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Woodcliff Lake reservoir (TOM SMITH photo for CLIFFVIEW PILOT)
There’s even a possibility that the utility will continue releasing water to get below that level, which officials said the expect to hit the middle of tomorrow.
Once the water reaches 95 feet above sea level, it not only clears the Woodcliff Lake dams: United Water’s automated system opens flood gates, releasing water — unless the utility decides to override the system.
The reservoirs in Haworth and Oradell are also being lowered, United Water officials said.
All local ponds and lakes have been given approval by the state to lower their levels by up to a foot, government officials said.
CLIFFVIEW PILOT EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Massive power outages and flooding will likely continue past midnight tonight, as New York runoff swells the already overflowing Hackensack River, Pascack Brook and area reservoirs, making an already bad situation much worse, Bergen County leaders told mayors and other government officials during a 15-minute emergency conference call this afternoon. READ MORE ….
United Water also has been authorized to release water from the Lake DeForest reservoir in West Nyack into the Hackensack River, said Michael Pointing, the utility’s general manager.
The big concern, all involved agreed, is Pascack Brook, which is expected to flood with nearly four times the amount of two storms earlier this year — in March and June.
Generator backsup are in place in case PSE&G loses power.
BE AWARE:
1. If you are planning on using local or county shelters, neither can accommodate pets. Make arrangements ASAP.
2. Hillsdale resident Lisa Kelley advises evacuating tomorrow and not waiting until the last minute. “Remember,
emergency service personal must risk their lives to take you out once it is flooding,” she said. “If this storm mimics Floyd there will be power lines down in the water that makes it that much more difficult and dangerous.”
3. Affected municipalities will be using reverse 911 calls and their flood siren. Kelley said they are hoping to include the local public access television station.
4. Floods and power outages can cause gas leaks from water heaters and stoves. If you smell gas, shut the main gas feed to the house off if you know how or call the fire department.
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