna of the Salvation Army said he has volunteers in place for Hannah if she hits the county, he’s in need of volunteers for future events.
“The more the better,” said Capt. Czanderna Tuesday night. “We need people to staff the canteen, assist with clean up and restock shelves.”
Those interested in volunteering can call 726-7147.
Gov. Mike Easley activated the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) at 7 a.m. today in advance of Hanna. The governor said in a press release Tuesday that since they have 36-48 hours to prepare for the storm, with others forming further out to sea, it’s important for people to have their emergency kits ready, which should have three days of food, funds, fuel and clothes ready, as well as an evacuation plan.
“Be sure to let all family members know who your family contact is, like an uncle in Kansas, in case you have to move quickly so that each person will know where to call to check on the others,” he said in the release.
State Emergency Management Division leaders have been holding conference calls all weekend with SERT partners including the N.C. National Guard. Plans are being developed based on the scenarios of Hurricane Hugo’s track in 1989 that made landfall in Charleston, S.C., and traveled up through Charlotte and into the mountains. Plans are also being developed around the path of Hurricane Fran in 1996 that came ashore near Wilmington and moved northwest into the Triangle area.
The state has put its various specially trained storm teams on alert. They include 25 Swift Water Rescue Teams, 11 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, 36 Wilderness Search and Rescue Teams, 34 State Medical Assistance Teams, seven Public Health Regional Surveillance Teams and seven Regional Response Teams for hazardous materials.
The state emergency warehouse already has food on hand to feed 50,000 people for a day-and-a-half and water for 50,000 people for one day. The state has pre-arranged contracts in place for additional resources including food, water, ice, generators and other emergency needs.
Gov. Easley urged every citizen to have an emergency plan and emergency kit ready, stressing that those who have plans and supplies will fare better during any emergency than those who do not.
“Emergencies disrupt the systems we depend on, electricity, clean water, grocery stores, gas stations, transportation, commerce and education,” he said. “If people can be prepared for those disruptions, then emergency responders can focus on helping those who are in life-threatening situations.”
An emergency preparedness kit should include enough of the following items to last a family for at least 3-5 days:
• Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable).
• Water purification kit or bleach.
• First aid kit and first aid book.
• Pre-cooked, nonperishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals.
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices.
• Nonelectric can opener.
• Antibacterial hand wipes or gel.
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Essential medications.
• Extra pair of eyeglasses.
• Extra house and car keys.
• ABC-type fire extinguisher.
• Food, water, leash and carrier for pets.
• Cash and change.
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes.
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Sarcasm at its best wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:55 PM:
• Extra house and car keys.
Yay! We should all get an "extra house!" hehehe...
I'm sure it meant to say "Extra key to house and car" "