By now, everyone has heard that Sandy is headed our direction. But the question is, what are the effects going to be for us? Let’s a take a look.
There is a cold front coming through the region late Saturday night into Sunday. That cold front, and the timing of it will interact with Sandy. That cold front is going to take us from the 60s, and upper 60s if we see some sun on Friday to highs in the 40s for next week.
Currently, the National Hurricane Center has Sandy located on Sunday afternoon off the coast of Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks.
However, the effects of it are going to be well-ahead of it, as we will see the wind starting to pick up on Sunday afternoon, and that wind is going to be something to deal with through Thursday. That is one of the biggest items to stress with this storm. It is going to be a prolonged event, which could play a role in the amount of damage we see.
By Monday, as the storm lies off the southern Delmarva Peninsula, the rain will be headed toward our area, if not already here.
As we move into Tuesday, Sandy is going to be close to making landfall. The exact location of where Sandy makes landfall is what is going to play the biggest role in our weather.
As the NHC graphic depicts, the storm could track over southern New Jersey and head toward Wilkes-Barre and then into New York. However, several of the models have the storm moving almost straight to the west after making landfall, which could take the storm, which could still be a tropical storm at this point, over Central PA. This would cause winds that are tropical storm force, which means sustained winds over 39 miles per hour, and up to 73 miles per hour. With wet leaves, this could definitely lead to numerous downed power lines and wires throughout the region.
However, the storm could also track further east and make landfall near Cape Cod, or even make landfall on the Delmarva Peninsula and then track over PA. The first of these two scenarios would lessen the impact for Central PA, the second would make the storm a particularly dangerous one for our area.
The National Weather Service in State College believes that we would need to see over 3 inches of rainfall in about 12 hours in order to see creeks and streams in the area to flood.
Although it is not likely that the storm will drop that much rain in a short period, the duration of the storm is what could make it a potential flooding situation. Some projections have us getting over eight inches of rain throughout the period, which would definitely lead to some flooding. At this point it is believed the major rivers should be in good shape, but if we get a lot more rain that predicted all bets are off.
As for snow, while many people are reporting that we will be too warm for snow, don’t be so sure of that. Last year when we saw the snow in October, temperatures were in the mid 60s just a few days before. The forecast models that many people use to help make forecasts do not handle abnormal patterns well, and that is exactly what we will see with temperatures going from the mid 60s, which is above normal (normal high for this time of year is around 60) to the mid 40s as highs.
The snowfall, if we see any, will be as the storm wraps in cold air behind it. This will keep Pennsylvania colder than most other regions in the United States, and definitely cold enough to see some snowfall. However, the track of the storm will determine where that cold air wraps in. If Sandy and what is left of it goes right over top of us, the chance of snowfall is likely diminished, but the other affects from the storm will be higher.
At this point, the key phrase is to be prepared. The storm at this point appears to definitely be making landfall on the east coast. Exactly where is the million dollar question.
Some tips from FEMA and the Red Cross in preparing include:
Before the storm:
—Family emergency plan. If you live in an older home, make arrangements to stay with friends or family members who have sturdier shelter. If you live or work in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor. Elderly or disabled people may need extra assistance. Remember that many shelters do not accept pets. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
— Emergency contacts. Make a list of emergency phone numbers and contact information. Put paper lists in a plastic bag.
— Water. Keep at least one gallon per person and prepare a three-day supply.
— Food and other provisions. Prepare a three-day supply of non-perishable (canned or dried) food per person. Include baby supplies and pet supplies as needed.
— Flashlights and extra batteries.
— A first-aid kit and a seven-day supply of medications and medical items such as glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane, etc.
— Personal documents. Medication list and medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies and contact information for your home insurance agent. Keep these in a plastic bag.
— Extra cash. ATMs and credit card machines may not work in the event of a power outage.
— Charge your cellphone. Keep chargers and an extra battery on hand.
— Fill your car’s gas tank and set aside an extra set of car and house keys.
— Secure your property. Bring inside bikes, lawn furniture and anything that can be picked up by the wind.
— Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters if you have them.
— Smoke detectors. Make sure they have fresh batteries and are operating properly.
— Generators. If you have one, review the instructions and ensure you have the right fuel and equipment.
What to do during the storm
— Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
— Turn off or unplug propane tanks, electronic equipment and appliances.
— Stay indoors. Drive only if necessary.
— During power outages, don’t use candles — they can be a fire hazard.
— Don’t use gas cooking ranges for heating your home, because of carbon monoxide hazards.
— If you go outside during the storm, stay away from loose or dangling power lines. Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
— Wear protective clothing and closed-toed shoes.
— Use your cellphone for emergency calls only to conserve battery life.
— Don’t bring generators indoors.
Also, PPL advises the public to:
•Stay clear of downed power lines.
•Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.
•Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.
•Never run a generator in your home, basement, or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.
