FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release 03-020
September 17, 2003

NYC OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFERS UPDATE ON HURRICANE ISABEL AND ADVISES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS:

New York City May Not Take Direct Hit But Will Experience Significant Rain and Wind Gusts

Based on current storm tracking data, The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) expects Hurricane Isabel to come ashore Thursday in eastern North Carolina, but the brunt of the storm will be felt south of the New York City area. Hurricane Isabel is currently moving toward the north-northwest at 14 miles per hour and is positioned 315 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C.  As the hurricane passes to the southwest, New Yorkers can expect significant rain showers, as well as average wind speeds between 25 and 35 miles per hour, with occasional wind gusts exceeding 45 miles per hour.

OEM Commissioner John T. Odermatt urges all New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their families and property from the possible effects associated with Hurricane Isabel as soon as possible. “While we’re not entirely out of the woods yet, after a week of tracking Hurricane Isabel, it appears the full impact of the storm will be felt south of the New York City area,” Odermatt said. “However, it’s important that New Yorkers take reasonable precautions and be prepared. OEM will continue to monitor Isabel’s movement closely until it has passed.”

The Department of Buildings advises residents to bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, tents, garden tools and toys; and secure objects that will be unsafe to bring inside, such as scaffolding, swing sets, gas grills and propane tanks. If you own a vehicle, fill your gas tank. If you own a boat, moor or move it to a safe place well before the storm causes maritime conditions to deteriorate.

Winds and associated storm surge are unlikely to pose a significant threat to life or property, but trees may topple – particularly during the early morning hours Friday. Stay away from downed power lines. The Friday morning commute may be more difficult than usual and residents should allow extra time and exercise special caution.

OEM will continue to closely monitor the hurricane’s progress and advise residents of any further safety measures. For more information, or to receive a copy of “Ready New York,” New Yorkers can log on to NYC.gov or call 311.

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PRESS CONTACT: Jarrod Bernstein (718) 422-4888