NOAA: Sandy is our worst case scenario

Written by Bill Barlow Monday, October 29, 2012 02:32 pm

A report released today by Gary Szatkowski of the National Weather Service in Mount Holly says Hurricane Sandy “will strike the region with devastating impacts.”

He’s expecting a direct hit to the region, with the potential for record flooding on the coast and along streams and rivers.

“The full moon on Oct. 29 just makes things worse,” the report summary reads.

Expect extremely heavy rain, and strong wind, sustained at 40 to 55 mph, and gusts up to 75 mph.

“Hurricane Sandy will strike our region directly. Options for it to miss us have run out,” reads the report, issued on Monday afternoon. “This is our worst case scenario.”

Sandy had briefly dropped in power to a tropical storm, but gained strength to again be termed a Category 1 hurricane, and is expected to remain at that strength before transitioning to an extremely intense nor’easter when it hits the coast, according to Szatkowski’s projection.

Flooding has already slammed the coast, but according to Szatkowski, tonight will be worse.

A storm surge of 8 to 10 feet is expected on the Delaware Bay. If the storm shifts south, the areas along the bay will see record flooding. His report suggested the barrier islands will see breaches. The ocean has already overwashed in several areas, including in Ocean City.