Hurricane Sandy is already making its impact felt here in East Haven, and all along the eastern seaboard Sunday afternoon, with mandatory evacuations ordered for much of the town's low-lying and flood prone areas.
And East Haven town officials are warning residents the storm's impact along the shoreline could be of historically devastating proportions.
"This storm surge is going to be worse than the Hurricane of 1938," East Haven Fire Chief Douglas Jackson told East Haven Patch this afternoon at the town beach.
Assistant Fire Chief Chuck Licata said the latest reports have the storm surge Sunday night's high tide at 9 feet.
"That's a foot above what Irene was," Licata said.
By Monday afternoon's high tide the water is expected to surge up to 10.5 feet or more. And Monday nigh's high tide is forecast to be more than 16 feet, Licata said.
"And from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. tomorrow, the there will be sustained winds from 60 to 80 miles per hour," he said.
The emergency shelter at East Haven High School is open and operational. And residents who are required to evacuate under the mandatory order, or who voluntarily evacuate as a precaution, can find shelter there. Pets, in carriers, are also welcome.
East Haven Patch will continue to provide updates before, during and after the storm. To share information or photos, email editor Julie Weisberg at julie.weisberg@patch.com, or call or text 203-321-7570.
