If you have any preparation work today ahead of Hurricane Sandy's arrival, today is probably your best chance to do it without the risk of getting rained on. 

The National Weather Service is predicting a high of 69 today with mostly clear skies and a still comfortable low of 53 tonight with little to no chance of rain. 

Depending on the track the storm takes as it churns up the east coast, the forecast could change dramatically for the area with at least a 30 percent chance of rain staring tomorrow during the day.

The temperature looks to stay the same with highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's to upper 30's for most of next week according to the most recent predictions.

The weather service is not predicting a rain-free day again until Wednesday night into Thursday morning as of the most recent forecast. 

Hurricane Sandy is tracking toward Monmouth County, likely bringing with it power outages, flooding and road closures.

Residents are incouraged to sign up for the reverse 911 system in either Aberdeen or Matawan to receive vital information specific to their town regarding the hurricane. 

A reverse 911 system allows emergency personnel and government officials to alert residents about possible dangers through telephone calls and email notifications.

In addition to road closures, severe weather and power outages the alert system can be used at any point in time for other reasons officials see fit, such as child abductions or other crimes. 

Here is a link to Aberdeen Township's CodeRED alert system.

Matawan Borough's Swift 911 alert system can be accessed by typing (or copying and pasting) the following URL into your web browser:

http://64.106.243.185/matawan/Swift%20911/

If you signed up previously, you do not need to do so again. You may unsubscribe from the service at any point by returning to the respective websites and following the instructions there.

Other useful resources for local hurricane news:

• Matawan-Aberdeen Patch breaking news emails
• Matawan-Aberdeen Patch Facebook
• Aberdeen Township website
• Matawan Borough website
• Matawan Police Department Facebook

Residents should be prepared for power outages of up to 10 days from the anticipated impact of Hurricane Sandy, according to a release from the parent company of JCP&L.

FirstEnergy Corp, which owns the local utility company along with several others on the East Coast, said in a release that the oncoming storm could wreak havoc with the electrical system and residents should be prepared to be without power for more than a week.

The company is securing outside utility crews, electrical contractor and tree trimmers to assist a beefed up response crew and support workers to help restore power as soon as possible throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to the release.

“Depending on the severity of the storm's impact on the electrical system, customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power outages lasting up to seven to 10 days,” the release says.

The company recommends that residents:

• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.  Use care when burning candles; open flames are a fire hazard.
• Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.  Do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open-flame heat sources to prevent deadly carbon monoxide gas from building up in your home.
• If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
• Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand.  Tune in to a local radio station for current storm information.
• Have a hard-wired telephone or a charged cell phone handy in the event you need to report your electricity is out.  Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when power is out.  If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.

The company says its call centers will be fully staffed. Customers without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report the outage, the release says.  

Customers should immediately report downed wires to JCP&L or local police or fire department.  Customers should never go near a downed power line, even if you think it's no longer carrying electricity, the release says.

For updated information on the company’s storm preparation efforts, current outages, the storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help.  JCP&L will also provide updates via Twitter @JCP_L, the release says.

“Based on current predictions, we are making plans to position our crews to get ahead of the storm and minimize the impact on our customers,” Chuck Jones, president of FirstEnergy Utilities, said in the release.  “FirstEnergy crews and additional hazard teams and support staff are ready to assist the restoration process.”

Monmouth University will be closed on Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 as Hurricane Sandy is expected to hit the area next week.

Monmouth University posted the following announcement on its web site on Friday morning:

While weather forecasts are not 100% in agreement, most scenarios now show dangerous winds approaching our area by Sunday afternoon and perhaps lingering as long as late into Tuesday.

Wind damage, flooding and power outages must be expected.

Therefore, to allow for individual storm preparation, I am, today, deciding that the University will be closed for all classes, business and activities on Monday and Tuesday.   

Saturday classes will be held as scheduled.

I recommend that students, who are able, make plans to leave the campus starting this weekend and return to inland homes until Wednesday.   Residence Halls on the main campus will remain open, although students are advised to return to homes away from the storm, if possible.  At this point there is a strong likelihood that the campus and surrounding area could be without power during and after this storm.

University Residential Life will work with students living in the Diplomat Apartments, Fountain Gardens and Pier Village, today, to arrange temporary relocation.

