Hurricane Sandy: Questions and answers about 'Frankenstorm'

Follow on Twitter
on October 26, 2012 at 7:30 AM, updated October 26, 2012 at 7:48 AM
hurricane-sandy-satellite-image-oct-25-2012.JPGThis satellite image, made and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shows how large Hurricane Sandy is as the storm swirls in the Caribbean. The storm is on a path that could impact the East Coast, including New Jersey, forecasters say.

By Dan Goldberg and Eliot Caroom/The Star-Ledger

Some questions and answers about Hurricane Sandy and how the storm could impact New Jersey as it barrels up the East Coast.

Q: Why do hurricanes rarely strike New Jersey?

A: New Jersey is typically protected from hurricane strikes by a number of factors. Tropical systems that come up the Atlantic Coast are typically steered by a semi-permanent and massive high-pressure system that sits in the center of the ocean. Tropical systems typically ride around this high-pressure system and curl out to sea, often aided by storm systems moving east across the United States and out over the Atlantic.

Q: How is Sandy different than Irene?

A: While Irene, which soaked New Jersey in August 2011, was a tropical system, Sandy is expected to transform into a hybrid between a tropical storm and a nor'easter. This is because Sandy, which is moving up the coast, is expected to combine with another storm system that is moving east across the United States. Therefore, the storm's impact could be more widespread and its forecast track significantly increases the coastal flooding threat, which was not present during Irene.

Q: How will the moon affect flooding?

A: Monday night is a full moon. That means high tides will be at their highest. This could make flooding more likely along the coast and in tidal rivers.

Q: Will the flooding be as bad as Irene?

A: This depends on how much rain falls, according to The National Weather Service. The good news is it has been a relatively dry summer. New Jersey’s rivers are well below flood stage. "There’s a good bit of room to work with," said Joey Picca, a meteorologist with The National Weather Service.


Q:Are trees likely to fall due to the storm?

A: Winds of 50 to 70 mph with hurricane-force gusts are forecast to affect the state during the storm at this time, and could easily bring down trees and large limbs. Remaining leaves could be blown off trees and clog drains during the storms, but, the further north you go the fewer leaves remain, and the less problematic this becomes.

Q: Does it make a difference if I clean my gutters?

A: Yes. Before a major storm FEMA advises homeowners to clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts and to ensure the equipment isn’t loose. If you’re doing the work yourself, be careful – a North Bergen man died before Tropical Storm Irene when he fell while clearing gutters. Never work from heights in high winds or rain. Make sure to read all instructions on ladders, find one that’s tall enough to reach the work area and keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Also, it’s good wear slip-resistant shoes and work gloves, which can prevent cuts and the spread of disease.

Q: What can I buy to help protect my house from flooding?

A: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center says sandbags are your best bet. Make sure you don’t fill the bags more than two-thirds full, or you can often buy pre-filled bags. Make sure to cover the ground with plastic sheeting before you set up your sandbag wall or pyramid. Line up the bags and make sure they’re touching. Stack the next layer, making sure to stagger the bags. A simple vertical wall can be up to four bags high, but if you’re looking to build the wall higher, you need to structure the bags in pyramid form.

hurricane-sandy-tracking-albany-ny.JPG Meteorologist Hugh Johnson works on tracking Hurricane Sandy at the National Weather Service office in Albany, N.Y. on Thursday, Oct. 25.

Q: Can I still buy a generator?

A: As news of the storm spread yesterday, businesses that sell generators got busy.

"We’re just starting to get bombarded with phone calls about generators or sump pumps," said Sean Fallon, a salesman at Cooper Power Systems in Ocean Township.

Business was also brisk to the north at R & J Control in Dover.

"We’re getting a lot of calls for people to service their generator because they remember the storm in October of last year," said founder Bob Berry. "The phones are ringing off the hook because people want us to come check their generator."

Berry’s business sells large, stationary generators that cost $5,000 or more and another $5,000 for installation that can run off a natural gas line or propane tank for days.

But it could be too late for customers to buy one of those: an electrician needs to inspect a property and those large units require a permit to install.

For customers who already have those units, Berry recommends testing them to make sure the battery that starts them still works. Batteries should be replaced every two years, he said.

Q: What should I do with my car?

A: AAA recommends having a full tank of gas before the storm hits. That means fueling up, inflating tires (and spares), as well as packing jumper cables and emergency flares. It also means keeping a blanket, snacks and bottled water in the car in case of a breakdown and wait for help. AAA also recommends putting emergency gear such as a flashlight and necessary medications in the car so that in case of emergency you can leave as soon as possible.

Q: How are the power companies preparing for the storm?

A: Jersey Central Power & Light, which was heavily criticized after last year’s storms, has already sent out several warnings to customers about the impending storm, and CEO Don Lynch will take questions today in Old Bridge.

The company also has a new website for telling customers about outages and getting tips from them:, spokesman Ron Morano said.

Along with the site, the company is reaching out to the public on social media, something the Board of Public Utilities advised it to do last year. It will post updates on the Twitter handle @JCP_L and post news on its Facebook page:

Outside of the virtual world, the company has already contacted utilities in neighboring states that it will call on if more manpower is needed.

Public Service Electric & Gas has also made a number of changes since last year’s storms. The company upgraded some power lines to higher voltages, and the newer lines can better withstand lightning strikes and wind, according to spokeswoman Karen Johnson.

The company also recruited additional manpower, reaching out to utilities in other states to secure additional line crews. "(We) have commitments for about 1,500 people, 300 of which are expected to arrive on Sunday afternoon," Johnson said yesterday.

PSE&G also will update customers via social media from its Twitter account, @PSEGdelivers and at

Q: What should I do about insurance to prepare for the storm?

A: Create a home inventory. A home inventory can speed the claims process and substantiate losses for income tax purposes. A detailed home inventory is also helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid.

Sources: National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, New Jersey Office of the State Climatologist, PSE&G, JCP&L