Sandy Shifts Slightly Northward; Holds Steady As Cat 1 Storm
By Katie Fehlinger and Justin Drabick
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sandy is located over 300 miles off the Southeast coast and remains a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 75 mph. This is a very large storm with tropical storm force winds extending almost 450 miles from the storm's center.
The latest forecast guidance show a little northward shift in the track, putting a landfall somewhere between the NJ and Long Island coast. This is a little farther north than the official National Hurricane Center's track. Still, anywhere from Delaware to Long island could see a landfall later on Monday. A more southern landfall would bring the worst coastal flooding to southern NJ and up Delaware Bay. However, no matter where it moves inland, the entire region will be impacted with the following:
- Strong, damaging winds will batter the region for a period of 24-48 hrs
- Extreme Heavy rainfall of 5-10"
- Major Storm surge combined with High tide at Full Moon (oct 29) can be 10 ft at the coast.
- Rain will move from south to north by Sunday night with the heaviest rain on Monday.
- Flash flooding is extremely likely in flood prone areas.
- Major River flooding is likely
- Power Outages are likely to be in the thousands
- All modes of transportation may be impacted due to road closures, delays & shut downs.
- There is a higher tornado risk if we are in the Northern sector of the storm
- Potentially Historic Damage which will include downed trees, power lines, flooded properties, etc
- The storm will be slow moving which will exacerbate problems
The weather will begin to deteriorate Sunday night as bands of showers rotate through the region. Monday the rain will be pounding. The worst of the storm (rain and wind) will be felt Monday into Tuesday.
Low-lying areas near the mouth of the Delaware should plan for flooded homes and roadways, and the barrier islands of New Jersey will also be hit hard with the combination of heavy rainfall and powerful storm surge. Even areas that are not usually prone to flooding could see flood problems.
Heed the evacuation warnings down the shore. Our Emergency Managers have planned for this for years and will keep us safe. Inland, do not panic, just be prepared.
The CBS3 WEATHER TEAM will send additional updates.