Residential students who are unable to leave the main campus will receive additional information from Residential Life today.  Please stand by for that information.

Students living in the area, outside of the University housing, should plan for safety.

Essential employees will be contacted by supervisors about their responsibilities over the next few days and until the University reopens for class and business on Wednesday.

To the extent that regional communications are maintained, please stay tuned to the radio (see below),  the University Website www.monmouth.edu or University emergency phone number (732) 263-5900 for information about University operations. The University will also use the Blackboard Connect emergency notification system to make further announcements about opening/closing.

Weather Emergency Information

To assist you during inclement weather, Monmouth University has created a Weather Emergency Information Line: 732-263-5900.

In addition, a broadcast message will be issued to the on-campus voice mailboxes of all employees and resident students for cancellation of classes and University closings only.

To check your voice mail from home, dial 732-263-6000 and enter your four-digit voice mailbox number and your personal password.

You also may listen to the following radio stations:

• WJLK: Monmouth County (94.3 FM)
• WRAT: Pt. Pleasant (95.9 FM)
• WCTC: New Brunswick (98.3 FM)
• WJLK: Ocean County (98.5 FM)
• WOR: New York (710 AM)
• WJLK: Ocean (1310 AM)
• WCTC: New Brunswick (1045 AM)
• WMCX: Monmouth University (88.9 FM)

Sandy, Sandy, Sandy. Will you be a day of rough seas and great beach combing or a power-outing-roof-ripping-basement-flooding monstrosity?

No one really knows for sure, so we'll take precautions, starting with these five tips courtesy of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Authority, which has built an extensive website to help citizens plan and prepare.

Ready.gov offers instructions on how to ready your family, your home, your car and even your business for an emergency. The site includes tips specific to disasters common in our area such as hurricanes, home fires and blackouts.

Here are five things Patch found that can help you get ready:

1.  Build a tailor-made kit

You're smart enough to build a kit with food and water, but FEMA suggests making sure you include foods your family will actually eat. If you're kids have never eaten a bean in their life, maybe a disaster isn't the time to present them with a can of cold red kidney beans.  Lucky for us, Sandy comes when the pantry is already stocked with Halloween candy.Also don't forget high-energy foods like protein bars and, FEMA suggests, skip salty foods that will make you thirsty.

2.  How much water is enough?

Speaking of thirsty, FEMA suggests storing one gallon for each person for three days. Click here for more tips about what not to use to store your water.

3.  Some non-food items you should have in your kit:

• Duct tape, plastic sheeting and dust masks in case you need to shelter in.
• Whistle to alert responders to your location
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Baby wipes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
• A can opener
• (Click here for the full list)

4.  Make a national communication plan.

If you've got relatives out of state, they may be just the ones you need when your local friends and family are mired in a disaster. Your Uncle Louie in Detroit or Aunt Emmy in Tampa could be the point person if you and your family become separated. FEMA also offers a PDF family emergency plan you can fill out and email to family and friends. There is also a PDF contact card that kids can carry with them. (We've included both above this story below the photo).

5.  What about the dog? 

Sandy, like Irene, could bring an evacuation to our area. If you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency. For some pet specific tips, click here.

For more information on how to prepare for everything from a blackout to a cyber-attack, visit www.Ready.gov.

Gov. Chris Christie is urging New Jersey residents to prepare in advance of Hurricane Sandy’s expected arrival on the East Coast next week.

"While Sandy’s exact track is still uncertain, New Jersey has the potential to experience a major impact from high winds, heavy rain, flooding and power outages," Christie said in a press release. "Now, ahead of any potential impact of Sandy, is the time for families to ensure they are prepared and are tuned in for the latest path of the storm for our coast. I encourage all of our families to stay informed, get ready, and reach out to those you know who may be isolated, or in need of extra assistance during adverse conditions."

Christie directed cabinet officials to mobilize preparations for a statewide response to the storm, according to the release. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 8 a.m. on Friday to coordinate preparations related to the storm.

New Jersey residents can keep track of Hurricane Sandy’s path on the following platforms:

Social Media - Social media and other advanced communications technologies are used by the NJOEM and by emergency managers statewide. "Like" the NJOEM on Facebook, follow it on Twitter, or subscribe to the NJ State Police (NJSP) on Nixle Connect.

