Hurricane Sandy - Major Storm from VA to ME

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


Here in the lower Catskill Mountains of NY, all schools in this and adjoining counties are closed. From this pee em through tomorrow (Tuesday) pee em rain fall from one to three inches is predicted, as of earlier this ayem.

It's starting to get blustery now. Winds from this pee em to tomorrow pee em are expected to be between 30 to 40, and sustained gusts from 50 to 70.

I put bottles of water in the freezer compartment to freeze and help keep it cold when the power goes out. Same for the fridge. I encourage others to do the same.

Also, if you will be in the storm's path, fill your bath tub with water (even if you're on city water). This can be used for flushing toilets, washing dishes, etc., and even for putting out a fire...!!

Such a rainfall will necessitate emergency evacuations of several local towns and/or individual residents, per personal experience. This would also follow through for residents living along many parts of the nearby Delaware River.

Good luck to all who will be in its path.

[HikerMom58]

I am 30 miles from ocean city MD here...the pier is damaged, the southern part of town is under water and the storm hasn't even gotten here yet...chincoteague causeway was closed last night and probably won't be reopened until wednesday. thousands are without power too...sheesh, what is it going to be like when the storm gets here tonight!!!

I'm getting loads of flood pics from Chincoteague...it's really bad there... Hope the ponies are on higher ground.

[Pathfinder1]

I'm getting loads of flood pics from Chincoteague...it's really bad there... Hope the ponies are on higher ground.

Hi...


I've been there. I know what you mean.

[jakedatc]

I always thought that some surfers have a death wish, or were they just down at the beach looking at the big waves? I hope they have sense enough to stay away from the water today and tomorrow! BTW, Narragansett, and all of the RI coastline is essentially closed. No one is allowed into those area, only outbound evacuees are allowed on the access roads.

They were done by early afternoon yesterday.. which i dont' think is that bad.. build up to storms i think is better for the surf than the actual storm. i bet it is just choppy and nasty out there today

[Mags]

Interesting google map:

http://google.org/crisismap/sandy-2012

[Wise Old Owl]

nice find Mags - thanks

[Odd Man Out]

From Mt Washington

"Hurricane Sandy will move inland today around the Delmarva Peninsula, then slowly shift northeast over the remainder of the forecast period. As it moves in today and tonight, the pressure gradient will become very steep causing winds to ramp up to 60 mph at the base of the mountains and surrounding valleys, with summits likely seeing several gusts well over 100 mph; so, a very windy day from the top to the bottom of the mountains. A very moist flow around this system will keep summits in dense fog and bring drizzle followed by rain that will become heavy at times. There is even a chance for some instability with this system to generate a thunderstorm or two. Thunderstorms may bring hail, sudden bursts of rain, and strong, sudden downdrafts."

[Rolo]

Just got off the trail at Wind Gap. Gotta get my tequila and huddle down for a couple days!

[Dobie Swift]

Was out this weekend for a Front Royal to Harpers Ferry section hike. Made it into Bears Den hostel at around 10:30 this morning just in time to get in out of the worst of it. We made the decision to bag the rest of the hike until better weather. There were two southbound thrus who came in right after us. They were glad to be in out of it.

[DaSchwartz]

Could be a real mess for SOBO, hopefully most of them are south enough to avoid the brunt of this.

[Lauriep]

HURRICANE SANDY WARNING
Hurricane Sandy will have major impacts on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England states. If you had planned to hike this week, postpone your plans. If you are hiking now, leave the Trail and seek shelter in a sound structure in town or at a hostel or (least preferred option) an A.T. shelter. Use extreme caution during and following the storm.

Impacts from flooding and tree damage from high winds are likely to be extensive. Small stream crossings will become extremely hazardous with rainfall exceeding 12-inches in some locations. Emergency response may be delayed or nonexistent due to heavily taxed resources and access issues. Cell and electronic communications may not be available for an extended period.

In some areas of the trail, users should be prepared for the potential of snow accumulation that could hinder foot travel and hasten the threat of hypothermia or frostbite.

Hikers should always remember their obligations to potential rescuers, and stay safe and out of trouble. This is your responsibility!

