PSE&G : 10 Days till full Restoration ,but Majority of Customers will be Restored before then
Our best forecast as of now is that we will have virtually all of our impacted customers restored to service within the next seven to 10 days. THE MAJORITY OF CUSTOMERS WILL BE RESTORED BEFORE THEN. There may still be isolated pockets of customers who have individual flooding or downed line issues that may take slightly longer.
OUTAGE UPDATE: At this time approximately 1 million PSE&G customers have had their power restored following Hurricane Sandy. About 716,000 customers are currently without power. The storm impacted 1.7 million of PSE&G’s 2.2 million electric customers.
Our crews work to restore power to the largest numbers of customers first, taking into account “priority customers” such as hospitals, police and fire stations, water and sewer facilities, communications facilities (TV, radio and telephone), and customers on life-sustaining medical equipment (See graphic illustration below). If someone in your family relies on life-sustaining medical equipment, it is important to let the utility know as soon as the equipment is installed. We then focus on restoring power to homes and businesses, starting with the circuits with the largest numbers of customers.
A Big Storm Requires Big Bird?
Necessary government doesn’t justify extravagant government.
By JAMES TARANTO
Some people prepare for natural disasters by stocking up on food, water and batteries. At the New York Times, they stockpile tendentious ideological arguments. Thus within hours, as other journalists were scrambling around the storm zone in search of facts, the Times was ready with a set-piece editorial that hit the Web just hours after the storm called Sandy made landfall in the Northeast.
The title was “A Big Storm Requires Big Government,” and here’s the nut: “Disaster coordination is one of the most vital functions of ‘big government,’ which is why Mitt Romney wants to eliminate it.” That’s a straw man, as the Times itself admits at the end of the editorial by linking to a Politico story reporting “Romney would not abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”
“Gov. Romney believes that states should be in charge of emergency management in responding to storms and other natural disasters in their jurisdictions,” Politico quotes a Romney spokesman as saying. “As the first responders, states are in the best position to aid affected individuals and communities, and to direct resources and assistance to where they are needed most. This includes help from the federal government and FEMA.”
It’s not clear if the Times disagrees with Romney’s actual position, which more or less describes the status quo. If you spent hours yesterday watching local TV news in New York, as we did, you saw a lot of Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and you heard a lot about state and local policemen, firemen and other emergency personnel. The federal government’s role was largely invisible.
PSE&G storm update – Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
November 1 2012
–Outage update: At this time approximately 950,000 PSE&G customers have had their power restored following Hurricane Sandy. About 781,000 customers are currently without power. The storm impacted 1.7 million of PSE&G’s 2.2 million electric customers.
— Our best forecast as of now is that we will have virtually all of our impacted customers restored to service within the next seven to 10 days. The majority of customers will be restored before then. There may still be isolated pockets of customers who have individual flooding or downed line issues that may take slightly longer.
— The storm surge flooded a large number of substations along the Passaic, Hackensack and Hudson rivers, and the Arthur Kill, disrupting service to customers in Hudson, Essex and Middlesex counties. The magnitude of the flooding in contiguous areas is unprecedented. PSE&G had to take these stations out of service, wait for the flood waters to recede to assess the damage, dry out the equipment, replace equipment when necessary and re-energize the system to restore service. We continue to make progress on the substations affected by flood waters from the tidal surge. This is a painstaking process to thoroughly clean the equipment so theta it can be safely re-energized.
— PSE&G has assembled a “virtual army” of over 1,730 technicians – 600 PSE&G workers and 1,050 workers from across the country — plus an additional 600 contractors to cut and remove trees. We continue to secure whatever resources become available to us from other utilities; additional crews from the Midwest are arriving this afternoon.
— Many of the outages were caused by falling trees and limbs, which bring down power lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. To report a downed wire and other visible equipment damage, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.
— To report a power outage, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG.
