Dauphin County Emergency Management and PennDOT are both preparing for some major flooding. Crews spent the day getting the county ready so when the winds and rain hit, they can respond.
“Our chippers are ready, our chain saws are ready,” commented PennDOT’s George Pinarch.
PennDOT employee George Pinarch says Dauphin County is prepared for Hurricane Sandy. He also says should the snow come the plows are ready, but stresses that more likely they will be used, “Not for snow, but to push debris off the road to get the roads open,” Pinarch added.
They are also setting out barrels to block roads should there be down power lines, flooding or debris.
PennDOT spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler says once a road officially is blocked off, drivers need to know fines and points will be given to those who don't obey.
“Right now up to $250 and two points on a license but if you go around but if you get stuck it is $500 and you are charged for the cost of responders to have to rescue you,” Schreffler added.
While the Emergency Operations Center at Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency was empty when we visited, EMA Director Stephen Libhart says there's no doubt it will soon be filled.
“We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” Libhart told us.
He says current models show it is possible to get six to ten inches in 36-48 hours. He says that's not good.
“Our best conclusion is three inches in 24 hours puts us very close to action flood stage with the Susquehanna,” Libhart cautioned. He adds tornados are a possibility too, saying “hurricane conditions can spur tornados, mostly in the northern areas of them as it approaches.”
CBS 21 will continue to keep you informed as the storm approaches our area over the next few days.
“Our chippers are ready, our chain saws are ready,” commented PennDOT’s George Pinarch.
PennDOT employee George Pinarch says Dauphin County is prepared for Hurricane Sandy. He also says should the snow come the plows are ready, but stresses that more likely they will be used, “Not for snow, but to push debris off the road to get the roads open,” Pinarch added.
They are also setting out barrels to block roads should there be down power lines, flooding or debris.
PennDOT spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler says once a road officially is blocked off, drivers need to know fines and points will be given to those who don't obey.
“Right now up to $250 and two points on a license but if you go around but if you get stuck it is $500 and you are charged for the cost of responders to have to rescue you,” Schreffler added.
While the Emergency Operations Center at Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency was empty when we visited, EMA Director Stephen Libhart says there's no doubt it will soon be filled.
“We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” Libhart told us.
He says current models show it is possible to get six to ten inches in 36-48 hours. He says that's not good.
“Our best conclusion is three inches in 24 hours puts us very close to action flood stage with the Susquehanna,” Libhart cautioned. He adds tornados are a possibility too, saying “hurricane conditions can spur tornados, mostly in the northern areas of them as it approaches.”
CBS 21 will continue to keep you informed as the storm approaches our area over the next few days.