Hurricane Sandy: Utilities Brace for Impact
As Hurricane Sandy continues on its collision course with Pennsylvania, utilities are preparing for high winds to wreak havoc with the electricity grid.
Officials with Allentown-based PPL say the utility has brought in 1500 extra crew members from as far away as Arkansas to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Utility trucks have been amassing in numerous staging areas near major highways Monday morning as they prepare to be dispatched to trouble spots. The high winds associated with Sandy could uproot trees and knock down numerous power lines. Officials say power outages could last several days.
West Penn, Penelec, Met-Ed and other utilities are also scrambling their work force and preparing for emergency repairs.
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to top 60 MPH as the center of Sandy moves into the Keystone State by early Tuesday. Torrential rainfall is expected to begin today with totals reaching up to 10 inches.
