Snowtober and Sandy

Snowtober 2011

Two years in a row, October 29th has turned into a meteorological marvel here in New Jersey and nearby states. In 2011, a surprise Nor'easter left millions without electricity for days as heavy, wet snow that adhered to trees caused many branches to snap, in many cases landing on electrical wires.  While temperatures in the 40s after the storm would normally feel fine, when those temperatures are inside your house and you are sleeping with a winter jacket, that is an interesting experience.


Flash forward to October 29, 2012, and Hurricane Sandy is the top story. By dinner time this evening, Sandy is expected to make landfall along the real Jersey Shore. The current prediction has the eye of the storm passing in the vicinity of the beautiful Barnegat Lighthouse. Storm surge is expected to be a major problem further up the coast in New Jersey, as well as in New York City, Long Island, and southern New England. Meteorologists are telling us that what is so challenging with Hurricane Sandy is that it is a combination of a strong weather system from the west, cold air from the north, tropical conditions from the Atlantic Ocean, and a full moon that is causing astronomical high tides.  In 2011, we also had Hurricane Irene in August, causing major flooding problems, mostly along inland rivers. This morning, we see on The Weather Channel the Hudson River flowing rapidly, complete with ocean-like waves and whitecaps.Tropical force winds are anticipated to spread over hundreds of miles, even as far as Chicago and Lake Michigan.


So if you are in the path of Sandy, stay safe and warm. Heed the warnings to stay off the roads.This will make it easier for first responders and utility workers who put themselves in harm's way to ensure we are safe and warm. 

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