Hurricane Warning

imported
#1

Here is ATC’s statement on the hurricane.

All forecasting models for Hurricane Sandy have it affecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail north of Virginia, beginning sometime Monday, October 29, and lasting at least 48 hours. Trail users are encouraged to exercise extraordinary caution when deciding whether and where to venture out on the trail during and following the storm. Conditions are likely to be extremely unfavorable. Be prepared with extra food, water, batteries, clothing and find adequate shelter during the storm. Flooding and tree damage from high winds are likely to be extensive.

Response to emergencies may be delayed or nonexistent due to heavily taxed resources and difficulties in reaching the footpath itself. Cellular and other electronic communications may not be available for an extended period. In some areas of the trail, users also should be prepared for the potential of snow accumulations that could hinder foot travel and hasten the threat of hypothermia.

Please monitor regional weather reports or the National Weather Service for local conditions and appropriate Web sites for closures and other advisories. Both the White and Green Mountain national forests have advised strongly against trail travel and urge hikers to exit the backcountry before the storm arrives. See
White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire,www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain, and
Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/greenmountain/alerts-notices/?aid=15249.

Long-distance hikers would be wise to start thinking about where they will get off the Trail and wait it out the storm should it affect the area they will be hiking. Hazardous conditions may also persist after the storm passes.

Laurie Potteiger

#2

Here is an updated alert that includes new closures along the Trail:

Hurricane Sandy will have major impacts on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England states. If you had planned to hike this week, postpone your plans. If you are hiking now, leave the Trail and seek shelter in a sound structure in town or at a hostel or (least preferred option) an A.T. shelter. Use extreme caution during and following the storm. Impacts from flooding and tree damage from high winds are likely to be extensive. Small stream crossings will become extremely hazardous with rainfall exceeding 12-inches in some locations. Emergency response may be delayed or nonexistent due to heavily taxed resources and access issues. Cell and electronic communications may not be available for an extended period. In some areas of the trail, users should be prepared for the potential of snow accumulation that could hinder foot travel and hasten the threat for hypothermia or frostbite. Hikers should always remember their obligations to potential rescuers, and stay safe and out of trouble. This is your responsibility!

Several areas that the Appalachian Trail passes through have been closed or have issued alerts. Pay attention to local agency closures and weather alerts for more information. Known closures or alerts:

NH White Mountain National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
VT Green Mountain National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/greenmountain/alerts-notices/?aid=15249
New Jersey State Parks http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/
New York State parks www.governor.ny.gov
NYDEC (state forests) http://nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trails-updates
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: www.nps.gov/hafe
Shenandoah National Park www.nps.gov/dewa

Please monitor National Weather Service for up-to-date forecasts and local conditions as well as agency websites for closures and advisories. Be prepared with extra food, water, batteries, clothing and find adequate shelter during the storm.

Laurie Potteiger

#3

How DID our ancient, storm-ravaged, loin-clothed ancestors ever manage to beget our feckless, flacid, rule-burdened lot, I say.

TR

#4

One day at a time is all he gives us. That’s how they did it.Faith.

Bubblegum

#5

You might want to check the life expectancy of our ancient ancestors. You also might want to check where most lived. :tongue

Lady Di

#6

Most areas where we’ve heard reports from southern Pennsylvania to Shenandoah indicate damage is fairly modest, with just a few blowdowns. Also, Delaware Water Gap NRA and Worthington State Forest (southern NJ and northern PA) have re-opened and say conditions are OK there.

The biggest safety hazard we have learned about so far is the swollen Little Antietam Creek in Maryland. Most of the time it’s an unforgettable step-across, but in heavy rains it quickly becomes a raging torrent. A southbounder walked half a mile upstream to find a log he could cross to get over it.

Snow blanketed much of the A.T. from Shenandoah to Winding Stair Gap (NC) south of the Smokies, with more than 3 feet at some of the highest elevations in the Smokies. There are cool snowfall maps at www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa that match the reports we’ve heard from a variety of sources.

We are trying to keep our Trail Updates page at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates current as closures are lifted in parks and forests up and down the A.T.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

Laurie Potteiger

#7

…perhaps how we should still do it?..speaking of which, prayers please for one hiker presently being rescued (hopefully safely) in the smokies : http://www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsAssociation?ref=ts&fref=ts

maw-ee (aka maw)

#8

…park rangers airlifted steven ainsworth around 2 :30 today…hope he’ll be okay…

maw-ee (aka maw)