An internal review says federal weather forecasts for Superstorm Sandy were exceptionally accurate last fall. But the warnings themselves were confusing.
An internal review says federal weather forecasts for Superstorm Sandy were exceptionally accurate last fall. But the warnings themselves were confusing.
Your photos of the things happening in your neighborhood during Hurricane Sandy.
Your photos of the things happening in your neighborhood during Hurricane Sandy.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. -
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has recently announced new guidelines that must be followed when people rebuild homes that were ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.
In an effort to rebuild what Christie says will be a 21st-century Jersey Shore, the new guidelines help Sandy victims determine how high they will have to build their homes to avoid being devastated again in a future storm.
The guidelines are based on new FEMA flood maps that put Jersey Shore homes at a higher risk. The governor says the old FEMA flood maps for New Jersey were more than two decades old and did not reflect real hazards.
Homes in Zone A are in the worst threat area and must be built to the highest standards. Owners who don't comply will face drastically higher insurance rates.
"If the owner were to rebuild using these standards, you will see lower insurance costs in the long run. If you do not, and your property is rebuilt without meeting FEMA's updated standards, you'll see increases in your premiums, and your property will be less safe," said Christie.
The governor insisted that these new standards will make buildings safer and reduce costs of flood insurance for New Jersey residents. The only downside is that it will increase the cost of rebuilding.
"If, in the future, certain neighborhoods, towns, have the maps changed by FEMA, the residents will only benefit," said Christie.
The new construction standards will become effective immediately upon filing with the office of administrative law.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
