Robinson-Moon Weather: Hurricane Sandy Brings Rain, High Winds

The National Weather Service in Moon Township has issued a flood watch and high wind warning for Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties, as post Tropical Storm Sandy brings high winds and rain across the vicinity.

The wind warning cautions residents to be prepared for winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. Wind gusts are likely to be strongest Monday night into Tuesday morning before decreasing through the day Tuesday. That warning also covers eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and western Maryland.

The flood watch is in effect through Tuesday night for all of Western Pennsylvania as well as east-central Ohio, West Virginia and western Maryland. The watch means that flooding may result from heavy rain due to a stalled cold front and the aftermath of Sandy. 

Communities along streams or with poor drainage may experience flooding if more than two inches of rain fall Monday and Tuesday, according to the weather service. The region's rivers also may be at risk for flooding if heavy rain is widespread through the region.

Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center's Chief Alvin Henderson said all local emergency management coordinators have been given information about the storm and plans. 

Henderson is urging residents to stock up on necessary items should a storm hit. He said residents should have on hand:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines/prescriptions
• Cash, credit cards and important legal documents
• Sturdy shoes

For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all kinds of disasters, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/emerserv/preparelinks.aspx.

Moon Township Fire Marshal Charlie Belgie said emergency crews in the township are monitoring the storm. 

"There isn't much we can do until it gets here," Belgie said. "We have our plan all set and our pre-storm stuff is all done." 

Belgie said in the event of the emergency, shelters can be located at the Moon Township Public Safety Building, the neighboring township municipal building and at Moon Area School District buildings. 

He said the township will be sending out SwiftReach alerts to inform residents of changes to the township's trick-or-treating times. 

To receive further updates from SwiftReach, visit this link. 

Here's a look at the area forecast from the National Weather Service:

• Today—Rain. High near 47. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Tonight—Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 41. Windy, with a northwest wind 31 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Tuesday—Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 46. Windy, with a northwest wind 24 to 29 mph decreasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 49 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Tuesday Night—Rain. Low around 39. North wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

• To track the hurricane's path, click here.