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Hoboken officials give update on flooding preparations ahead of Isaias

Hoboken residents are being encouraged to stock up on food and water since there's a chance Tuesday's storm could cause severe flooding and knock out power.

News 12 Staff

Aug 3, 2020, 3:13 PM

Updated 1,630 days ago

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Officials in Hoboken provided an update on flooding preparations ahead of Isaias.


Hoboken residents are being encouraged to stock up on food and water since there's a chance Tuesday's storm could cause severe flooding and knock out power.

Residents who live west of Garden Street in Hoboken or near the ShopRite on Madison Street are at serious risk of flooding. They are advised to move their cars to high ground.

Signage was posted along the streets in the area to warn of flash flooding. Barricades were also positioned to block access.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla says driving restrictions will be in effect Tuesday in order to keep people safe.

"So, what we are trying to do is restrict nonessential during peak times, 5 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday."
The city is also trying to help residents to find parking somewhere other than streets.
"We are offering $5 a day municipal garage parking," says Mayor Bhalla.

Private lots or lots at the Newport Mall are also recommended.
Because parts of Hoboken sit at or below sea level, the city doesn't fare well with rain. For example, the city saw 3 inches of rain July 22, and the effect was equivalent to a 50-year storm.
Crews with the North Hudson Sewerage Authority worked to clean catch basins Monday. They are also set to man the two massive flood pumps, which can return 150 million gallons of water per day to the Hudson River.
"Emergency generators have been put in place at pump stations and at treatment plants so that if we lose power, we'll still be able to operate," says Dr. Richard Wolf, of the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

The Sewerage Authority also says steady rain is better than bursts of rain and it will be watching conditions through the evening.
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