NJOEM on FB:   http://facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY

NJOEM on Twitter: @NJOEM2010

NIXLE - New Jersey residents can register to receive messages by sending a text message with their zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). Online registration is also available at nixle.com.

NJ Alert - NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows NJ Office of Emergency Management officials to send email or text messages to cell phones, and other email-enabled devices during an emergency event.  Sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to njalert.gov.

Traditional Media – Monitor news media sources like your local Patch site to stay up-to-date on how the storm may impact your area. Sign up for your local Patch newsletter to have breaking news alerts emailed to you.

By the nature of its side effects, cancer treatment can make a private battle a very public affair. For a woman with cancer, having a bald head, pale skin or a missing breast can make her feel like she's being targeted by a bright spotlight and a banner that says, "Cancer patient."

But now more than ever, there are resources for women that will put the spotlight back on their work, their accomplishments and their life—and change that banner to simply read, "Woman."

In Freehold, multiple stores are currently selling products that can help woman battling cancer feel differently on the inside and out. Freehold Raceway Mall stores like Bare Esceentuals,Sephora, and Nordstroms, are selling breast cancer awareness makeup. Makeovers with the purchase of the makeup are available. Nordstorms is also currently selling "Awareness" lingerie. For women in the market for wigs, Annoited Hands Beauty Salon in Freehold Borough can help select the perfect wig for each woman.

Girl on the Go provides private or in-home wig consultations for women with cancer, with locations in 12 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

Breast cancer survivor Sheril Cohen started the business after her own struggles with hair loss that were matched only by the frustrating process of getting a wig.

"Wig shopping was awful," Cohen shares on her website. "[The attendant] tried to sell me this wig. I thought it was a cute cut, but I thought it made me older and unattractive. I cried. I felt sexy with my long hair. With this wig on I felt like a suburban fortysomething-year-old soccer mom. I was successful, single, a thirtysomething NYC woman. I wanted to retain me—not become someone I did not recognize."

Now Cohen proudly sells wigs of all kinds—synthetic, hybrid, human hair—to women all over the country, providing, as one of her clients says, privacy.

"I felt so like myself in my wig," said Ellen, a client. "No one knew. People who knew I had been diagnosed but did not know much else used to come up to me at events and ask when I was going to start chemo or if I had chosen a doctor yet. I did not have to tell anyone anything I did not want to tell them."

Cohen also blogs about topics like wig myths and when to stop wearing your wig. She even offers a formula for determining your wig budget.

As women in chemotherapy treatment discover, hair loss isn't limited to their locks. It means no eyebrows, no eyelashes and, as Cohen points out, one bright spot—no shaving.

Women can visit a lash studio to get back that feminine flutter of the lashes, and maybe even amp up their look with a few sexy, extra-long lash extensions.

There also resources online for women who have had surgery during treatment. KA Mastectomy Bras and Apparel, started by survivor Kimberly Ashmand, features pretty and practical bras tailored to the unique needs of survivors, as well as some with a little lace and sparkle to help women feel sexy again.

Ceylone Boothe Grooms of Morganville said positivity should be in every survivor, and part of that is feeling beautiful inside and out.

When a client comes to Grooms she's often lost the characteristics of outward beauty that once made her feel strong and feminine. Gone are her eyelashes and the natural glow in her complexion. She may have lost one or both breasts in her battle and now deals with a feeling of being less of a woman.

To that woman, Grooms says, "Let's focus on what you have and not what you feel you've lost," as she goes about pointing out her clients uniquely beautiful facial features.

Adopting a new look during treatment is about more than simply feeling good for the moment—it can be another weapon in a woman's arsenal against cancer, giving her a deep well of positivity to sustain her. 

By the time her clients (those fighting cancer and those just going about life) leave her chair, Grooms says, they all say they feel the same thing,"There's nothin' I couldn't do."

TELL US: We want to know what matters most to you, whether it's lashes, lipstick or lingerie. Share in the comments section below what aspects of a makeover makes you feel the most beautiful. 

An afternoon update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts the track of Hurricane Sandy will still lead the storm towards a landfall somewhere near Delaware Bay.

Meanwhile, however, a new forecast model is calling for a direct hit in central New Jersey.

