9/6/2008 5:37pm Update:

Seems as if some areas in Hoboken are “starting to go under” according to police. 4th and Jackson & Harrison, 9th near Shoprite (badly), and other areas such as Park & Newark “Water blowing out of the manholes…”

It also appears that despite having a front page article about a “emergency meeting” in today’s local paper, that the Office of Emergency Management is having some issues. Police seem frustrated that they cannot find barriers, and communication seems mis-directed. Later, it was then said that there are indeed barriers, and “they’re on the way.”

They’re trying out there, but seem more than just a little disorganized.

9/6/2008 3:45pm Update:

Despite the pending storm, I had tons of work to do on the server this morning..

However, it seems like we’re just getting started with the rain.

Police on the ball, plus free parking!

While I was tinkering with computer code, I overheard how “prepared” Hoboken Police were on the Live Hoboken Police and Fire Scanner. They have barricades ready, and are constantly checking the known flood areas.

Additionally, if you really need to move your car, Bill Bergin and John Corea were nice enough to open up Garage B (2nd and Hudson) for free parking today. How nice of these gentleman!! You might want to check if parking is still available.

hanna-rain-in-hoboken-september-6-2008.jpg

9/6/2008 9am Update:

It may not be raining right now, but should pick up again this afternoon.

We’ll have to wait and see how much rain Hoboken gets, as it all depends on how far east the storm passes off the coast.

As of this morning, here is what the National Weather Service had to say:

“THERE WILL BE TWO PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN THIS WEEKEND. THE FIRST HAS ALREADY OCCURRED EARLY THIS MORNING WITH GENERALLY ONE HALF TO ONE INCH OF RAINFALL… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS. THE SECOND… AS HANNA PASSES NEARBY… WILL OCCUR FROM THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT… RESULTING IN AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN. HIGHER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE WHERE RAIN BANDS ARE THE MOST PERSISTENT. THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT RISES ON AREA RIVERS… STREAMS AND CREEKS… AS WELL AS MODERATE FLOODING OF LOW LYING… POOR DRAINAGE AND URBAN AREAS.”

9/5/2008 Update:

With the heavy rain and wind from Tropical Storm Hanna pretty much certain for tomorrow and tomorrow night, you might want to think ahead a bit.

Don’t forget the Hoboken flooding photo contest either!

Common sense prevails

I would imagine most of us are bright people. However, in case you want a reminder, here’s a few simple tips:

  • Decks or balconies - secure or bring inside any items that may blow off; flower pots, etc.
  • Brownstones - Check your drainpipe on the roof. Clear any debris.
  • In case of emergency, avoid 911. Instead, call Hoboken Police directly at 201-420-2100. 911 often mis-communicates key things like town and address. So memorize, or program in your phone.
  • If you encounter flooding while you drive, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH! Often times, manhole covers blow off, and your car can be damaged.
  • You might want to avoid parking your car in areas prone to flooding. (see map below).

Avoid parking in these areas

I just highlighted some areas that I can recall off the top of my head. If there are any others I forgot, then email me to let me know.

View Larger Map

See videos from last year after the jump…

(Hanna, continued..)

What the flooding might look like

And in case you want to see what the downtown Hoboken looks like after a big storm, see a video and picture slideshow below.

That made me think… wasn’t flooding a big campaign platform during the elections last year? Along with open space, and living conditions in the projects… has progress been made with those? Haven’t heard much… Hmmm.


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