What Impact Will Hurricane Sandy Have on the Lehigh Valley?

8 a.m. Friday Update: The National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions for the Lehigh Valley on Monday night and Tuesday.

Sandy will bring showers starting Sunday to the Lehigh Valley followed by heavy rain and wind. The storm could last into Wednesday.

As of Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center expects Sandy to make landfall around 2 a.m. Tuesday just south of Cape May, N.J. Forecasters aren't yet certain of the time for landfall and the place could change as the storm shifts, according to a WFMZ report.

Sandy could cause record flooding in New Jersey, the Star-Ledger reports.

Sandy combining with a cold front continues to hold potential to become a "Frankenstorm" that could cause widespread problems from the Mid-Atlantic states into New England.

Original Report:

Emergency management officials are tracking the path of Hurricane Sandy to see what impact it could have on the Lehigh Valley.

So far it looks like we'll have rain and wind Monday and Tuesday, but forecasters will have a more detailed prediction in coming days as the storm's track becomes more apparent. The storm could make landfall in New Jersey.

For now, residents can make basic preparations.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency advises:

• Having three days of supplies at home
• Knowing how to reach family members in case of emergency

The weekend will offer time to work on making sure you have a storm kit similar to what everyone was encouraged to prepare when Hurricane Irene threatened the Valley last year.

According to the Red Cross, your kit should include:

• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day).
• Non-perishable food and can opener.
• Blankets, bedding and toiletries.
• Baby formula, diapers, bottles and wet wipes, if needed.
• First-aid kit and enough prescription medicines.
• Flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Battery-operated radio.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Extra cash.
• Emergency contact information.
• Manufacturer’s instructions for power-operated garage doors.

Visit www.health.state.pa.us and get a copy of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Preparedness Guide. 

In Pennsylvania, utility workers have been told to cancel vacations and hundreds of local contractors are on standby so they'll be available to repair downed lines, according to an Associated Press/WFMZ report.

Utility officials say they've upgraded their communication systems since Irene and a late October snowstorm caused problems last year.