SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Department of Public Safety is continuing to monitor Hurricane Sandy and warns residents to get prepared for flooding and power outages.
The storm has sus-
tained winds of 75 miles per hour and was approximately 355 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C., Saturday.
Stephen Jeffery, director of county emergency management, said the storm will make a westward turn as it approaches the mid-Atlantic region, with rain beginning later today. He said "high impact" from the storm is expected Monday and Tuesday.
"This is a huge storm and major impacts will be felt countywide," Jeffery said in a press release issued Saturday.
He said rainfall in the county is uncertain; however, six to 10 inches cannot be ruled out as well as the possibility of flash flooding and flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. With the expected high sustained winds, power outages are anticipated throughout the county and region, he said.
According to Kevin Fitzgerald, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in State College, the worst part of the storm is expected to hit Shamokin and the surrounding areas Monday afternoon and evening. He said the entire area remains under flood and high wind watches.
Fitzgerald said temperatures today will be in the mid to upper 50s, while decreasing to the low 50s Monday and mid 40s Tuesday.
He said there three to four inches of rain are expected Monday.
"The primary threat will be Monday afternoon and night," Fitzgerald said Saturday night.
Jeffery said, "It's time to be prepared and establish a Go Kit, including water, food, flashlights and spare batteries that will sustain you for up to 72 hours. If you are traveling and you approach standing or fast-moving water, do not cross, but turn around. If you see downed power lines, stay clear. Remember, water is a conductor. Stay back and call for help if needed."
As the storm gets closer, the use of emergency services will be inundated and resources will become limited, Jeffery warned.
He urged residents to use discretion and call 911 only if immediate help is needed.