Oct 26, 2012 4 min read

Trick-or-treaters may want to consider incorporating a raincoat, or possibly even a snowsuit, into their Halloween costumes thanks to the so-called “Frankenstorm,” which forecasters say will likely send a wicked mix of wind, rain and snow across the region. When Hurricane Sandy comes ashore late Monday or early Tuesday on the East Coast and heads inland, meteorologists say it could collide with cold fronts from the west and north, sending nasty weather and strong winds as far west as Ohio. With such frightening forecasts looming, Gov. Tom Corbett declared a state of emergency Friday. “It’s going to be a historic storm and one that causes catastrophic damage over a large area,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Smerbeck, who indicated he’s never seen anything like this in his 30-year career. Smerbeck explained there are a number of different scenarios that could play out based on when and where the cold fronts merge with the warm winds from the hurricane. He said one model even shows strong winds reaching as far as Detroit, Mich. As for Washington and Greene counties, Smerbeck said temperatures will fall today and Sunday as a western cold front brings clouds and rain. Strong winds that could reach as high as 50 mph and heavy rain, possibly mixed with wet snow, could arrive Monday into Tuesday, he said. Given these conditions, Smerbeck said people need to be prepared for power outages and flooding. And the rest of the week isn’t looking much better. “It’s basically going to alternate between rain and snow through Thursday,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Lee Hendricks. “If you’re looking to get your bathing suit out, you may want to put it in the mothballs,” he added. Thanks in part to the summer-like temperatures of the past week, Hendricks said the ground is very warm, making it hard for any snow to stick. Meteorologists should know more about the amount of rain and snow accumulation within 32 hours of the storm, he said. Snow accumulation is primarily expected in higher elevations. Still, local officials are preparing for the worst. State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Valerie Petersen said plow truck drivers have been doing dry runs to familiarize themselves with their routes and crews have been checking to make sure that generators and chainsaws are in working order. “We’re prepared to the -nth degree,” she said. On Friday, PennDOT officials in Harrisburg held a teleconference with their district offices in order to discuss potential strategies. In District 12, which serves Washington, Greene, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, Petersen said 90 percent of the area’s 200 plow trucks are ready for winter. She said the remaining trucks can be used to haul barriers for flooded roads or clear away tree branches if needed. If conditions don’t turn out to be severe locally, Peterson said employees and equipment could be sent to the eastern part of the state, where the storm’s impact is expected to cause the most damage. Washington City Councilman Matt Staniszewski, who serves as public works director, announced Friday his department was outfitting some of its trucks with salt spreaders and plows in preparation for the storm. “This isn’t my first time in the rodeo and I’m not taking any chances,” he said. Greg Leathers, Greene County emergency management director, said his office has been in contact with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army in case there is a need to set up emergency shelters. After attending a National Weather Service webinar Friday, Leathers said while there is the potential for both heavy rain and wet snow, Greene County will probably be spared from the latter. However, he still encouraged preparedness in case of extended power outages. “People should be prepared, have food and water on hand, as always,” Leathers said. According to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, people should have enough provisions in their homes to last at least 72 hours. “This is the time to make sure everyone has an emergency kit in their home and car, and an emergency plan for taking care of each other in the event this storm brings it full destructive potential to our state,” PEMA Director Glenn Cannon said in a news release. As for combating this Halloween monster, it’s best to put down the pitchforks and torches and stay indoors. Staff writer Bob Niedbala and The Associated Press contributed to this report.