Several areas that the Appalachian Trail passes through have been closed or have issued alerts. Pay attention to local agency closures and weather alerts for more information. Known closures or alerts:

NH - White Mountain National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
VT - Green Mountain National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/greenmountain/alerts-notices/?aid=15249
NY - New York State Parks www.governor.ny.gov
NY - NYDEC (state forests) http://nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updatesNJ - New Jersey State Parks www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/
NJ/PA - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area www.nps.gov/dewa
MD -Maryland DNR http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2012/10/28/maryland-state-parks-closing-for-hurricane-sandy/
MD - C&O NHP www.nps.gov/choh
WV/VA - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (WV/VA): www.nps.gov/hafe
VA - Shenandoah National Park (VA) www.nps.gov/shen

Please monitor National Weather Service for up-to-date forecasts and local conditions as well as agency websites for closures and advisories. Be prepared with extra food, water, batteries, clothing and find adequate shelter during the storm.

[Lauriep]

And this was just passed on by our southern office in Asheville:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MORRISTOWN TN
316 AM EDT MON OCT 29 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN
REGION...

HEAVY SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE VERY ELEVATION
DEPENDENT...WITH MINOR OR NO ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED IN MOST
VALLEY LOCATIONS.


...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT
WEDNESDAY...

* EVENT...SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 17 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE BY
WEDNESDAY MORNING...MAINLY ACROSS ELEVATIONS ABOVE 2500 FEET.

* TIMING...SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT...WITH
THE HEAVIEST SNOW SHOWERS EXPECTED TONIGHT.

* IMPACTS...MOST OF THIS SNOW SHOULD BE A HEAVY WET SNOW. THE
WEIGHT FROM THIS WET SNOWFALL MAY DOWN SOME TREES AND POWER
LINES...CAUSING POWER OUTAGES. DRIVING MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS DUE
TO THE SNOW AND ICE COVERED ROADWAYS. STRONG WINDS WITH HEAVY
SNOW MAY CAUSE LOCALIZED BLIZZARD CONDITIONS OVER THE HIGHEST
ELEVATIONS AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. IN ADDITION...
SNOWFALL INTENSITIES WILL BE HEAVY ENOUGH TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE
VISIBILITIES AT TIMES. TRAVEL IS DISCOURAGED. IF TRAVEL IS
UNAVOIDABLE...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR
VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

********There is also a WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM TUESDAY FOR NORTHWEST WIND 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45

Laurie P.
ATC

[JJJ]

And just a little further north....

Winter Storm Warning
NCZ001-018-VAZ015-292200-
/O.CON.KRNK.WS.W.0005.000000T0000Z-121031T1200Z/
ASHE-WATAUGA-GRAYSON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WEST JEFFERSON...BOONE...INDEPENDENCE...
WHITETOP...TROUTDALE...VOLNEY
958 AM EDT MON OCT 29 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT
WEDNESDAY ABOVE 2500 FEET...

* LOCATIONS...WESTERN SLOPES AND HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA AND NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA.

* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY WET SNOW AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 4 TO 8 INCHES...WITH
LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS...PARTICULARLY IN THE HIGHEST
ELEVATIONS.

* TIMING...RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW THIS EVENING. PERIODS OF
MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL ARE EXPECTED MONDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY NIGHT.

* IMPACTS...HEAVY WET SNOW COMBINED WITH GUSTY WINDS MAY TOPPLE
TREES AND POWER LINES.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE UPPER 20S TO MID 30S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW
ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN
EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...
AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

[neonshaw]

looks like snow tonight all over AT throughout TN and NC, y'all be safe out there

[Wise Old Owl]

The winds were not exajurated they were intense... better than 60 tonight. A lot of branches and trees are down

[hikerboy57]

we had gusts as high as 90mph

[jakedatc]

Not bad on my side of Bristol,RI lots of wind.. gusts to 50 maybe? few small limbs down.. neighbor had one big limb come down and miss everything in their yard. lucky shot. bit of rain but we weren't expected to get much. apparently the lower spots around the state were not as lucky and there could be some big damage

providence storm gates worked and are opened back up again.

[hikerboy57]

793000 without power on long island, massive flooding in NYC and long island,hundreds of people stranded in their homes.

[Rick500]

Still watching closely to determine if 4 days/3 nights SOBO starting at Grayson Highlands will be feasible starting Thursday...

Be safe, everyone.

[Driver8]

About 500K Connecticut Light and Power customers w/o power, fortunately not including me, so far. Coach's town is 34% out, Elf's town is 55% out now.