'Plan Ahead For 2022 Hurricane Season,' Union County Officials Say

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Weather experts are anticipating an "above-normal" scenario for hurricane activity this fall season, and Union County officials say residents should prepare for some severe storms.

According to the county, August through October are the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season. Union County residents are advised to "refresh their emergency plans now, and prepare for the possibility of a damaging storm."

“The memory of Hurricane Ida is still fresh in our minds," Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams said in a statement. "It was a devastating storm, and it was another warning that destructive inland flooding is a hurricane hazard, as well as high winds and coastal flooding. We encourage all Union County residents to be vigilant, and take steps to prepare for an emergency."

Weather experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have calculated that there is a 60 percent chance of above-normal activity this year, a 30 percent chance of near-normal activity and only a 10 percent chance of below-normal activity.

NOAA forecasters are calling for anywhere between 14 to as many as 20 named storms to develop in the Atlantic hurricane basin during the upcoming hurricane season.

Of the named storms that are predicted this year, NOAA said said six to 10 could strengthen into hurricanes and of those three to five could become major hurricanes, with top sustained winds of 111 mph or stronger. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

So far, the season has seen three named storms and no hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, according to the NOAA.

Union County residents can stay up to date on any changes in the hurricane season forecast by visiting the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Basic hurricane preparedness guidance includes assembling an emergency kit that provides for three to five days of supplies in case of interruption in electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services.

The county said emergency kits should include non-perishable food and water, prescription medications, baby supplies and any additional items for special medical needs.

The kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors, as well as cell phone chargers. A battery-operated radio, flash lights, extra batteries as well as non-electric items likes can openers should also be included.

Union County officials said the needs of pets should also be taken into consideration when planning and making an emergency kit.

Union County residents can sign up for Union County’s free alert system, First Alert, at ucnj.org/alerts, to receive automatic alerts and updates on their mobile devices and computers.

Residents without Internet access will receive alerts on their land line phones through the reverse 9-11 system.

For more details about preparing for an emergency in Union County, visit ucnj.org/prepare.

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