East Coast Braces for Hurricane Irene, New York Issues Evacuation Notice

The East coast of the United States is braced for the impact of category 2 Hurricane Irene which is expected to make landfall on 27th August 2011. A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued to all residents in the following areas: Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Far Rockaway, Beach Channel, South Beach, Midland Beach, and Battery Park City. These low-lying areas must be vacated by 5pm on Saturday 27th August 2011. All permits for street events have been revoked by executive order of the mayor.

The latest National Weather Service forecasts predict that the hurricane will become a category 1 storm by the time it reaches New York.

JFK airport and other transport systems in New York will close at noon on Saturday ahead of the storm, which is expected to bring gusts of up to 105 knots. Hospitals in low-lying areas, such as Coney Island hospital, began transferring patients to other hospitals and cancelling elective surgery on Thursday.

New Jersey American Water has advised water customers to fill bathtubs and other containers to provide drinking water in the likely event of shortages during the storm and to conserve water as far as possible. In case of evacuation, users are asked to close the main water shut off valve in their home.

Likewise AmeriGas has advised those using propane to power barbecues and generators during the storm to secure their bottles and tanks and to check for damage or leaks after the storm has passed. In the case of a leak, users should extinguish any flames, sparks or power sources near to the gas before evacuating, switching off the main gas tank supply and calling the retailer or emergency services.

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association has advised computer users to unplug computers to protect from power surges and consider wrapping equipment in plastic. For employers, ISACA advises administrators to consider how employee remote access via smartphones or home PCs might affect security of information.

New York’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has broadcast a number of updates on the situation, reiterating his faith the resiliance of New Yorkers:

“Whenever the City has faced a difficult, tough situation, New Yorkers have always shown courage, compassion, presence of mind, and have been innovative in dealing with whatever is thrown at them. And I have confidence that they will do that again.

“…New Yorkers should prepare themselves by stocking up on some basic supplies and making what’s called a ‘Go Bag,’ a bag that you could take with you at a moment’s notice if you have to leave home, and it should include things like drinking water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, any important medications that you take, essential documents, such as passports or other forms of ID, and an extra set of car keys and house keys…”

New Yorkers are also advised to avoid trees in gardens or parks because high winds will increase the likelihood of branches or whole trees falling.

AIR Worldwide, a risk modelling firm, has estimated that the cost to insurance companies of the storm’s impact on the Caribbean will be between US $500 million and US $1.1 billion. AIR expects the Bahamas will account for more than 60% of those insured losses.


In This Story: Caribbean

The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that comprises the Caribbean Sea, its surrounding coasts, and its islands. The region lies southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and of the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.

2 Recent Items: Caribbean

Big zuu’s in the kitchen with his quick and easy cacio e pepe | this morning 1

Big Zuu’s In The Kitchen With His Quick and Easy Cacio E Pepe | This Morning

Rustie Lee Makes a Family Feast With a Caribbean Twist | This Morning

In This Story: New York City

New York City (NYC) is located in the U.S. state of New York. The city is the center of the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the world with approximately 23 million people in its combined statistical area.

New York City has been described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, hosting the headquarters of the United Nations, as well as the New York Stock Exchange.

2 Recent Items: New York City

More Snow Hits East Coast as Icy Winter Blast Grips US

Subway Busking with Green Day | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In This Story: United States

The United States is a country also known as the United States of America, USA, US or just America. There are fifty states in the union, which is a federal republic ruled by a representative democracy. Nearly ten million square kilometres are inhabited by over 300 million people. The majority of Americans speak English.

4 Recent Items: United States

Why The World Is Rushing Back To The Moon

US march for life: Abortion rights likely issue in Nov election

US mulls seizing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine | DW News

North Korea and the new Cold War | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

Leave a Comment

We don't require your email address, or your name, for anyone to leave a comment. If you do add an email address, you may be notified if there are replies to your comment - we won't use it for any other purpose. Please make respectful comments, which add value, and avoid personal attacks on others. Links are not allowed in comments - 99% of spam comments, attempt to post links. Please describe where people may find additional information - for example "visit the UN website" or "search Google for..." rather than posting a link. Comments failing to adhere to these guidelines will not be published.