Hurricane Irene: Weekend Evacuation Advisory

 

As the rain keeps pouring down and Hurricane Irene makes her way up the coast, the city is preparing to evacuate certain 'high-risk' areas.  Williamsburg and its sister neighborhoods along the East River are unfortunately included in these areas.  

As reported by Brownstoner, Williamsburg's Waterfront falls into the Zone A category, which means it has the highest risk of flooding and the "Potential for Damage" is "extensive", according to the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The inland areas of Williamsburg are Zone B, but still carry a "moderate" damage potential, with winds possibly reaching velocities of up to 110 MPH. The Department of Buildings has issued an Inclement Weather Advisory, stating that all construction sites must be secured with threats of Work Stop Orders if the conditions are not met.   

You can use the Hurricane Zone Finder to see which zone your neighborhood falls into and Ready New York's Hurricane Guide to brush up your hurricane fighting tactics.