Hurricane Sandy reaches PA

Here is an update

Hurricane Sandy has arrived in PA, winds have picked up in Philly to around 47 MPH.
Reports of trees falling over onto a home in Hatfield and in Norristown PA,  that occurred earlier today and  Philadelphia Schools are closed again tomorrow.

At this point you should not go outside at all, road conditions will deteriorate through the evening and
I do not expect to have continous electrical power throught the afternoon to evening.
Sandy is expected to hit our area after 6-8 PM tonight and winds will get stronger, so
please keep listening to the news as the wind is not just the only dangerous factor of this storm.  If live near a creek or a low area, leaves are blocking storm drains and you may find yourself in a flash flood.

 This map shows the latest information of the storms track

 

Animated satellite image of Hurricane Sandy in the Atlantic. 

NASA

If you want information about the storm sent to you by text message, they visit this local website to subscribe; http://readynotifypa.org/

If you want to get updates from the National Weather service and check Radar and forecast information, click here; http://climatedriver.blogspot.com/p/local-radar-news.html

Hurricane Sandy - Before the storm

Here is some information that can help most people in SE PA
Remember that all of the state of PA is under a state of emergency, please find your local government town, township or city sources on the web for information regarding preparation for this storm.

6abc news reported that the Mayor of Philadelphia declared a state of emergency for the city effective 5 PM today through 5pm on Tuesday.
We could see 24 to 36 hours of heavy rain from this storm event.  Winds of over 40 miles and hour will knock down branches. If we see winds of at least 58 miles and hour or more that could knock down large branches and some trees which they  say could cause long term power outages for PECO and other electric companies.
You should have batteries for a radio and flashlights for at least 3 days.
I also suggest you have a cell phone car charger.

Please visit the 6abc news story and video from the Mayor here; http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8862760






The American Red Cross has set up shelters in Philadelphia
Sunday beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Philadelphia:
West Philadelphia High School
4901 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA

Roxborough High School
6498 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

Samuel Fels High School
5500 Langdon Street
Philadelphia, PA
(All open at 4pm Sunday)

Other Pennsylvania shelters include:

Montgomery County:
Pottstown High Schooll
750 North Washington Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

Cheltenham High School
500 Rices Mill Road
Wyncote, PA 19095
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

Norristown High School
1900 Eagle Drive
Norristown, PA 19403
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

Chester County:
Avon Grove High School
257 E. State Road
West Grove, PA 19390
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

Lionville Middle School
550 W. Uwchlan Avenue
Exton, PA 19341
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

Delaware County:
Showalter Science and Discovery School
1100 West 10th Street
Chester, PA 19013
(Opens Sunday 7pm)

If you are seeking more information about being prepared or finding more information from the local Red Cross then please visit their web site at; http://www.redcross.org/news/article/SEPA-Red-Cross-Preparations-for-Hurricane-Sandy-Update

Here is the website for PEMA (PA emergency management agency; http://www.pema.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pema_home/4463

Get your children involved in storm readiness here ;  http://www.ready.gov/kids

Hurricane tracking tools here; http://climatedriver.blogspot.com/p/national-weather-map.html
Local Weather info Alerts and Warnings from the National Weather Service; http://climatedriver.blogspot.com/p/local-radar-news.html