Area warned of approaching storm

By Vanessa S. Holt, Managing Editor
On Friday the National Weather Service indicated that Tropical Storm Hanna’s effect on the area will be mainly a rain event, with 5-7 inches in most of Burlington County concentrated along the Delaware River, according to the county freeholders’ office. Wind gusts could reach 50 miles per hour.
Storm bands are expected to bring rain Friday night, but 25-40 mph winds and heavier steady rain were predicted to start in Burlington County in late morning or early afternoon Saturday, according to the county.
Another change from Thursday’s forecast is that the event is expected to remain in the area for 12-16 hours, about four hours longer than first expected, said county officials.
The National Weather Service already has issued a Tropical Storm warning for Burlington County and most of New Jersey. Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to make landfall along the North Carolina coast late Friday.
In preparation for Saturday’s storm, the county’s Emergency Management Command Center has notified all essential county departments and agencies that the Command Center will open at 7 a.m. Saturday. All local Emergency Management Coordinators have been notified, and dam gates have been opened so that lakes at the headwaters of the Rancocas Creek and the creek itself are at their lowest possible water level.
On Saturday, residents are asked to call the Highway Department at 609-726-7300 or their local police department to report road flooding or debris blocking a road.
Reports of downed utility lines or power outages need to be reported to your utility company. Residents should call 911 only in emergencies.
Residents also are encouraged to access www.ready.nj.gov or call 211 (toll free) for additional information.
Residents with private wells and/or septic systems should take certain precautions if they experience flooding on their properties. A list of recommendations can be found on the county Web site’s (www.co.burlington.nj.us) main page, Floods and Your Health under News and Events.