The Hunterdon County Division of Emergency Management is continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna as it makes it way toward the area. The county is working with the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to keep updated on the track of the tropical storm as well as emergency preparedness efforts. This information is being passed onto the local municipal emergency managers and emergency responders.
Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to remain a tropical storm when it makes landfall near the North Carolina/South Carolina border early Saturday morning. Hunterdon County residents should expect rain to begin sometime Saturday morning and last through most of the day and evening. The rainfall totals have increased to 5 to 7 inches of rain for the Hunterdon area. This will mean flash flooding on many small streams and creeks.
At this time, the National Weather Service does not believe there will be any problems on the Delaware River as it will get high but will stay within its banks and under flood stage. Winds are expected to be 25 to 40 mph with gust up to 50 mph.
The National Weather Service has placed Hunterdon County under a tropical storm wind warning and flood watch.
Hunterdon County has set up a Web page specifically for residents to find information pertaining to Tropical Storm Hanna as well as family preparedness information, health-related information, municipal emergency management contacts and updates from the ccunty’s OEM. This Web page is located at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/hanna2008.htm.
Additional information can be found at the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Web site at http://ready.nj.gov.
Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management will continue monitoring throughout the weekend, including opening the Emergency Operations Center when needed.
Residents are advised to watch their local media outlets and the National Weather Services Web site for additional updated information pertaining to the storm forecast.
Residents are reminded to use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Have the number for your power company accessible to you to notify the power company directly for any power outages. Obey road closures and drive with extreme caution if you must be out during times of heavy rain.

