Clark Updates Residents on Hurricane, Declares State of Emergency

Around 4:45 p.m. today,  Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso and Emergency Management Coordinator Jerry Fewkes broadcast live on TV36 to update and advise residents regarding Hurricane Irene.

Here, some highlights from the broadcast:

State of Emergency – Driving Prohibited After 8 p.m.

-Both the county and town have issued a state of emergency.

-Non-emergency vehicle traffic is banned from 8 p.m. tonight until noon tomorrow.

-The ban may be lifted earlier if conditions are favorable.

The Hurricane Itself

-According to Fewkes, the weather service says when storm approaches will just be slightly off coast and still Category 1 hurricane.

-Expect wind speeds of 40 to 70 mph and eight to 10 inches of rain.

-According to Fewkes, it appears the storm may be moving faster, which may bring it into our area sooner. Originally it was expected Sunday morning, but may now occur more so tonight and wind down around noon on Sunday. A faster movement means we may not get quite as much rainfall as we’re expecting.

Red Cross Shelter at Brewer Municipal Building

-The Red Cross has set up a regional shelter at the Brewer Municipal building to serve Clark and other areas. Cots are available.

-Do not just show up at this shelter. If you are elderly, senior, alone, having a problem, or feel storm is too much to bear alone, call Clark Police at 732-388-3434 and they will take you on a case-by-case basis.

Flooding and Evacuation

-If you live in low-lying areas, be ready to be evacuated. If you think you’re in an area where you are going to get water, have a ready bag packed. Reverse 911 calls will notify those who need to be evacuated, but it may be on short notice.

-Since opening floodgates at the Clark Reservoir yesterday, the reservoir has gone down about four inches. The town hopes this will alleviate some flooding. 

Other Notes

-Have prescriptions filled.

-Street closures will be posted on ourclark.org and TV 36.

-Mayor Bonaccorso will try to get back on TV36 tomorrow to give another update, though the time is uncertain. Check TV36 for an exact time tomorrow.