Tri-State preparing for heavy rain, winds ahead of Sunday nor'easter
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Saturday was the calm before the storm as preparations were underway for Sunday's nor'easter.
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey residents prepped ahead of the storm, getting sand bags. The state entered a State of Emergency as of 10 p.m. Saturday.
Monmouth County residents took no chances this weekend, filling sand bag after sand bag ahead of the big storm.
"So far we have given out about 1,500," said CERT volunteer Autumn Nonnenmacher.
A State of Emergency has been declared across all 21 counties.
It is not just the rain -- wind, beach erosion, flooding and power outages are possible
Many say they remember Superstorm Sandy and out of an abundance of caution they're making sure they're prepared.
PSE&G crews are performing system and logistics checks ahead of the storm.
All NJ Transit services will continue operating on regular schedules for as long as the weather and road conditions are safe. If there are any issues, systemwide cross-honoring will be in effect tomorrow and Monday.
The National Weather Service says confidence remains high for significant impacts from major coastal flooding to substantial beach erosion Sunday into Monday.
"As long as the ocean stays on this side of the wall and the river stays over there than we're ok but we're not sure that's going to happen this time," says Mike Jacobsen of Sea Bright Village.
It's important to have a plan in place in case the power goes out -- make sure you have food, water, flash lights and your phones charged.
It's also a good idea to bring in any porch decorations or furniture that may fly away during the storm.
LONG ISLAND
On Saturday, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman warned residents to take the storm seriously. He activated the County Emergency Operations Center starting on Sunday morning.
You never know what the intensity or the strength of the storm will be until it actually happens. It's nature. We monitor the situation very closely. We'll prepare for the worst and hope for the best," County Executive Blakeman said.
Nassau County, the Office of Emergency Management, and other local departments are taking active measures to protect residents and property.
Officials are strategically placing over 20 high-axle vehicles in areas prone to flooding to facilitate emergency responses. The Department of Public Works will also be using pumps to move water out of flooded zones and putting out barricades to prevent access to dangerous areas.
Residents are urged to please stay home, and if you must go out, do not drive through a flooded area.
"It may look like you can drive through it. It may look like it's shallow, but it could be very deep," Blakeman said.
In addition to sheltering at home, residents are being urged to check on family members and neighbors once conditions become safer. In the event of a power outage or downed power lines, call PSEG Long Island's 24-hour Electric service number at 800-490-0075. Do not approach downed power lines yourself.
To allow emergency personnel to be most effective, do not tie up emergency phone lines with non-emergency calls.
