By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
FLORENCE — The community is expecting massive rain, intense gusts of wind and flooding to hit the township tonight as Hurricane Sandy approaches.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported at 5 p.m. that Sandy was moving quickly toward southern New Jersey and Delaware. Landfall is expected early tonight accompanied by life threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds.
”In addition to long periods of sustained tropical storm-force winds, the storm will continue to produce historic surge levels along the coast," according to NWS.
Also, NWS is reporting from Mount Holly that bands of rain with damaging winds will affect much of Central Jersey in addition to the southern part of the state, as well as southeast Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
A Burlington County emergency shelter is operational at the Fountain of Life Center, 2035 Columbus Rd.
County shelters will also be set up at the Chairville School, in Medford, and at the Palmyra Community Center, in Palmyra, according to a Burlington County press release.
Schools were closed on Monday throughout the state and will remain closed tomorrow.
Gov. Chris Christie on Saturday declared a state of emergency.
”I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm’s potential impact,” Gov. Chris Christie said.
The storm is anticipated to impact millions of Americans and massive power outages are expected.
The NWS said that heavy rain may weaken tree root systems resulting in down trees and power lines.
There will be a full moon tonight, which will create a high tide along coastal shores – in addition to the surge created by Sandy.
Ahead of Hurricane Sandy reaching New Jersey, Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio announced on Sunday that the county offices would be closed — except for essential personnel.
Mr. Garganio said, “The county has done everything possible to prepare, and hopefully, our residents have as well.”
Hurricane Sandy is being referred to as Frankenstorm.
As of 5 p.m., the NWS said that 60-mph winds will hit Florence this evening. Rainfall is slated for New Jersey throughout the week, with the heaviest rains predicated for the area on Monday.
State offices were closed Monday and will remain so on Tuesday.
Hurricane Sandy is set to strike New Jersey after Hurricane Irene brought historic flooding last year in August.
According to the Office of the Governor, “Unnecessary travel is not recommended.”
Drivers are advised to stay off of the roads whenever possible and otherwise drive with caution, follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect the weather elements and the guidance and orders of emergency management and government officials, according to a Monday press release from Gov. Christie’s office.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared active disasters in multiple states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire.
For information on the Florence Office of Emergency Management, visit www.facebook.com/FlorenceOEM.
For more information, visit www.weather.gov or www.state.nj.us.