"This storm is for real," said meteorologist Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com.

DiMartino said the latest European forecast model out at 2:30 p.m. showed the storm tracking more toward the Sandy Hook area than Delaware Bay.

No matter where landfall could occur, Jersey Shore residents and officials began preparing for the storm's wrath Friday, stocking up at stores and hauling boats out of the water.

State Police SUVs formed a convoy on Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant Borough, each towing large police boats from the agency's station on the Point Pleasant Canal. On Long Beach Island, a line of about 10 vehicles stretched along Division Street at the Surf City municipal boat ramp as local residents hurried to pull their vessels out of the water.

Down the street, the Tuckerton Lumber Company was already out of sand bags.

"You're just a little too late," an employee told a customer. "We sold out this morning."

In Monmouth County there have already been reports of gas stations being busier than usual and local stores running out of basic supplies including water and batteries.

No watches and warnings have been posted in New Jersey, though Cape May County's barrier islands and Mantoloking Borough, in Ocean County, each were under voluntary evacuations.

The National Hurricane Center's 2 p.m. update Friday showed Sandy tracking north at the snail's pace of 7 m.p.h. The weak category one hurricane was packing winds of 75 m.p.h. and was positioned about 430 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C.

The agency was still forecasting the storm to track south of where computer models forecasted earlier in the week, but the entire Shore Area was advised to keep tabs on the massive storm.

DiMartino said his expectation is that the official National Hurricane Center track will bring the projections on landfall a bit north this evening.

"All the models are having a difficult time with the track of this storm," he said.

The pre-hurricane shopping spree has begun.

Area residents are buzzing up and down the aisles of local stores, in search of bottled water, non-perishable foods and generators as Hurricane Sandy tracks toward Monmouth County.

Old Bridge neighbors Teal Baughan and Melisa Takacs took a trip to ShopRite of Aberdeen Friday afternoon to prepare for the storm. Last year during Tropical Storm Irene, their neighborhood managed to maintain power, however the pair are taking the better-safe-than-sorry approach.

"I'm having trouble finding a generator, although I'm not sure I want to spend the money," Baughan said.

The women are taking a calm approach to the storm, but Takacs' 7-year-old son is a little anxious.

"He's very worried. He packed all his toys and a box and got his nightlight and Pillow Pet," she said with a smile, noting that they might 'prepare' tonight by baking some brownies. 

Besides gallons of bottled water and foodstuff, anxious homeowners scoured stores in Homdel, Hazlet and Middletown for generators, fearing blackouts in the path of gale-force winds from the system meteorologists have already dubbed “Frankenstorm.” 

The giant Costco in Hazlet on Highway 35 was sold out – “don’t even ask!,” said a harried employee.  Sears in Middletown  had also run out and was not planning to restock before the storm.

At Home Depot in Hazlet, generators in Aisle 10 were sold out by lunchtime. 

Doug Branch of Marlboro was disapponted to discover that, especially because he'd already visited two other home supply stores in his own part of town. He checked out the functions of a power inverter which can take energy from a running car to power a sump pump. "After Irene, my basement was flooded last year," he said. "It took three days to dry it out," he said. 

Tom Eddy of Holmdel considered purchasing a $70 battery back-up for his sump pump. There is a high water table where he lives, off Telegraph Hill Road, he said, and his basement floods.  He said he already had one at home, but was wondering if prudent to buy another back-up, given the forecast. "We lost power for a couple of hours, and the back-up kept the sump pump working," he said. 

Janette Gonzalez of Old Bridge said she would be packing up some delicate items in the $45 worth of plastic storage boxes and shelving she stopped by to pick up in Home Depot. "I'm just hoping its not as bad as Irene," she said, shaking her head. 

But Lowe's in Holmdel had generators. 

“People began lining up at 6 a.m. [Friday],” said store manager  Mark Smith, who marshaled an army of store employees to help out.  They walked up and down the queue explaining to customers what they were buying, how to use them and what extension cords to employ.

Men and women, many holding young children, walked slowly to the Lowe’s customer service booth where they paid for the generators in advance.  They were to return to the store Saturday morning  to pick up the machines which were scheduled to arrive by truck.

“It’s been a steady flow all morning,” added Smith as the clock struck noon.  “But it’ll probably pick up a lot more when people come home from work. “

However, there was no way of knowing how long the supply would last.

