The Hoboken Office of Emergency Management (OEM), City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) has outlined a plan of action as the New Jersey town prepares for the impact of Hurricane Isaias.

The National Weather Service is currently predicting 2-4 inches of rain, with heavier amounts possible in low lying areas, along with damaging winds. A flash flood watch is in effect for Hudson County from the National Weather Service from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night. Below is taken directly from the emergency alert released on Sunday, August 2 from the Mayor's office.

Travel restrictions begin 8 am Tuesday:

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and OEM Coordinator Sgt. William Montanez have instituted travel restrictions from 8 am on Tuesday until 8 am on Wednesday. Driving is prohibited except for public safety and essential services (government, utilities, medical personnel).

Residents urged to stay indoors during the storm:

Due to the threat of high winds and heavy rain, residents are urged to stay indoors at all times on Tuesday. 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. Click here for flood hazard areas and flood prone intersections.

$5 a day parking in municipal garages begins Monday at 4 pm:

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 4 pm Monday through 4 pm Wednesday. 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 suspended Tuesday:

Street sweeping regulations are suspended on Tuesday. At the current time, street sweeping is scheduled to resume on Wednesday to facilitate the clearing of debris from the street after the storm.

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.

Outdoor dining and fitness suspended on Tuesday:

All outdoor dining is suspended for Tuesday. Businesses must bring any loose objects including tables and chairs, as well as streaterie materials and structures. All outdoor fitness classes in City parks are also canceled for Tuesday.

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.

UPDATE as of 1:45pm on 8/3/20

OEM has updated travel restrictions for Tuesday and Wednesday based on forecasts and projections from the National Weather Service. Driving on Hoboken roads is now restricted to first responders and essential workers between 5 pm Tuesday and 5 am Wednesday. OEMstrongly advisesresidents to avoid driving at all other times between 8 am on Tuesday and 8 am on Wednesday. The advisories and restrictions have been put into place to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and prevent cars from getting stuck in flood waters.

Photo: Getty

Local News