Sat. night: Floods Likely, Tornadoes Possible

Morris and Sussex counties remained under a tropical storm warning Saturday night, as the National Weather Service warned of flooding,  heavy rains and hazardous winds.

As Hurricane Irene climbs the East Coast, the NWS said, its center would pass close to the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey over the course of Saturday night and Sunday morning. . The NWS was expecting 6 to 10 inches of rain in many areas, with isolated amounts of up to 14 inches in some areas.

It said record-setting rainfall would likely result in major flooding, warning in particular that small creeks and streams are highly susceptible to flash floods.

"The Raritan and Schuykill Rivers have the potential to react rather quickly and are highly susceptible to flooding," the NWS wrote in an advisory issued at 9:15 p.m. "The Delaware, Susquehanna and Passaic Rivers react more slowly, however, they are also highly susceptible to flooding from this rainfall event.

Regarding local rivers, the NWS warned:

• The Passaic River could flood at Millington, Chatham, Pine Brook and Little Falls, affecting Morris and Somerset counties.
• The Pequannock River could flood below Macopin Dam, also affecting Morris County, as well as Passaic County.
• The Pompton River could flood at Pompton Plains, affecting Morris and Passaic.
• The Ramapo River could flood at Pompton Lakes, affecting Morris, Bergen and Passaic counties.
• The Raritan River could flood at Manville and Bound Brook, affecting Somerset and Middlesex counties
• The Rockaway River could flood at Boonton, affecting Morris County.

Isolated tornadoes were possible in the storms outer bands through Saturday night. Tornado watches had been extended to several Jersey Shore communities over the course of the day Saturday, and by the evening were put into effect for Morris and Somerset Counties. Those counties were expected to remain under the watch until 5 a.m. Sunday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns there's no guaranteed safe place inside a tornado. Its Storm Prediction Center, however, offers tips on recognizing and taking precaution during tornadoes.

The NWS warned that the storm could do significant damage to mobile homes and similar structures. It urged those who live on boats to have secured them before evacuating to safer locations.

Mandatory evacuations were taking place over the course of the day Saturday in several coastal New Jersey communities. Gov. Chris Christie warned that after a point, .

About 370 such evacuees came to Morris County after a 26-hour ordeal that saw them turned away from three shelters.

Other shelters had been established in several Morris County-area towns, including Morristown, Denville, Dover, Riverdale and Boonton. Several other towns had plans to open shelters if conditions proved necessary.

All NJ Transit bus, rail and light rail service was suspended Saturday; the suspensions continue all day Sunday.

Patch sites in Morris and Sussex County are inviting readers to help us keep track of the storm and its affects, in our live chat.

STAY SAFE

The following are suggested actions to be taken prior to arrival of a storm:

• Check battery-powered equipment such as radios and flashlights. Buy extra batteries.
• Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind.
• Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. 
• Be aware of where evacuation routes are located.
• Stock up on non-perishable food items and water.
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.
• Be familiar with the telephone number of your local Office of Emergency Management. The number for the Morris County OEM is 973-829-8600. Sussex County OEM is 973-579-0380.

Residents are urged not to enter flooded roadways.

Local emergency management officials have also provided a number of recommendations for emergency supply kits. The list of items to include is as follows:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.