Was this the heaviest demand he’d ever encountered for generators .

 “Nawwwwww,” said Smith with a wry grin. “I’m from New Orleans.”      

This story includes photos and reporting contributed by Phil Roura.

NJ TRANSIT has already begun preparations for Hurricane Sandy, according to spokesman John Durso.

Durso provided the following information regarding preparations on the rail, light rail, and bus routes in New Jersey:

• NJ TRANSIT’s maintenance forces have begun stockpiling stone, while inspecting culverts, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt rail service. 
• NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail crews and equipment will be on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding.
• Bus and Access Link maintenance and staff will be on-call 24/7 to respond to problems, and the NJ TRANSIT customer service's field offices and call center are prepared to extend their hours of operation if needed, Durso said.

NJ TRANSIT information is readily available at njtransit.com or through the agency's Twitter feed, twitter.com/NJ_TRANSIT.

Updates can also be delivered to portable electronic devices through the My Transit alert system. Visit www.njtransit.com/mytransit to sign up.

For more information, call NJ TRANSIT at (973) 275-5555.

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) President Don Lynch says the company has learned from the mistakes it made from Hurricane Irene and is ready for Hurricane Sandy and the threat it poses to the state.

The company took heat when Hurricane Irene left many New Jersey towns without power for days - and, in some cases, weeks. Many thought JCP&L's response was too slow.

The biggest lesson learned is getting the information out to customers and municipalities as specifically, quickly and often as possible, Lynch said. The company wants its customers to know as much information as possible, he said.

"Just know that Jersey Central will be working hard day and night - we've already started, should that storm hit shore here and cause outages in our system," Lynch added.

Lynch reiterated that, if the storm is as severe as some meteorologists are predicting, that power could be out for some residents for anywhere from 7 to 10 days.

"We've been tracking it and and we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," Lynch said at a press conference in Union Beach Friday afternoon. "Our employees are on high alert."

Lynch said the effects of the storm could be greatest on Monday night, because of the effect the full moon could have on flooding. He said the storm could also bring 80 to 100 mile per hour winds that could topple trees and power lines.

"We are treating this as a major event," Lynch said.

With a powerful storm currently expected to make landfall somewhere near Ocean City early on Tuesday and possibly bring record flooding, emergency management officials are calling for a mandatory evacuation of the island starting on Sunday.

"After conferring with state officials Friday morning, the county’s position and the state’s recommendation is that there will be voluntary evacuation of the barrier islands and Delaware Bay communities tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 27) and mandatory evacuation on Sunday (Oct. 28)," Cape May County Emergency Management Director Gerald Thornton said in a statement posted on the county's website Friday evening.

"However, if the storm direction intensifies or changes we will modify this directive," he said.

Ocean City Business Administrator Mike Dattilo confirmed that local officials would issue the same directive to Ocean City residents and property owners.

He said further details on the evacuation and shelters would be released on Saturday morning.

But Dattilo confirmed that access to all roads in Ocean City would be unrestricted on Saturday, and residents are encouraged to secure their properties in advance of the evacution.

He said roads and the causeways will be restricted at some point on Sunday.

Ocean City last ordered a mandatory evacuation as what was then Hurricane Irene approached the island in August 2011. That order came at the height of the summer tourist season and was the first time that Ocean City had been evacuated since Hurricane Gloria in 1985.

______

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In a campaign to encourage Americans to "be prepared, not scared" in emergencies, Freeholder Serena DiMaso of Holmdel collaborated with the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the Safe America Foundation to encourage Americans to do a “texting drill."

The text-messaging drill, to be used in emergencies, is just two steps. 

• The first step is pre-determining who you would contact in any emergency and entering their cell numbers into your cell phone.

• The second step is conducting a text drill using a safety shorthand developed by Safe America. For example, parents can initiate the drill by sending all their children the message ‘R U OK’ (7865). The person receiving the text message replies with the short ‘I M OK’(4665).

"The idea is that many times circuits are busy, and phone lines cannot connect," said DiMaso, who created the video for the September 2011 National Preparedness Month. 

For millions of Americans, the idea that they can rely on texting in an emergency could be a new concept.  

