BEHIND BLONDIE PARK

UPDATE:  Weather experts are reporting that Hurricane Sandy which could wreak havoc across 800 miles of the East Coast could develop into the largest storm to  ever hit the States.

Officials in New York, New Jersey and Delaware have already issued a state of emergency as they prepare for “Sandy’s” arrival which expected to be Monday night. 

Residence along the storms path have begun to prepare for what is being called a “megastorm.”  Sandy’s arrival coupled with the nor’easter winds from the Atlantic could collide causing what experts call an “atmospheric bomb.”

Tips for Storm Preparation:

♦Clean Storm Drains
♦Clean out leaves from your gutters
♦Gas up your cars. 
♦Buy batteries, and put your flashlights in a central location
♦Make sure you have water and non-perishable food 
♦Charge cell/smart phones 
♦If you have a generator, be sure to have adequate fuel on hand 
♦Secure loose outdoor items or bring inside (including Halloween displays, decorations)
♦Have extra $cash on hand

FIND SHELTER Stay informed about the storm’s progress and evacuate if told to do so. If you need to find a shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check your local television, radio and newspaper.

Long Island, Emergency Resources and Information:

Advisories: State of emergency. High wind advisories and coastal flood warnings in effect until Tuesday afternoon. More Information

Closings: Most local colleges and several school districts closed on Monday.Information

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation in effect for Fire Island, southern Nassau and areas of Babylon and the Town of Islip. Information

Flights: More than 7,000 flights cancelled; MacArthur Airport, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark are closed until at least Monday evening. Information

You can also track individual flights.  Information

Shelters: Long Island and New York City shelters are open.
Information

Storm surge maps are out for Long Island. Information 

Tips from the National Weather Service in New York City