United Water Lowering Reservoir; Voluntary Evacuation Order Issued

Borough officials met with representatives for United Water Friday morning, along with other local mayors, police chiefs and emergency management officers to discuss preparations for Hurricane Irene.

United Water said it had begun lowering the level of the Oradell Reservoir in advance of the heavy rainfall expected over the weekend.

"They outlined their emergency procedures and gave us their up to date information on the approaching Hurricane Irene," said New Milford Mayor Ann Subrizi. "They began drawing down the reservoir level yesterday--when full, the reservoir is at 23.16, it is currently at 21.39 and still dropping."

NMPD Chief Frank Papapietro said he was requesting a voluntary evacuation of residents living in flood prone areas of the borough.

"Due to the still uncertain track of Hurricane Irene, residents in flood prone areas are asked to voluntarily evacuate by 8 a.m. Sunday morning," said Papapietro. "This is a voluntary evacuation in the event that rainfall amounts reach the higher amounts within the scale issued by the National Weather Service."

Subrizi said the rain is expected to start around 6 p.m. on Saturday. 

"The heaviest rain is expected between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday," said Subrizi. "In addition to the rain and the higher than normal water table, it will be a new moon."

The Mayor said the tides of the Hackensack River and the storm surge will also impact flooding as well as high winds, some forecast as high as 60 to 80 miles per hour with gusts up to 100 miles per hour. 

Papapietro said Irene's rainfall could reach 12 inches at the upper end of the current forecast.

Borough officials said power outages are likely and that residents need to prepare for that possibility. 

Subrizi said a regional shelter was being set up in Paramus for those who need to evacuate.

"A regional emergency shelter is being set up at Bergen Community College," said Subrizi. "Our school bus drivers are on standby to help with transport."

Subrizi said Papapietro would be issuing a Reverse 911 to borough residents and businesses Friday afternoon and that he has been in contact with borough officials, the DPW and the fire department for storm preparations.