But it makes sense because, during 9/11 as well as the earthquake on the east coast, wireless networks that were unable to transmit a cell voice call could still send and receive text messages.

"Plus in times of emergency we should not be jamming up the phone lines to check on how someone is doing, we should leave the lines open for emergency services," said DiMaso. 

Credit Card Malfunction Shorts Winery of Proceeds from Wine Festival

Manahawkin- The owners of Wagonhouse Winery and Three Boys Brands are reaching out to anybody who attended the Autumn Wine Festival in Manahawkin yesterday and bought wine at their stand using a credit card.

"Our credit card company lost all of our credit card sales from yesterday. Sounds crazy, right? So if you made a purchase yesterday in Manahawkin and paid by credit card you will not be charged, even though we have your signed receipt and a list of all transactions."

Read more on Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch.

Dragons Kicker, With Autism, Redefines 'Special Needs'

Brick- When Anthony Starego was 12 years old, he watched as Jeremy Ito lined up to kick a 28-yard field goal for Rutgers, then watched as the ball sailed through the uprights, giving the Scarlet Knights a 28-25 upset victory over the Louisville Cardinals, then ranked No. 3 in the nation.

"He watched it and watched it and watched it," says Ray Starego, Anthony's father, who's been a Rutgers season ticket-holder since 1988.

A few days later, Anthony went to his dad and told him he wanted to be a kicker, too. So his parents, Ray and Reylene, sought out the Brick Pop Warner program and enrolled him.

Anthony Starego has autism, but is now playing a vital part of the Brick Dragons' football team.

Read more on Brick Patch.

Are You Curious About Future of Fort Monmouth?

Rumson- Refurbished historic homes, new eateries, sports facilities, a health club, an office park, those are all among the likely new uses for the former Fort Monmouth.

Right now the former Army post is more than 1,000 acres of property right smack in the middle of one of the most desirable areas of Monmouth County. But if you are like many residents who live close to the fort, you have no earthly idea what's happening over there.

Read more on Rumson-Fair Haven Patch. 

Ready or not, Hurricane Sandy is expected to visit Monmouth County early next week. 

Once the lawn furniture is stacked in the garage, the water bottles are secured and the flashlights have new batteries, there's not much more to do other than bunker down and hope for the best. 

Make sure you receive vital information about the storm by following Patch. We'll be in touch with the local police departments, offices of emergency management and the school district in order to bring you the latest details.

Get Patched in:

• Get breaking news alerts in your email
• Get updates on your Facebook newsfeed
• Bookmark Matawan-Aberdeen Patch's Hurricane Sandy page

And don't forget to tell your neighbors what you are seeing:

• Add photos to our community gallery
• Write a blog about what you see

The brunt of Hurricane Sandy is not forecasted to affect the local area until late Sunday night into Monday morning. Before then, Monmouth County officials are asking residents to do all their preparation so they are ready for what figures to be extended periods of strong winds and heavy rain. 

Getting prepared includes having things ready for people of all ages from children to senior citizens as well as making plans for pets if an evacuation becomes necessary. "We are asking all residents to take this weekend to prepare, plan and stay informed," said Freeholder Director John P. Curley. "County staff is working to make sure that we are prepared and can respond effectively, we ask that residents do the same."

Sheriff Shaun Golden said in an emergency situation being prepared can make the difference in keeping people safe. "Think about and plan for what you will do if your power goes out for an extended period of time or school is cancelled for your children and you still need to go to work," he said.

The sheriff also said that residents should only call 911 in an emergency. "Requests for information should be directed to your town, your power company or your other service provider," he said. "Help keep the 9-1-1 lines clear and refer all non-emergencies calls to your local non-emergency numbers." For most towns, he said that is either town hall or the police department. 

Residents are also encouraged to develop an emergency plan and contact their individual municipal emergency management offices with specific questions about the storms and their responses. A list of the numbers can be found on the Monmouth County website. 

The county will also be providing updates on their Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

In what has become a familiar prediction for more than 48 hours, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center continue to predict Hurricane Sandy will take a path towards the Jersey Shore, though the final site of its potential landfall is still up in the air.

