Hurricane Sandy: 'Major Impact' Seen for Morris County

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management said Friday confidence has increased Hurricane Sandy will have a "major impact" in the Morris County area and up to 10 inches of rain is possible early next week.

Forecasts suggest winds could pick up Sunday, with the slow-moving storm impacting Morris County early Monday into Tuesday, and the heaviest rain coming Monday evening, said Jeffrey S. Paul, director of the county Office of Emergency Management.

The Friday update was based on reports and conference calls authorities participated in Friday morning, Paul said.

"We could see the heaviest rain Monday evening with 3-10 inches impacting us," Paul said. "Although significant changes in the path of the storm may occur, we would have to see a lot of change for us not to be impacted and that is not likely at this time. We will keep you posted as additional information becomes available."

Paul said the county "continues to aggressively plan for the impending storm with our many partners."

On Thursday, Paul issued a letter to municipalities saying flash flooding is extremely likely and record river flooding is possible. Families in flood-prone areas should begin planning immediately and be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so, the letter said.