UPDATE: NWS Earle Declares Tropical Cyclone Condition 1

As of 11:45 a.m. on Monday Naval Weapons Station Earle has been been put on Tropical Cyclone Condition One with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. On Sunday Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst declared HURCON I.

The order for Earle was made by Rear Admiral Tim Alexander, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. The condition applies to all installations in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia as well as Earle and Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg in PA. 

HURCON I means a prediction of winds greater than 50 (57 MPH) knots are expected to hit the area within 12 hours. Cyclone Condition One also means destructive winds of greater than 50 knots are expected in the next 12 hours. In order to prepare certain steps including removing debris from drainage areas and sandbagging low lying areas prone to flooding are already underway at Earle. 

In a press release from the base Navy personnel and their families are encouraged to "review their hurricane checklists and evacuation plans to prepare for the storm." More information can also be found here. 

The Joint Base also sent out a release encouraging individuals and families to make sure outdoor items are secured that could blow away or be uprooted including garbage cans, gardening tools and lawn furniture.

It is also recommended to store drinking water in jugs, bottles and other utensils. A one week supply of non perishable food supplies is also suggested. People associated with the base are encouraged to get the latest information from the base's social media sites, JB MDL AM Radio 1650 or by calling 609-754-2273 and 732-323-7669.