Residents Near Rivers Advised to Evacuate

The following is a press release issued by township officials Saturday afternoon about the town's response to Hurricane Irene.

Wayne Township began planning to deal with effects of Hurricane Irene earlier in the week when it became more and more likely that the township was in the path of this dangerous storm.

All township department and volunteer organizations have met to review preparedness plans to deal with the effects of the hurricane. The township’s unified response effort of personnel and equipment is prepared to immediately mobilize when necessary, which clearly will be on Sunday, Aug. 28.

As Hurricane Irene rapidly approaches, Wayne can expect torrential rains tonight and Sunday morning. Storm totals of 5 to 10 inches of rain is likely during this period. If this rainfall amount occurs, major river flooding is likely. River levels are projected to rise rapidly during the early hours of Sunday and reach flood stage by mid-day.

Those closest to the rivers are strongly advised to prepare your home, shut off the utilities and evacuate today. Locate a safe place for your family and pets with relatives or friends. Do not attempt to stay home when the hurricane hits Wayne. Do not use the wait-and-see approach. These residents should evacuate today. Residents in low-lying areas away from the rivers are strongly urged to prepare your home for flooding and to move vehicles to higher ground and be prepared to evacuate on Sunday, which likely will become necessary.

In addition to river flooding, the intensity of the rainfall very likely could case small streams and brooks to leave their banks in flash flood events throughout the township.

As is the case with hurricanes, it’s not just the rainfall that is cause for concern. Severe sustained winds of 60 to 80 mph are likely. There is a high potential for downed trees and power lines. There is the very real threat for power outages in numerous areas, which could very well take a prolonged time to repair due to widespread scope of Irene.

Hurricane Irene, with it’s torrential rains and dangerous winds, is not a storm to be taken lightly.

All residents should take the necessary precautionary step so they are prepared when Irene hits.

Residents should monitor the township's public access TV channel 77, www.waynetownship.com and the town's Office of Emergency Management information line at 973-694-5050 for updated information.