Hurricane Sandy: Officials Begin Preparing for Storm

Florham Park officials issued a news release Thursday saying it is "highly likely that a major nor'easter will hit the area early next week" and urged residents to monitor the weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

The Florham Park Office of Emergency Management will be monitoring the storm and providing updates as the storm approaches, police said.

Alerts will be sent to residents through social media outlets and residents also are urged to sign up to receive alerts by texting "follow florhamalert" to 40404."

Florham Park police said alerts are broadcast online at:

• www.facebook.com/florhamparkpd
• www.twitter.com/florhamalert
• www.fppd.net

The storm, Hurricane Sandy, is anticipated to impact the area late Monday into Tuesday.

Jeff Paul, director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, said in a letter to emergency officials throughout Morris County on Thursday "flash flooding is extremely likely" and it is possible that record flooding will occur. Rainfall could total more than 5 inches and winds could reach speeds of 70 mph or higher.

Municipalities have been advised to establish local shelter operations, and families in flood-prone areas should be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so, Paul said.

Some forecasters have referred to it as a possible "Frankenstorm" because of the possibility of an unusual mix of hurricane and winter storm.