PSE&G is distributing free ice and water to customers without power at the following locations on a first come, first served basis between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm:
Elizabeth Customer Service Center, 550 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
West Orange Customer Service Center, 59 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
Paramus Park Mall 700 Paramus Park Paramus, NJ 07652 Next To Macy’s behind the Crown Plaza
Burlington Customer Service Center (PSE&G lot across the street from CSC), 501 High Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
— Customers with wells are advised to have a supply of bottled drinking water on hand, and should fill the bathtub with water for sanitary purposes.
— Crews work around the clock to repair equipment and restore power. The utility’s call center also has been fully staffed on a 24-hour basis to handle calls from customers. Other employees are assisting with assessing storm damage, keeping the public away from any downed power lines and other functions that support restoration efforts.
— Electric crews work to restore power to the largest numbers of customers first, taking into account “priority” customers, such as hospitals, police stations, fire stations, water and sewer facilities, communications facilities (TV, radio, and telephone), and customers on life-sustaining medical equipment. At the same time, the utility restores power to homes and businesses, starting with the circuits serving the largest number of customers.
NJ TRANSIT Restores Majority of Bus and Access Link Routes in New Jersey
Customers advised to prepare for delays and detours on many routes.
After the devastating destruction left behind by Hurricane Sandy, NJ TRANSIT will resumed the majority of Bus and Access Link service starting Thursday, November 1.
Thursday’s restoration of service comes on the heels of the Governor Christie’s earlier announcement that River Line light rail service resumed operations Wednesday afternoon, making trips every 30 minutes between the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden and Trenton Transit Center.
Bus Service:
Starting today, November 1, NJ TRANSIT will restore bus service on 68 bus routes in northern and central New Jersey and 18 bus routes in southern New Jersey, providing service over the entire routes with no detours or truncations.
Also today, NJ TRANSIT will restore partial service on 58 bus routes in northern and central New Jersey and 17 routes in southern New Jersey that will operate with detours or truncations due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Sandy.
Northern and Central
The following routes will all operate over the entire route, with no detours and no truncations:
The following bus routes will resume service with detours or truncations due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Sandy:
· No. 13 – Minor detour on 13N and 13C at Kingsland Rd at Washington St
· No. 25 – Maplewood to Newark Penn Station
· No. 30 – Minor detour in N. Arlington; Ridge Roadd, Sealy Street and Passaic Street
· No. 34 – Service to Penn Station only
· No. 40 – Minor detour in North Arlington on Ridge Road, Sealy Street, and Passaic Street
· No. 56 – Minor detour on Wood Avenue in Linden
· No. 58 – Minor detour on Michigan Avenue in Cranford
· No. 59 – Minor detour on Jersey Avenue in Elizabeth
· No. 65 – Minor detour on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains
· No. 66 – Minor detour on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains
· No. 67 – There will be no 67 Express trips. All local trips will start at Lakewood instead of Toms River. There will no service from Toms River to Lakewood.
· No. 68 – No service on Route 516. All service will start at Routes 18 and 9.
· No. 72 – Detour in Clifton
· No. 73 – Minor detour in Florham Park due to closure of Peach Tree Rd
· No. 74 – Detour in Passaic
· No. 76 – Minor detour in Belleville along Belleville Turnpike and Kearney Ave
· No. 83 – Major detour at Westside Industrial
· No. 85 – Access to Hoboken uncertain and service may end at Congress, Jersey City
· No. 87 – Short trips from Gates Avenue to Journal Square – no service to Hoboken
· No. 89 – Access to Hoboken questionable. Service can end at 19th St
· No. 90 – Minor detour on Washington Street in Bloomfield
· No. 112 – Minor detour on Jersey Ave in Elizabeth
· No. 115 – Regular service only, Elizabeth Ave service not operational
· No. 117 – Service will run parallel to Route 22 to compensate for Bus No. 114 ridership
· No. 121 – Trips terminate at 69th Street
· No. 123 – Major detour at Palisades Ave. Trip may end at Congress Street, Jersey City
· No. 126 – Willow/Clinton Service & Hamilton Park Eliminated – Customers can board at Washington Street and 14th Street in Hoboken for service into New York.
