The population of the northeast is the densest in the nation. Throw in a major and unusual storm such as Sandy and the results are disastrous. Here is what can be expected both locally and for the landfall areas:
Central Pennsylania:
- Flooding. While most people focus in on the winds of a tropical system, inland flooding ranks as the largest threat from these storms. These results are enhanced when storms link up with cold fronts like in this case. We will receive a widespread 2-4" of rainfall in just over a days time period with isolated amounts over 6" possible. Given our rough terrain, we are more prone to flash flooding that other spots. This means fast rising waters. Flooding problems will first be seen in areas of poor drainage but then will spread to streams, creeks and rivers. The larger the waterway the longer it takes to flood so some may not flood until after the rains are done.
- Damaging winds. Winds will reach 20-40 mph sustained with gusts over 60mph. Peak winds will be later Monday through Monday night. The strongest winds will be felt over the higher terrain as cool air in the valleys may protect some of us for a while. But eventually the valleys will get wind too.
- Power outages. The winds and the soon to be saturated ground is going to take some trees down. Through the storm power outages are going to mount.
- Snowfall. This storm is clashing with cold air, but the cold air will likely wrap under and south of the storm. While snowflakes will mix in over the higher terrain of Somerset county with the highest spots getting some accumulation, it looks like that will be the smallest impact locally from this storm.
Landfall Areas:
- Coastal flooding and severe beach erosion. The worst will be north of the center of the storm in northern New Jersey to the New York city area. This will be enough to inundate parts of the New York Metro area and shut down mass transit.
- Damaging winds. Strongest once again north of the track and to the west of the storm. Winds will reach hurricane force and will be coming from not so usual directions which puts new stress on trees and structures.
- Power outages. At peak there may be millions without power over a region of many states. This will likely surpass the major Derecho and Hurricane Irene.
- Inland flooding. Rainfall amounts will surpass 6 inches in a matter of a day or two in places with the worst rainfall west of the center of circulation. At first areas of poor drainage will be at risk then streams, creeks and rivers. The larger the waterway, the more lag before the flooding and major rivers can flood well after rains are done.
Snow Areas:
- Heavy, wet blizzard conditions. While the storm started tropical the cold air wrapping under the storm and pushing up into the mountains of West Virginia and western Maryland will bring over 2 feet of snow across some of the higher peaks. The wet snow combined with winds will enhance power problems across those regions. Travel will also be treacherous across those regions.
Central Pennsylania:
- Flooding. While most people focus in on the winds of a tropical system, inland flooding ranks as the largest threat from these storms. These results are enhanced when storms link up with cold fronts like in this case. We will receive a widespread 2-4" of rainfall in just over a days time period with isolated amounts over 6" possible. Given our rough terrain, we are more prone to flash flooding that other spots. This means fast rising waters. Flooding problems will first be seen in areas of poor drainage but then will spread to streams, creeks and rivers. The larger the waterway the longer it takes to flood so some may not flood until after the rains are done.
- Damaging winds. Winds will reach 20-40 mph sustained with gusts over 60mph. Peak winds will be later Monday through Monday night. The strongest winds will be felt over the higher terrain as cool air in the valleys may protect some of us for a while. But eventually the valleys will get wind too.
- Power outages. The winds and the soon to be saturated ground is going to take some trees down. Through the storm power outages are going to mount.
- Snowfall. This storm is clashing with cold air, but the cold air will likely wrap under and south of the storm. While snowflakes will mix in over the higher terrain of Somerset county with the highest spots getting some accumulation, it looks like that will be the smallest impact locally from this storm.
Landfall Areas:
- Coastal flooding and severe beach erosion. The worst will be north of the center of the storm in northern New Jersey to the New York city area. This will be enough to inundate parts of the New York Metro area and shut down mass transit.
- Damaging winds. Strongest once again north of the track and to the west of the storm. Winds will reach hurricane force and will be coming from not so usual directions which puts new stress on trees and structures.
- Power outages. At peak there may be millions without power over a region of many states. This will likely surpass the major Derecho and Hurricane Irene.
- Inland flooding. Rainfall amounts will surpass 6 inches in a matter of a day or two in places with the worst rainfall west of the center of circulation. At first areas of poor drainage will be at risk then streams, creeks and rivers. The larger the waterway, the more lag before the flooding and major rivers can flood well after rains are done.
Snow Areas:
- Heavy, wet blizzard conditions. While the storm started tropical the cold air wrapping under the storm and pushing up into the mountains of West Virginia and western Maryland will bring over 2 feet of snow across some of the higher peaks. The wet snow combined with winds will enhance power problems across those regions. Travel will also be treacherous across those regions.
