Politics & Government

Flood Zone A Evacuations Mandatory, MTA to Shut Down at Noon on Saturday

The Mayor urges residents to get going on their evacuation plans, as all MTA service will shut down at noon on Saturday.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a press conference Friday afternoon said a mandatory evacuation would be imposed on city residents living in low laying flood zones. That includes Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn. Other Zone A locations across the City include Far Rockaway and Broad Channel, in Queens, South Beach and Midland Beach on Staten Island, and Battery Park City in Manhattan. Here are some other must-know announcements from the press conference:

  • The mandatory evacuation times for these areas has been moved up to 5p.m., due to an increase of storm speed.
  • The city is opening 91 emergency facilities at 4p.m. Friday.
  • The MTA will cease all service—every bus, subway, LIRR and Metro North train—around noon on Saturday.
  • Service may not be restored in time for rush hour Monday morning.
  • Don’t wait for the last train or bus at noon on Saturday. Plan ahead, as systems will reach capacity.
  • Avoid travel if you do not need to tomorrow, to keep roads and systems from becoming overly crowded.
  • Staten Island Ferry Service may be suspended if winds reach over 46 MPH.
  • Once wind speeds reach 50 MPH, the City will look at closing some bridges.
  • Do not wait till the last minute to cross bridges, as some may close even before the hurricane hits, once the wind gets to be too dangerous.
  • City beaches are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • The Mets games previously schedules for Saturday and Sunday have been cancelled.
  • The Dave Matthews Band concert previously scheduled for Saturday and Sunday on Governor’s Island are now cancelled. The concert scheduled for Friday night is still on.
  • Bring items left on rooftops of terraces inside, so they don’t blow off and hurt you or others.

Bloomberg said the National Weather Service at the moment has put the entire area on a hurricane watch from Saturday evening through Sunday. The strongest winds are expected to arrive early evening tomorrow and continue late afternoon tomorrow, according to Bloomberg.

“This is very serious,” said Bloomberg, adding, “Do not be fooled by the sun outside. It is the calm before the storm…you have to start your preparations to leave right now.”

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For additional . For a guide to preparing for the hurricane, . Remember that those living in high rise apartments should find an alternate place to stay before the hurricane if they live a.

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