· No. 128 – Trips operating outside Park
· No. 130 – No service to Covered Bridge, morning peak service will start from Union Hill.
· No. 132 – No service to Jackson
· No. 133 – Service will start at Route 516 and Route9. No service on Ticetown Road and Crotell Road.
· No. 135 – Regular service from Main and Route 34. Detour on Route 34 to Lloyd Road.
· No. 137 – Express tripswill run as scheduled. 137 Local trips will start at Lakewood.
· No. 138 – Trips will start at Route 18 and Route 9. There will be no service to Spotswood.
· No. 139 – Regular service from Lakewood to New York on Route 9. There will be no service to Englishtown, Covered Bridge or Stone Harbor.
· No. 153 – No service to Linwood Park Loop – Service starts outside the park
· No. 158 – Major detour of north of Route 5 – Service traveling along Palisade Avenue
· No. 163 – Major detour in Upper Ridgewood
· No. 165 – Service starts at New Bridge Rail Station
· No. 166 – No service to Merrit Gardens- Service starts at Madison & Washington avenues
· No. 167 – No service north of Chestnut Bend or Harrington Park Service
· No. 168 – No service north of Bergen Mall.No Paramus Park Service
· No. 171 – Minor detour in Paterson
· No. 177 – No service north of Chestnut Bend, no service to Harrington Park
· No. 178 – Detour on Forest Avenue
· No. 188 – Major detour of north of Route 5
· No. 194 – No service toStockholm – Service begins at New Foundland
· No. 195 – No access to Allwood Park & Ride
· No. 196 – No service north of West Milford, No Skyline Drive
· No. 197 – No service north of West Milford, No Skyline Drive
· No. 199 – Operating with detours through Lyndhurst and Nutley
· No. 319 – Terminates at Toms River
· No. 703 – Haledon service discontinued. Service starts at Broadway Terminal
· No. 770 -Minor detour in Paterson
· No. 874 – Minor detour; E. Halsey Rd to Parsippany Rd
Southern New Jersey
The following bus routes will resume full service with no detours or truncations: Nos. 313, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 410, 412, 413, 414, 417, 418, 450, 451, 452, 453, 459, 455, 460 and 463.
The following bus routes will resume service with detours or truncations due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Sandy:
· No. 315 – No service to Stone Harbor, Avalon and Sea Isle City due to the closure of Stone Harbor Bridge.
· No. 317 – No service beyond Fort Dix
· No. 319 – No service to Atlantic City
· No. 409 – No service from Burlington to Trenton
· No. 419 – No service on York Drive and Woodland Road in Beverly
· No. 455 – Minor detour on Kingstown Drive
· No. 457 – Minor detour on Church Road between Fellowship Road and Route 38 in Cherry Hill
· No. 502 – No service to/from Atlantic City
· No. 507 – No service to/from Atlantic City and Ocean City
· No. 508 – No service to/from Atlantic City
· No. 509 – Service between Pleasantville to Somers Point only
· No. 551 – No service from Avandale to Atlantic City
· No. 552 – No service to/from Atlantic City
· No. 553 – No service to/from Atlantic City
· No. 554 – No service to/from Atlantic City
· No. 559 – No service to/from Atlantic City
Bus service on routes not listed remains suspended until further notice. Power outages in local communities have resulted in the loss of traffic control devices critical to safe operation in some areas. Downed tree limbs and power lines continue to make many roads impassable. Personnel are in the field reviewing and assessing these conditions in order to ensure that service is restored as soonas it becomes safe to do so.
Due to significant damage to theState’s public transportation network, NJ TRANSIT rail service will remain suspended until further notice. Newark Light Rail and Hudson Bergen Light Rail service alsoremain suspended until further notice.
Rail Service:
· There is no estimated time for the resumption of service. Service will remain suspended until further notice.
· Crews continue to inspect the rail infrastructure to get a full assessment of damage:
· NJ TRANSIT’s Rail Operations Center—the central nervous system of the railroad—was engulfed in water, which damaged backup power supply systems, the emergency generator, and the computer system that controls the movement of trains and power supply.
