Monday : 10 a.m.
The New Hope-Solebury School District will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Oct. 30.
Monday, 8:29 a.m.
Statement from New Hope Emergency Management:
“The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for Bucks County from Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon. A Flood Watch means that there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Hurricane Sandy will produce excessive rain across portions of our region Sunday night or Monday into Monday night.
“The NWS has also issued a High Wind Warning for Bucks County from 8 am Monday until 9 am Tuesday. A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage, including downed trees and power outages. Winds northeast at 40 to 55 mph by 2 pm today with gusts of 65 to 75 mph are anticipated Monday into Tuesday. The strongest winds are expected this afternoon and early this evening. This will be followed by a brief period of similarly damaging southerly winds early tonight as Hurricane Sandy heads west past the Philadelphia region.
“Hurricane Sandy is expected to reach the MId-Atlantic coast late Monday evening. Sandy is expected to be a serious and multi-hazard threat for the region, including flooding rains, high winds, downed trees (on houses, cars, power lines) and widespread and lengthy power outages. Substantial flooding is likely in Southeast Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey…with 4 to 10 inches of rain expected by daybreak Tuesday. Bands of squally downpours will produce hourly rainfall rates near 1 inch for several hours, which will cause small streams to rise rapidly.
“Some small stream flooding and considerable urban and poor drainage flooding should develop Monday morning and continue through Tuesday. Larger main stem river flooding is possible by Tuesday or later, depending on where the heaviest rain actually falls. The NWS is currently predicting that the Delaware River will crest in New Hope at 8.7 ft. at 2:00 pm on October 31st; however, this is a very preliminary estimate that will undoubtedly change for better or worse as the storm progresses. Flood stage in New Hope is 13 ft.
“Governor Corbett has declared a statewide disaster emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Governor Corbett is reminding residents to remain in their homes during harsh storm conditions. If you need to leave your home during the storm, please follow all posted road warnings to keep yourself and others safe, in Pennsylvania this is now the law.
“With the risk of prolonged power outages, the Governor is urging everyone to ensure they have supplies to last a couple days in their homes (such as batteries, food, water, essential medicines and first aid supplies) and to have a communications plan with friends and loved ones in order to let them know where you are during the storm.
“All residents in a flood plain should also be prepared to evacuate if so ordered by Borough officials. These orders are very serious and only given when necessary.
“All residents, especially those in low lying areas of the Borough along the Delaware River and the Aquetong Creek, are advised to make arrangements for pets; store valuables and important personal documents in watertight containers; elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor; secure residences by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and water main valves; lock all doors; and make plans to evacuate, if the water threatens your residence. Be sure to take essential items–medicine, special foods, personal items, baby supplies, clothing, money and valuable papers–but do not overload your vehicle. If flooding occurs, do not return to your residence until authorized to do so by New Hope emergency management officials. Be sure to check on any neighbors who may need assistance.
“The New Hope Police Department, located at 125 New Street, will serve as the New Hope Borough Emergency Operations Center (EOP) for this storm. The EOP will open at 9 am on Monday. The telephone number for the EOP is 215 862 3033.
“Be alert for possible flood warnings and be sure to pay attention to local media, NOAA weather radio, or check the National Weather Service at http://www.nws.noaa.gov for periodic updates. Visit http://www.readypa.org/ or call 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397) to get a full list of preparation instructions.
“Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.”
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