The Latest: How "Frankenstorm" is Expected to Impact North Allegheny Area

It may have a catchy name, but "Frankenstorm" is about to inflict a lot of misery of millions of people, particulary along the eastern seaboard.

Residents in McCandless, Bradford Woods, Marshall Township and Franklin Park are not immune to its impact.

Here's what's going on this morning in our area...

High Wind Warning 

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning means that sustained winds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph are expected. Wind of this magnitude can down trees...damage property and make driving difficult.

Lightweight objects such as trash cans, deck furniture and Halloween decorations should be secured. Use extreme caution while driving, especially when crossing bridges and overpasses. 

The strongest wind gusts expected to occur late Monday evening into the early morning hours of Tuesday. Winds will then begin to diminish during the daytime on Tuesday.

Power Outages

High winds usually mean power outages. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross on how best to prepare:

To help preserve your food during a power outage, keep the following supplies in your home

• One or more coolers—Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers work well.
• Ice—Surrounding your food with ice in a cooler or in the refrigerator will keep food colder for a longer period of time during a prolonged power outage.
• A digital quick-response thermometer— With these thermometers you can quickly check the internal temperatures of food to ensure they are cold enough to use safely. 

Put together an emergency preparedness kit with these supplies in case of a prolonged or widespread power outage

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight (Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and required medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, remember to include backup power in your evacuation plan
• Keep a non-cordless telephone in your home. It is likely to work even when the power is out.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full.

Flood Watch

Potentially heavy rain associated with the interaction of a stalled cold front across the Appalachian Mountains and Hurricane Sandy may cause flooding, the weather service website states.

Areas that get more than 2 inches of rain Monday and Tuesday might flood where drainage is poor or along small streams. If the heavy rain is widespread, larger rivers might be impacted, according to the weather service.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

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