'Frakenstorm' on its Way to UMass

Hurricane Sandy, or as many weather experts are now calling it “Frakenstorm”, is preparing to make its way to up the East Coast and is expected to cause serious damage to any towns and cities that stand in its path. Students of UMass and residents of Massachusetts are warned to take extreme caution.

The storm has already barreled through Haiti and Cuba causing catastrophic damage. The East Coast should expect the same. This includes high winds, heavy rain, and extreme tides. Storms are predicted to start early Sunday and will only get worse when Sandy arrives in Amherst on Monday or Tuesday and lingers past Halloween on Wednesday.

Hurricane Sandy hits Cuba (Getty Image)

Sandy is expected to be a powerhouse of a storm, however it is still not 100% certain how hard Amherst and the rest of Western Mass. will be hit. But, after last years “Snowtober”- which resulted in power loss all across the Amherst community- the UMass campus will be taking all precautions necessary.

According to University spokesman Ed Blaguszewski the school’s Emergency Management team has already began preparing and are focusing on food, transportation, police involvement, and will also be prepared for any flooding that may occur.

As the storm gets closer it will be easier to tell just how prepared students in the UMass community need to be.

Blaguszewski told the UMass Daily Collegian that the Emergency Team plans on communicating with the whole campus when they know more about the severity of the storm.

The fall foliage could once again become hazardous like last year’s storm causing trees to fall on power lines and leaving residents without power.

Although the storm is not predicted to hit Massachusetts the hardest, residents in  New Jersey and the New York City area could see around five inches of rain and winds close to 40 mph. Eastern Ohio, southwestern Pennsylvania and western Virginia could even get snow.

Some are even comparing Hurricane Sandy to the Perfect Storm that hit New England in 1991. Unlike the Perfect Storm however, Hurricane Sandy is expected to hit highly populated areas. It is also not comparable to this past year’s Halloween storm. The perfect storm caused only $200 million. If this storm does what experts are predicting it will do it could cause $1 billion.

Students are encouraged to prepare for the storm. Remember to stock up on food and know the nearest and safest ways of evacuation out of your resident building. You should also be sure to have any electronics such as a cell phone fully charged just in case of a power outage.

—–UPDATE 10/28/2012—–

Governor Patrick declared a state of emergency yesterday. Western Massachusetts is also under a high wind warning and a flood watch. As of right now, Amherst does not appear to be getting the worst of the storm. Residents should still however be cautious of the conditions until the state of emergency is lifted.

This Frankenstorm is not predicted to cause as much damage as last years storm however residents should be prepared to lose power. This means making sure you have flashlights handy, stocking up on ice (so frozen food can last longer), and having plenty of water.

According to an email sent by Thomas O’Regan, Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Planning Manager of UMass, classes are still as scheduled for Monday.

He goes on by saying “The university will provide updates on the status of the campus through social media and web-based and other electronic communications.”

—–UPDATE 10/28/2012 5:55 PM—–

The UMass campus will be closed on Monday, October 27. All buses will still be operating, however student are encouraged to proceed with caution, especially if any trees begin to fall. Everyone enjoy the long weekend and stay safe!