The Cherry Hill Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Irene and its potential impact on the township.
The National Weather Service forecast has worsened since Wednesday. The official track has moved to the west and Hurricane Irene is expected to track closer to Cherry Hill and the region. This potential track means heavier rain and higher winds.
Rain could start as early as Friday night ahead of the hurricane.
– Heavy rains could affect Cherry Hill through Sunday.
– Heavy winds could affect the township Saturday night into Sunday. High winds may continue after the storm passes.
With the current forecast track, Cherry Hill can expect the following:
– Rainfall exceeding 7 inches, which would send streams, creeks, and the Cooper River into flood stage. Flash flooding in streets and low-lying areas could also be expected.
– Sustained winds of 40–50 mph with gusts to 60 mph or higher. This level of wind could cause downed trees, power outages, and other infrastructure disruption.
To date, August has been the second rainiest month in Cherry Hill’s history. Rainfall from Irene could cause severe flooding in the city.
If you are driving and encounter flood waters or standing water, do not attempt to drive your vehicle through the water. Try to find an alternate route or wait until the water recedes.
Before flooding occurs, the Office of Emergency Management encourages residents and local businesses to:
– Monitor National Weather Service forecasts at http://weather.gov
– Know your area’s flood risk. To estimate your flood risk and flood insurance premium, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
– Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
If you live in a flood-susceptible area:
– Keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.
– Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner’s policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
– Listen to local news for critical updates.
To prepare for high winds:
– Bring outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other loose items, inside the house or tie them down securely.
*Residents should note that, in the event of significant flooding or other emergency scenario, a number of public buildings — including schools, the Cherry Hill Library, Town Hall, and the Township Community Center — would be available for use as public shelters. Specific shelter sites would depend on the location of the emergency.
To learn how to prepare for emergencies and to get a list of emergency supplies, visit http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html#link2.
For the latest Emergency Management updates, please visit the township’s website at www.cherryhill-nj.com, our social media sites on Facebook and Twitter, Comcast channel 19 or Verizon channel 24. Most importantly, if you have not already done so, please sign up for the township’s e-mail notification system by entering your e-mail address under “Newsletter sign-up” on the township’s home page. This registration will allow you to receive weekly updates, traffic advisories and emergency alerts from Town Hall year-round.