· Local power outages have prevented NJ TRANSIT rail operations from being able to further test crossing gates and operating signals.
· Hundreds of downed trees have fallen across the rail system, which have caused damage to overhead wires and signal wires.
· There are rail washouts across the system, including on the North Jersey Coast Line, Atlantic City Rail Line as well as at Kearny Junction, the critical link which enables MidTOWN Direct service to access the Northeast Corridor.
· Several rail stations have sustained flood damage, including Hoboken Terminal.
· Morgan Drawbridge on the North Jersey Coast Line in South Amboy sustained damage from boats and a trailer that collided into the bridge.
Light Rail Service:
· River Line resumed full service starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, operating on a Sunday schedule, every 30 minutesr Rand Transportation Center in Camden and Trenton Transit Center.
· Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail service will remain suspended until further notice. There is currently no estimated time for resumption of service. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail experienced track washouts at Port Imperial and West Side Avenue stations, as well as trees in the overhead wire in Weehawken and flooding in Hoboken.
· Crews continue to inspect the light rail infrastructure to get a full assessment of damage.
· Newark Light Rail sustained flooding in Newark Penn Station, as well as major debris damage between Newark Penn and Branch Brook Park stations.
Access Link:
· Access Link service will resume today, November 1, in the following regions:
· Region 2, which includes Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.
· Region 3, which includes Atlantic, Cape May and Southern Ocean County.
Service Updates:
For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit or access NJ TRANSIT’s Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system (www.njtransit.com/mytransit), which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555
Storm Damage – 300 Block of South Irving Street, Ridgewood
October 31,2012
Boyd A. Loving
Ridgewood NJ, Personnel from PSE&G’s Gas Division investigate a natural gas leak associated with the fall of a shade tree in the 300 block of South Irving Street in Ridgewood on Tuesday morning. The downed tree also caused a localized power outage which currently affects over two dozen residents of South Irving Street and Arden Court in Ridgewood. Two homes sustained moderate damage when the tree fell.
All New Jersey Transit Services Suspended Tuesday October 30th
All NJ TRANSIT Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link service is suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Sandy. NJ TRANSIT implemented a gradual system-wide shutdown of all service starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 28 and continuing through 2 a.m. on Monday morning, at which time the shutdown of all NJ TRANSIT service was completed.
Customers are advised of the following:
Rail Service
All NJ TRANSIT rail service is currently suspended until further notice.
Bus Service:
All NJ TRANSIT bus service is currently suspended until further notice.
Light Rail Service:
All Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, River Line and Newark Light Rail service is currently suspended until further notice.
Access Link Service:
Access Link service in all regions is currently suspended until further notice.
System-wide Cross-Honoring
System-wide cross-honoring of all rail, bus and light rail tickets will be in effect through Wednesday, October 31, until 6 a.m. This will allow customers holding NJ TRANSIT tickets to use alternate means of transportation to get to their final destination, such as PATH, PATCO and private bus carriers. Due to the duration of the storm and the potential impact to the NJ TRANSIT system, this timeframe could be extended if necessary.
Following the conclusion of the storm, NJ TRANSIT will assess the status of the system and test critical infrastructure before making any decisions regarding the potential resumption of service.
Service Updates
For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit njtransit.com or access NJ TRANSIT’s Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system (www.njtransit.com/mytransit), which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.
Regarding travel on the road, please keep these points in mind:
– Don’t go on the roads unless you are essential to the disaster response.
– There is no ban on driving, BUT there are travel restrictions in many counties e.g., Atlantic, Cumberland, Camden. The Parkway is closed from Exit 38 South and there is the possibility of expanding the closure.
– Regardless of current rain conditions, drive slower to avoid losing control when you drive into ponding and standing water that is already on every roadway.
– Never drive through standing water, even if you think your vehicle can clear the depth. Even if you have an SUV. You could stall and block access for emergency workers
– Expect that flash flooding can turn a stream under a roadway into a river, capable of washing vehicles right off the road. This resulted in a tragic death during Irene.