Other steps to take in an outage also are available at the utility’s online Outage Center.
There is a cold front coming through the region late Saturday night into Sunday. That cold front, and the timing of it will interact with Sandy. That cold front is going to take us from the 60s, and upper 60s if we see some sun on Friday to highs in the 40s for next week.
Currently, the National Hurricane Center has Sandy located on Sunday afternoon off the coast of Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks.
However, the effects of it are going to be well-ahead of it, as we will see the wind starting to pick up on Sunday afternoon, and that wind is going to be something to deal with through Thursday. That is one of the biggest items to stress with this storm. It is going to be a prolonged event, which could play a role in the amount of damage we see.
By Monday, as the storm lies off the southern Delmarva Peninsula, the rain will be headed toward our area, if not already here.
As we move into Tuesday, Sandy is going to be close to making landfall. The exact location of where Sandy makes landfall is what is going to play the biggest role in our weather.
As the NHC graphic depicts, the storm could track over southern New Jersey and head toward Wilkes-Barre and then into New York. However, several of the models have the storm moving almost straight to the west after making landfall, which could take the storm, which could still be a tropical storm at this point, over Central PA. This would cause winds that are tropical storm force, which means sustained winds over 39 miles per hour, and up to 73 miles per hour. With wet leaves, this could definitely lead to numerous downed power lines and wires throughout the region.
However, the storm could also track further east and make landfall near Cape Cod, or even make landfall on the Delmarva Peninsula and then track over PA. The first of these two scenarios would lessen the impact for Central PA, the second would make the storm a particularly dangerous one for our area.
The National Weather Service in State College believes that we would need to see over 3 inches of rainfall in about 12 hours in order to see creeks and streams in the area to flood.
Although it is not likely that the storm will drop that much rain in a short period, the duration of the storm is what could make it a potential flooding situation. Some projections have us getting over eight inches of rain throughout the period, which would definitely lead to some flooding. At this point it is believed the major rivers should be in good shape, but if we get a lot more rain that predicted all bets are off.
As for snow, while many people are reporting that we will be too warm for snow, don’t be so sure of that. Last year when we saw the snow in October, temperatures were in the mid 60s just a few days before. The forecast models that many people use to help make forecasts do not handle abnormal patterns well, and that is exactly what we will see with temperatures going from the mid 60s, which is above normal (normal high for this time of year is around 60) to the mid 40s as highs.
The snowfall, if we see any, will be as the storm wraps in cold air behind it. This will keep Pennsylvania colder than most other regions in the United States, and definitely cold enough to see some snowfall. However, the track of the storm will determine where that cold air wraps in. If Sandy and what is left of it goes right over top of us, the chance of snowfall is likely diminished, but the other affects from the storm will be higher.
At this point, the key phrase is to be prepared. The storm at this point appears to definitely be making landfall on the east coast. Exactly where is the million dollar question.
Some tips from FEMA and the Red Cross in preparing include:
Before the storm:
—Family emergency plan. If you live in an older home, make arrangements to stay with friends or family members who have sturdier shelter. If you live or work in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor. Elderly or disabled people may need extra assistance. Remember that many shelters do not accept pets. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
— Emergency contacts. Make a list of emergency phone numbers and contact information. Put paper lists in a plastic bag.
— Water. Keep at least one gallon per person and prepare a three-day supply.
— Food and other provisions. Prepare a three-day supply of non-perishable (canned or dried) food per person. Include baby supplies and pet supplies as needed.
— Flashlights and extra batteries.
— A first-aid kit and a seven-day supply of medications and medical items such as glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane, etc.
— Personal documents. Medication list and medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies and contact information for your home insurance agent. Keep these in a plastic bag.
— Extra cash. ATMs and credit card machines may not work in the event of a power outage.
— Charge your cellphone. Keep chargers and an extra battery on hand.
— Fill your car’s gas tank and set aside an extra set of car and house keys.
— Secure your property. Bring inside bikes, lawn furniture and anything that can be picked up by the wind.
— Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters if you have them.
— Smoke detectors. Make sure they have fresh batteries and are operating properly.
— Generators. If you have one, review the instructions and ensure you have the right fuel and equipment.
What to do during the storm
— Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
— Turn off or unplug propane tanks, electronic equipment and appliances.
— Stay indoors. Drive only if necessary.
— During power outages, don’t use candles — they can be a fire hazard.
— Don’t use gas cooking ranges for heating your home, because of carbon monoxide hazards.
— If you go outside during the storm, stay away from loose or dangling power lines. Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
— Wear protective clothing and closed-toed shoes.
— Use your cellphone for emergency calls only to conserve battery life.
— Don’t bring generators indoors.
Also, PPL advises the public to:
•Stay clear of downed power lines.
•Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.
•Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.
•Never run a generator in your home, basement, or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.
Other steps to take in an outage also are available at the utility’s online Outage Center.