My Thoughts

What we are witnessing is history in the making.  It is starting to become clear to me that we will be affected by the most intense storm of our lifetimes and possibly in history.  It is also becoming apparent to me that this storm will actually be strengthening as it approaches the coast, with the most likely landfall point in my opinion being around Asbury Park.  This will be devastating for the New Jersey Coast and for New York City itself.  The damage will likely be horrendous to catastrophic.  If you have a home near the beach, expect massive flooding and make preparations for such.  For the rest of us, we need to watch for the heavy rains and strong winds.  Flooding is likely, but the worst of the rain should be to the southwest of the center of circulation, so if the center remains south of us, even slightly, the rain will be less than it would be if the center went north of us.  So, we may be spared from the worst of the flooding, but don't get me wrong, there will likely be horrible flooding in some places.  The other thing that will help with potential flooding is that it has been quite dry recently.  My bigger concern for us is the long duration winds that will break tree branches and uproot trees, so be extremely aware of any trees around your homes and their potential to fall on your home.  There are certainly likely to be widespread power outages.  I would also expect a State of Emergency to be declared throughout New Jersey for Monday and Tuesday, as well as mandatory evacuations for people along the coast.  I understand that New York State has already declared a State of Emergency.