– If you don’t have to be on the road, stay home. This is no time to venture out for sightseeing or taking photographs and videos.
PORT AUTHORITY UPDATE ON CONDITIONS AT TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
October 29, 2012
As landfall of Hurricane Sandy approaches, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reports the following update on conditions at its transportation facilities as of 7 a.m. today:
Airports
The Port Authority’s airports – John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, Stewart International and LaGuardia airports – are open. However, air carriers have ceased operations until further notice, and we are encouraging travelers not to travel to the airports.
Rail service on AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark has been suspended until further notice.
PATH
All PATH service was suspended as of midnight until further notice.
Ports
The Port Authority’s maritime facilities are closed until further notice.
Tunnels and Bridges
The Port Authority’s tunnels and bridges are open. However, Port Authority staff will closely monitor the wind and flooding conditions. Closures will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on high winds, rainfall and roadway conditions. However, closures are anticipated later today. Motorists are urged reduce speeds when roadways are wet, and pay close attention to posted electronic messages for important information.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
All public and private bus service has been suspended until further notice.
Passengers are reminded to check https://www.panynj.gov/ for updated information about PATH, the airports, the tunnels and bridges, and all other Port Authority facilities. For further information about safety precautions, evacuation routes and best practices for New York State, visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/stormwatch. For New Jersey, visit www.ready.nj.gov.
WEATHER ALERT : Secure all Halloween Decorations and Garden Gnomes
October 29,212
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police announce due to the potential severe impact of the impending storm you are hereby advised that solid waste and recycling services will be suspended on Monday, Tuesday and Wednseday of this week.
The recycling center will be open to residents should you need to dispose of solid waste or recyclables that cannot be held. The normal pick up schedule will resume on Thursday.
Please remember that in no case will branches be allowed to be placed in the street. It is also requested that you withhold any reports of property damage normally made to law enforcement staff until after the storm has passed. Please continue to check the Village website for further updates.
The Ridgewood police also remind everyone to secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects .
Alice Gainer from News 12 New Jersey , reminds us , “This may seem obvious….but I’ve still seen em out…bring in your Halloween decorations…. or any lawn decorations for that matter…you know those garden gnomes or whatever people are into. Last thing anyone needs is to be knocked unconscious by a flying gnome while out in a storm. (Also- don’t go out in the storm) “
Photo by Ereny Milad Seaside Heights looks like early Sunday evening… storm didn’t even hit yet
WEATHER ALERT : Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey
October 29.2012
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey but the superstorm has been making its approach known, with high winds, rough surf and coastal flooding. Landfall is expected near Barnegat between 7 and 11pm tonight.
According to News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist James Gregorio , Hurricane Sandy is about 425 miles southeast of New York City and the center of the storm is expected to be near the Jersey Shore late tonight.( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter )
Gregorio says the storm has top sustained winds of 75 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center and a potentially lethal storm surge of 4 to 11 feet across much of the region. The punishing winds that could cause widespread power outages. ( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter)
American Dream Mall project more than just a White Elephant and complements sports neighbors
By Kathleen A. Donovan Bergen County Executive and John D. Mitchell Chairman of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders
October 25,2012
The Record
WOODY JOHNSON, Steve Tisch and John Mara have an obligation to fans of the New York Jets and New York Giants to put a winning football team on the field. We have an obligation to the people of New Jersey to promote economic development in Bergen County. We don’t tell the Jets whether to start Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow and we do not need them to tell us how to jumpstart the economy in Bergen County and the region.
American Dream Meadowlands is prepared to put 9,000 construction workers on the job, turning this opportunity into a viable economic engine for the region. They are prepared to create 15,000 new permanent jobs. The only thing standing in their way are the two New York Teams with a misguided view of protecting their economic interests from perceived competition for entertainment dollars.
At a recent New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority hearing, Mara, representing both teams, worried that amusement attractions and a water park will impact his debt payments on Metlife Stadium. But investors are not worried. The teams just sold the naming rights to the fourth and final cornerstone entrance to their stadium. Would an astute business enterprise have made that deal with the teams if they felt somehow a water park would scare fans away from professional football games? Of course not.
