The Aftermath of Irene

Even as a Category 1, Hurricane Irene still did some significant damage.  Above is a picture of two trees that fell down outside Irene's sustained hurricane force wind radius, in sustained winds of only tropical storm force winds, with gusts maybe reaching hurricane force.  This just puts into perspective how strong tropical systems are, even if they are only tropical storms or a category 1.  Luckily, the trees didn't land on any power lines or people.  The other problem Irene caused was major flooding.  The Raritan River crested at near-record levels, around 40 feet.  Below is a picture of Route 18 near New Brunswick that was completely under water.  Multiple locations in NJ also received excessive amounts of water, causing serious flooding to towns and neighborhoods that resulted in additional evacuations.

Good news is that the Raritan has receded and Route 18 has now reopened in both directions.  However, roughly 280,000 homes and businesses around NJ are still in the black with no power. 

For continued coverage on the 2011 Hurricane Season, visit the WeatherCoats Hurricane Center.

Tropics Update - Hurricane Irene Now A Category 2

Just as I said, Atlantic's first Hurricane of this season has formed and it's headed right for the East Coast.  Now a Category 2, Hurricane Irene has a track set to impact the Eastern Seaboard by Saturday and make it's way up to NJ by Sunday or Monday.  Whether or not Irene will make landfall before affecting us is up in the air.  However, the GFS Forecast Model is suggesting that Irene will hug the East Coast and possibly not make landfall at all, allowing Irene to retain it's strength while still causing major damage to the East Coast, including the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, and New Jersey.  

 

The NHC forecasts that Irene will continue to strengthen into a Major Hurricane (Category 3 or higher, winds 110mph+) by tomorrow.  Hurricane Warnings have been issued for the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Turks Islands, and Caicos Islands.  Hurricane Watches have been issued for Northern Haiti and Northwestern Bahamas.  For Hurricane Irene's track and satellite images, check out the WeatherCoats Hurricane Center. 

Salem and Cumberland Counties declare a State of Emergency

Due to the excessive rainfall today, a State of Emergency was declared for parts of Salem and Cumberland Counties. Some parts even received up to 11 inches of rain!  With bridges washed away, multiple road closures, and evacuations issued, it may be a while before the State of Emergency is lifted.  In addition, a Flood WARNING is in effect for Salem, Cumberland, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Morris counties.

WeatherCoats | Hurricane Eugene (Pacific) Reaches Category 4

Hurricane Eugene 8/3/11

Hurricane Eugene in the Pacific strengthens to a Category 4 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with maximum sustained winds at 140mph.  The eye of Eugene is very well defined and the shape of the cyclone itself is very uniform, indicating the strength of the storm.  The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Eugene to move further into the Pacific where it will eventually dissipate into a Tropical Depression.  To keep an eye on Eugene, go to the WeatherCoats Hurricane Center or the National Hurricane Center website.