The latest forecast from early Saturday morning shows the large storm system beginning to take on more characteristics of a nor'easter, forecasters said, but its winds remained at 75 m.p.h.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said the forecast track of the storm had shifted slightly east, but essentially stayed the same as previous predictions from Friday. A forecast discussion released by the hurricane center said Sandy will mostly likely weaken over the next 36 hours, then restrengthen before making its westward turn sometime Monday afternoon or evening.

As that strengthening occurs, the forecast said, Sandy will lose some of its tropical characterisitcs. That does not mean local residents are off the hook, however.

"Regardless of the exact structure at landfall, Sandy is expected to be a large and powerful cyclone," the hurricane center said.

A forecast cone centered the storm's potential landfall just north Delaware, but potential landfall sites stretched from southern Virginia to New England.

No areas of New Jersey are currently under any watches or warnings, though voluntary evacuations have been announced in Ocean City, Mantoloking, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars and Stafford Township.

Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency throughout New Jersey Saturday because of the severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy.

Anticipating severe weather conditions including high winds, rain, coastal, stream and river flooding, Christie said he was taking this step to mobilize government in preparation for the storm.

Christie urged New Jerseyans to be vigilant in monitoring conditions of the storm, its effect on their communities, and in making preparations for themselves and their families. 

"As we move towards what is an increasingly likelihood of seeing Sandy make landfall in New Jersey, I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm’s potential impact," he said.

That means having an emergency action plan for families and others who may require assistance, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the severe weather, including staying off of the roads, said Governor Christie.

“At the state level, we are taking immediate steps to prepare for the storm’s impact and ensure that state, local and county governments have the tools they need to manage and respond in a coordinated way," he said. "With this, government at every level can respond more effectively to conditions on the ground, activate emergency operations plans, and ensure that resources are being marshaled to assist and protect the public through this storm."

The declaration activates elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the New Jersey State Police including traffic control, limiting access and egress from impacted areas and issuing evacuation orders if needed.

As provided by the declaration, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be authorized to mobilize and deploy resources beginning immediately to respond to the storm conditions, including resources of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, state Department of Environmental Protection and state Department of Transportation, in coordination with county and municipal emergency management officials in impacted areas throughout the state.

All residents who live on barrier islands along the Jersey Shore must evacuate by 4 p.m. Sunday, state officials have declared.

There are no plans to close roads other than eastbound entry points, officials said.

Governor Christie and others made the announcement just after declaring a state of emergency throughout New Jersey Saturday because of the severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy.

Christie said he is canceling plans to be in Nevada to campaign for Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee.

Anticipating severe weather conditions including high winds, rain, coastal, stream and river flooding, Christie said he was taking this step to mobilize government in preparation for the storm.

Christie urged New Jerseyans to be vigilant in monitoring conditions of the storm, its effect on their communities, and in making preparations for themselves and their families. 

"As we move towards what is an increasingly likelihood of seeing Sandy make landfall in New Jersey, I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm’s potential impact," he said.

That means having an emergency action plan for families and others who may require assistance, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the severe weather, including staying off of the roads, said Governor Christie.

“At the state level, we are taking immediate steps to prepare for the storm’s impact and ensure that state, local and county governments have the tools they need to manage and respond in a coordinated way," he said. "With this, government at every level can respond more effectively to conditions on the ground, activate emergency operations plans, and ensure that resources are being marshaled to assist and protect the public through this storm."

The declaration activates elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the New Jersey State Police including traffic control, limiting access and egress from impacted areas and issuing evacuation orders if needed.

As provided by the declaration, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be authorized to mobilize and deploy resources beginning immediately to respond to the storm conditions, including resources of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, state Department of Environmental Protection and state Department of Transportation, in coordination with county and municipal emergency management officials in impacted areas throughout the state.

A look at Friday's Shore Conference football games, compiled from reports at app.com, nj.com and allshoremedia.net:

Long Branch 24, Matawan 21: Vicente Mota kicked a 36-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the game to lift the host Green Wave (7-1) past the Huskies (5-2).

Deon Williams ran for a touchdown and caught a pass from quarterback Avry Griffin for an 82-yard score for Long Branch. Joscil Jackson had a 35-yard TD for the Wave.

Shore Regional 35, Keansburg 18: Kevin Masica scored two touchdowns and Mark Constantino returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown as the host Blue Devils (6-1) beat the host Titans (4-4).