Many fans bemoan the loss of the old Giant stadium and the imposition of personal seat licenses by the teams. The Jets and Giants rejected plans to upgrade the old facility at an estimated cost of $250 million. They choose to keep up with the Joneses – as in Jerry Jones in Dallas. They opted to build a new stadium that, with cost overruns, came in at $1.6 billion. That is their right. It is the American way.
They chose debt
Mara worries about debt on the stadium. But it is debt he and his partners chose to incur.
Let’s look behind the numbers. The NFL contributed a reported $300 million to the construction of the stadium. They gave the teams the opportunity to reap the financial reward of hosting the Super Bowl.
The New York Jets and New York Giants fans were hit with personal seat license fees that were geared to raise another $800 million. So how much debt do Johnson, Tisch and Mara really have? The public does not know. But we doubt we will need to throw a benefit for them anytime soon.
The New York teams tell us their fight against American Dream Meadowlands is all about traffic. We all would like to leave our homes, work sites and, yes, entertainment venues without encountering any traffic on our drive to our next destination. But this is New Jersey and traffic is a fact of life every day, not just when the teams are playing.
We are resourceful, we plan trips around traffic. You try to avoid major highway arteries during the holiday season. You don’t drive by the neighborhood school when the kids are being dropped off in the morning. You probably won’t choose to leave the water park and amusement area as a football game is concluding. And if you are at the game, you likely will come over to American Dream for a post-game meal or to visit the attractions while the traffic is dissipating.
A win-win for everyone
American Dream Meadowlands will complement, not complicate, life for the teams and their fans. If the teams, developers and Sports Authority work together to enhance the total game day experience for both patrons and fans, this will be a win-win for everyone.
And, most importantly, people – 9,000 construction workers and 15,000 people with permanent jobs, and all the ancillary jobs created – will go back to work in Bergen County.
THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE RIDGEWOOD OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
HURRICANE SANDY IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT OUR AREA AS EARLY AS SUNDAY NIGHT. WIND GUSTS COULD REACH 75 MPH CAUSING SIGNFICANT RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. MAJOR FLOODING IS ALSO EXPECTED.
RESDIENTS ARE WARNED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREPARE.
SECURE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE OBJECTS.
MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF YOU ARE IN A FLOOD-PRONE AREA.
BE PREPARED TO SELF-EVACUATE. ALSO BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE, WITH AT LEAST A 3 DAY SUPPLY OF FOOD AND WATER.
IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE, AVOID DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES. AND STAY AWAY FROM FLOOD WATERS.
CALLL 9-1-1 ONLY FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES.
Christie Administration Begins Preparations For Possible NJ TRANSIT System Shutdown
TRENTON, NJ –The Christie Administration has announced that preparations have officially begun for the potential shutdown of NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday, October 29. This preliminary step is being implemented as the statewide transportation agency continues preparations for Hurricane Sandy.
“The safety of our customers, employees and the public-at-large is paramount,” said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson. “By beginning this important process, NJ TRANSIT will be better able to support the state’s response to Hurricane Sandy by freeing up buses or other resources that may be needed for hurricane relief.”
During Hurricane Irene, NJ TRANSIT implemented a full-scale system shutdown spanning nearly 36 hours. This decision is credited with saving billions in NJ TRANSIT assets, which enabled NJ TRANSIT to restart service with all equipment available for use. Additionally, no customer or employee injuries were reported during this time.
The systematic shutdown of NJ TRANSIT service will require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. The process requires the relocation and securing of buses, rail equipment and other NJ TRANSIT assets away from flood-prone areas. It also requires complete coordination with state and local officials throughout the process.
It is important to specifically note that this step is being taken solely as a precautionary measure. No final decisions have been made regarding any potential future service suspension.
