Hurricane Irene Looms, Gov. Christie Declares Emergency

Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Irene today, urging a voluntary evacuation of shore areas.

In a news conference at State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, he urged tourists to abandon their plans for a weekend trip to the Jersey Shore and for residents to instead immediately focus on hurricane preparedness.

The storm will have serious effects on the state regardless of its exact course, forecasters from the National Hurricane Center warned in an update released at 11 a.m. Thursday.

The state of emergency mobilizes the National Guard to address the hurricane preparedness.

Hurricane Irene—an intense, damaging Category 3 storm headed for the East Coast—is the rare hurricane that can threaten inland areas, meteorologists advised.

Hurricane Irene’s path puts it over South Jersey Sunday morning, potentially as a less severe Category 2 storm by then.

Still, the Weather Channel is using terms like “multi-hazard threat,” “extreme” and “very dangerous.”

“This is a particularly threatening situation and it's best for people to be on alert,” Stu Ostro, senior meteorologist, said.

Category 3 hurricanes, with sustained winds at 111-130 mph, cause devastating damage, according to FEMA, and are characterized by extensive harm to homes’ exteriors, many uprooted trees and extremely limited water and electricity availability.

Category 2 hurricanes, with sustained winds of 96-110 mph, usually cause major damage to homes’ exteriors, according to FEMA. Small trees may uproot and there are often “guaranteed power outages for long periods of time.”

Irene’s exact path remains unclear. Projections have the storm passing squarely over the New Jersey coast, with bands covering West Deptford.

The best thing residents can do is prepare for the possibility of several days without power and water.

Emergency supply kits should include:

• One gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days
• A three-day supply of nonperishable food, with can opener
• Fresh batteries for flashlights and radios
• A fully stocked first aid kit
• Tools to turn off utilities, if necessary

It’s also a good idea to fill your car’s gas tank ahead of the storm and fully charge all electronics, such as laptops and cell phones.

Don’t forget to take special precautions for infants, the elderly and pets.

FEMA has more information on hurricane preparedness.