Colts Neck 34, Freehold Township 0: Tim Vangelas and Giovanni Zefferino had two touchdowns each as the visiting Cougars (6-1) downed the Patriots (0-7), Mike Campbell passed for 160 yards for Colts Neck.

Middletown North 13, Howell 7: Jake Bertkowski caught a pass from Cody Thompson for a 60-yard touchdown in the four quarter and the visiting Lions (2-5) beat the Rebels (0-7).

Howell scored on its first possession of the game, when John Quinlan hit Walter DeCanio with a pass that turned into a 31-yard touchdown.

Middletown North tied the game in the third quarter when Jared Mosier scored on a 20-yard run.

Red Bank Catholic 34, Middletown South 7: Jake Ripnick scored from 2 yards out for the host Eagles (5-2) but the Caseys (7-0) scored three times to take a 21-7 lead at halftime.

Larry Radaelli scored on runs of 3 yards and 37 yards and Chris Whitlock scored a 47-yard touchdown for Red Bank Catholic.

Manchester 56, Pinelands Regional 15: The host Hawks (1-6) notched their first victory of the season, easily beating the Wildcats (0-8).

Toms River South 41, Brick Memorial 20: Tymere Berry passed for a touchdown and ran for another to push the host Indians (4-3) oast the Mustangs (5-3)

Ryan Cieplensk and Nick Costa each scored touchdowns from Toms River Regional.

Jackson Liberty 38, Point Boro 31: Kyle McGarry caught two touchdown passes, including a 54-yarder from Ryan Connelly to open the scoring, but the host Panthers (5-3) fell in overtime to the Lions (5-2)

Chris Oliphant passed for 190 yards and two touchdowns for Point Boro.

Manalapan 42, Toms River North 7: Joey Fields scored a 6-yard touchdown in the first half but that was all the offense the visiting Mariners (4-3) could muster in a loss to the Braves (7-0).

Anthony Firkser scored three touchdowns for Manalapan, which is seeking its first undefeated season in 25 years.

St. John Vianney 21, Holmdel 12: Quarterback Billy DeMato threw three touchdown passes and the host Lancers (4-3) beat the Hornets (3-5) in Holmdel.

Frank Condito ran for a touchdown for Holmdel.

Monsignor Donovan 36, Central Regional 0: The host Griffins (5-2) clinched a tie for the Shore Conference Class B South title, its first division crown since 1993, with the victory over the Golden Eagles (2-5), thanks to losses by Lakewood and Point Boro. Donovan can take the title outright with a win over Jackson Liberty next week.

Lacey 6, Brick 3: As time wound down, it looked as if the host Dragons were about to pull off another miracle.

Lacey had other ideas.

With six seconds left in the game and the ball on the Lacey 27, quarterback Conor Davies lofted a desperation pass to receiver Bill Belford, who snared the ball in the air between two Dragons’ defenders and zigzagged his way to the end zone, keeping the visiting Lions (7-0) undefeated and breaking the hearts of the Brick players and faithful alike.

The Brick team and community had been riding a wave of excitement after the stunning victory over Toms River North one week ago that brought out the story of Anthony Starego, the Dragons’ kicker who is autistic.

With a crew from ESPN at the game, Starego kicked another field goal – a 30-yarder – that until the last 6 seconds was the only points of the game.

Brick (2-5) manacled Lacey star running back Kyle Spatz for most of the game, holding him under 100 yards rushing. But Lacey’s defense locked up Brick when it had to, keeping the Dragons out of the end zone and stopping Brick on fourth-and-inches with less than a minute left in the game.

Barnegat 24, Lakewood 13: Cinjun Erskine ran for three touchdowns and Pat Moran kicked a 32-yard field goal as the host Bengals (4-3) upended the Piners (5-2).

Erskine opened the game’s scoring with a 55-yard touchdown run. Moran’s field goal gave them a 10-0 lead before Lakewood scored twice in the second quarter.

But Barnegat responded in the third quarter with a 4-yard run by Erskine that put the Bengals ahead for good.

Southern Regional 20, Jackson Memorial 7: Abe Gonzalez rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns in the first half and the visiting Rams (5-2) beat the Jaguars (1-6).

Grant Bissey scored from a yard out for Southern’s other touchdown.