Earlier today, Governor Christie announced system-wide cross-honoring of all rail, bus and light rail tickets starting Monday, 12:00 a.m. and continuing through Wednesday, 6 a.m. This important step will allow customers holding NJ TRANSIT tickets to use alternate means of transportation to get to their final destination, such as PATH, PATCO and private bus carriers. Due to the duration of the storm and the potential impact to the NJ TRANSIT system, this timeframe could be extended if necessary.
NJ TRANSIT PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY
Rail and Light Rail Operations
NJ TRANSIT’s maintenance forces continue inspecting culverts, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt service.
NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding.
Bus and Access Link Operations
NJ TRANSIT Bus and Access Link maintenance and support staff will be on standby 24/7 to respond where needed.
Customer Service
Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operations if necessary.
The Transit Information Office (TIC) – NJ TRANSIT’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary.
TRAVEL ADVICE
For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip.
In the event of service delays or adjustments, including the suspension of service, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, floors and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or to NJ TRANSIT staff.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE : FLOOD WATCH
554 AM EDT SUN OCT 28 2012
…SIGNIFICANT FLOODING POSSIBLE MONDAY INTO TUESDAY…
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY AFTERNOON…
THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND
SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…NORTHERN FAIRFIELD…NORTHERN
MIDDLESEX…NORTHERN NEW HAVEN…NORTHERN NEW LONDON…
SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD…SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX…SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN
AND SOUTHERN NEW LONDON. IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…EASTERN
BERGEN…EASTERN ESSEX…EASTERN PASSAIC…EASTERN UNION…
HUDSON…WESTERN BERGEN…WESTERN ESSEX…WESTERN PASSAIC AND
WESTERN UNION. IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…BRONX…KINGS
(BROOKLYN)…NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)…NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…
NORTHERN NASSAU…NORTHERN QUEENS…NORTHERN WESTCHESTER…
NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK…ORANGE…PUTNAM…RICHMOND (STATEN
ISLAND)…ROCKLAND…SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…SOUTHERN NASSAU…
SOUTHERN QUEENS…SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER AND SOUTHWESTERN
SUFFOLK.
* FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON
* A DANGEROUS COASTAL STORM IS EXPECTED TO BRING BETWEEN 2 AND 6
INCHES OF RAIN EARLY MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY. THE HIGHEST
RAINFALL AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS…IN
AREAS THAT EXPERIENCE PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN BANDS AS WELL AS
AREAS THAT ARE NEAR THE CENTER OF CIRCULATION OF THE STORM.
file Photo Boyd Loving
RAINFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE IN THE
HEAVIEST BANDS.
* THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL CA– USE WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR
DRAINAGE FLOODING MONDAY MORNING INTO TUESDAY…WITH FLOODING
OF FLASHY…FAST RESPONDING STREAMS LIKELY AS WELL. THE URBAN
AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL LIKELY BE EXACERBATED BY
FALLEN LEAVES CLOGGING DRAINS…AND ALONG COASTAL AREAS DURING
THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO
FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING
DEVELOP.
NJ TRANSIT CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY
As Hurricane Sandy moves into the region, NJ TRANSIT is closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy’s movements along the Atlantic Coast and preparing the system to minimize service suspensions and delays as much as possible. Current reports estimate Hurricane Sandy beginning to affect New Jersey late Sunday evening with the storm intensifying Monday into Tuesday.
NJ TRANSIT crews are currently preparing rail, bus and light rail infrastructure for the storm and additional crew and equipment will be on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding when the storm hits. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT is coordinating with state, county and local OEMs (Offices of Emergency Management) to keep them updated on service status, outages and restoration efforts.
Storm forecasts indicate Hurricane Sandy has the potential to impact transit services. It may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change. While every effort will be made to continue operating rail, bus, light rail and Access Link services throughout the state, customers may experience delays, detours or cancellations on their routes due to significant rainfall expected in some areas.
Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to service. NJ TRANSIT advises customers:
For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.
NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operation if necessary. The Transit Information Offices, NJ TRANSIT’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary. Customers in need of service information can call (973) 275-5555.
