Weathering The Imperfect Storm On Long Island
First it was the property tax bill, exploding out of our mailboxes and burrowing into our wallets like some kind of Tasmanian Devil.
Then came the earthquake. The Stuff that ad nauseum reports by the likes of Wolf Blitzer, who must have interviewed every last rock in Mineral Springs, VA, are made of.
And now, batten down the hatches and secure your lawn chairs, as Long Island tracks a strong and virulent Hurricane Irene.
What next? Locust? [Wait. We've seen the skeletal remains of the Cicada clinging to the tree trunks. The locust have arrived!]
We survived the earthquake, and have the tee shirts to prove it. We are enduring the tax bills -- barely, and with ever deepening dismay. We tolerate the Cicada. But a full blown Hurricane with torrential rains and winds nearing 100 mph?
If you thought the flooding and downpours of the other night were of Biblical proportions, just wait!
Forecasters are not exactly sure where the storm will track (are they ever?) -- east, west, or out to sea (although the computer models don't indicate this at the moment). So, where to, Irene? Who knows?
Long Island has a long history of Hurricane hits, some impressive and deadly, others little more than a passing shower. From Doria to Gloria, Belle to Bob, we've weathered them all.
What will Ms. Irene bring our fair Island?
The best adivce we can give you -- short of becoming stranded on one of Long Island's faux Coastal Evacuation Routes, heading for higher ground atop the Covanta Incinerator tower or the H. Lee Denison Building, or hastily ordering your personal (autographed?) copy of Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray's Guide to Hurricane Safety -- comes in the form of two words: BE PREPARED!
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Nassau County Office of Emergency Management
Hurricane Irene is currently forecast with a 50% chance of hitting the Greater New York City region - passing Long Island at or just east of Montauk - at around 4 PM Sunday, possibly as a category 1 hurricane
with maximum sustained winds of 74-95 mile per hour.
Hurricane Irene, at that level of strength, can produce storm surges, high tides, strong winds, driving rain, and severe thunder storms. These, in turn, can cause flooding, toppling of trees or other structures, dangerous driving and walking conditions, and downed power lines, presenting dangerous street conditions and leading to extended power outages.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency reminds everyone to Be Prepared.
Please visit the NOAA website for information on disaster preparedness http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml and pay particular attention to the disaster supply list at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
The information below was supplied by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy's Office to help in accessing help during emergencies.
For more information and storm safety and preparedness tips:
http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/safety.html
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oem/hurricane/prepare.html
http://www.ready.gov
www.petsafecoalition.org
If all else fails, and you still have power, check out the Long Island Hurricanes.
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