Mandatory Evacuations in Hoboken, Cars Must Be Moved

Mayor Dawn Zimmer has called for a mandatory evacuation of all basement and ground floor apartments by midnight Sunday, in preparation of Hurricane Sandy.

Additionally, all patients were evacuated from the Hoboken University Medical Center and sent to nearby hospitals. The hospital's back up generator could flood, which could have disastrous effects in case of a power outage. During hurricane Irene last year, the hospital was also evacuated.

On Sunday night, flooding had already started by the terminal—where all train service was suspended as of Sunday night—"much more to be expected," city officials said.

Surges as high as eight feet are expected, Zimmer said, encouraging people to move their cars. If flooded, cars will get totaled. Heavy flooding is expected during Sandy.

"Reach out to neighbors," Zimmer said. During Irene, "so many people stayed together."

The city has been reaching out to Hoboken's seniors to inform them on the upcoming storm. There will be back up generators in the shelter in the Wallace School, Zimmer said.

"We're closing down Sinatra Drive," Zimmer said. All cars should be removed from Sinatra Drive effective immediately, said spokesman Juan Melli.

There will be an operation center open in Hoboken City Hall, Zimmer announced. For non-emergencies, residents can call 201-239-6644, -6645, -6645, -6647 or -6648.

An emergency shelter will be opened on Sunday night at 8 p.m. in the Wallace School, where medical personnel will be present.

Widespread power outages are expected, Zimmer said, which could affect our area for up to a week.

"Water is running out in the stores," Zimmer said. People should be ready to "stay inside for the next couple of days."

Zimmer encouraged people to fill up their bath tubs, bottles and zip loc bags with water.

City Hall will be closed on Monday, as will all Hoboken public schools. PATH trains in and out of Hoboken will stop running as of midnight on Monday and New Jersey Transit service will end on Monday as well.