The City of Hoboken had a press conference Saturday morning in preparation for the impact of Hurricane Henri on the tri-state region. While it’s not forecasted as of Saturday afternoon to be hitting New Jersey as hard as once predicted now that it’s changed course, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are still possible. As many of us know, Hoboken is flood-prone, even with a normal rainfall — so better safe than sorry.
The National Weather Service is currently predicting 2-4 inches of rain, with heavier amounts possible in low lying areas, along with damaging winds.
^Image from Hurricane Sandy in 2012
No travel restrictions as of now
As of now, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and OEM Coordinator Sgt. William Montanez have not instituted travel restrictions. If such restrictions would go into effect, driving is prohibited except for public safety and essential services (government, utilities, medical personnel).
Residents always urged to stay indoors during the storm
Due to the threat of high winds and heavy rain, residents are urged to stay indoors.
Residents should move cars from flood-prone intersections and streets
OEM advises residents parked in flood hazard areas of the City (which correspond to the regions in red in the attached map), and especially in flood prone intersections identified in the map, to relocate cars to parking garages or higher elevation. If the storm is greater than a 50-year flooding event, the majority of streets in Hoboken, especially west of Garden Street, could flood.
Link to flood hazard areas and flood prone intersections: https://arcg.is/byyWz
Reduced pricing garage parking available
The City of Hoboken will provide reduced rate $5 per day parking in municipal Garage B (located on 2nd Street between Hudson and River Streets), Garage D (215 Hudson Street), and the Midtown garage (371 4th Street) for residents with a valid resident parking permit or temporary parking permit from 2PM Saturday through 8AM Monday. Garage parking space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. When discounted parking is offered, garages frequently fill before the start of the discount period. Residents who wish to park in the municipal garages outside of the discounted hours will be charged the regular garage fees during non-discount hours.
If municipal parking garages fill up, residents with vehicles parked in flood hazard areas are encouraged to utilize private garages. Rates and locations of private garages can be found on websites including parkwhiz.com or spothero.com. The parking garage at Newport Mall is also an option for Hoboken residents.
Street sweeping
At the current time, street sweeping is in effect and not suspended.
Prepare for worst-case scenario
Given the potential for heavy flooding and power outages due to heavy winds, residents should take the precautions of obtaining enough water and food, including non-perishable goods, for at least 72 hours. Residents should also have flashlights and batteries available.
Catch basins cleared by North Hudson Sewerage Authority and City
The NHSA and City staff continue to clear catch basins this weekend. Residents concerned regarding certain catch basins encouraged call the NHSA Hotline at 866.689.3970.
Please secure loose objects
With high winds projected, residents and property owners should secure or bring in all unsecured objects from outdoor locations including balconies, including lawn chairs and tables. Garbage cans should be secured or tied down to prevent litter on streets.
Flood preparations for businesses and residential properties
Any businesses or residential properties on ground or basement levels should utilize any deployable flood protection measures including sand bags, if available, to mitigate potential flood damage.
Learn more about Hoboken READY, an initiative to prepare people and property for storm events.
Learn more about FEMA recommendations to prepare for a Hurricane.
Learn more how Hoboken and NHSA prepare for, respond to, and recover from intense rainfall storms.
Learn about Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate rainfall flooding.
