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.
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.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
