Pennsylvania officials repeated warnings on Monday that Hurricane Sandy will have a profound impact and is expected to cause widespread power outages lasting for days.

State officials have enacted numerous disaster plans, including reducing the speed limit on the turnpike and opening emergency shelters. President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for Pennsylvania, and according to White House officials, the declaration orders federal aid to assist local and state officials and first responders dealing with Hurricane Sandy. It also allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate relief efforts. 

--RELATED STORY (12 p.m. Monday): Corbett says Hurricane Sandy to have profound impact; Residents should prepare for days without power

Officials with the American Red Cross of Central Pennsylvania said there are three shelters in the WJAC-TV viewing area. Volunteers opened a shelter at the Cassville United Methodist Church in Huntingdon County at noon. Red Cross workers also said shelters opened at Altoona Junior High School in Blair County and Bald Eagle Area High School in Centre County at 3 p.m. Monday.


According to the Red Cross, as many as 60 million people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could be impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and more than 100 emergency vehicles are mobilizing to the area with ready-to-eat meals and blankets.

-Numerous schools and school-related activities are canceled in the WJAC-TV viewing area. Click here for a complete list of closings and delays as they're reported.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties.

The warning affects the Frankstown branch of the Juniata at Williamsburg, and the NWS in State College said moderate flooding is expected. The flood warning is also in effect for the Little Juniata River at Spruce Creek, where minor flooding is forecast, the NWS said.

A flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday evening for counties including Cambria, Cameron, Elk, Centre and Somerset. A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding on small streams, creeks, poor drainage, urban and low-lying areas based on current forecasts.

The Weather Service said widespread rainfall totals of 3-6 inches are possible by late Tuesday, with the highest amounts most likely across the southern part of the state. The heaviest rain is expected Monday and overnight.

The NWS said people should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

A high wind warning also remains in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday. The NWS said wind could down numerous trees, and some areas could have power outages for a long duration.

 

- Click here for the latest severe weather watches and warnings as they are subject to change

The NWS said in a statement, "If you experience a power outage, do not use generators, grills or other gasoline-, propane-, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. They produce carbon monoxide -- an odorless, colorless gas that kills more than 500 Americans each year. Generators should be placed outside, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to seep inside. Do not let your car idle inside the garage even if the garage door is open."

Monday, speed restrictions are in effect on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and major highways in the Philadelphia area over safety concerns due to Hurricane Sandy.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reduced speeds to 45 mph on Interstates 95 and 76, along with Interstate 476 and 676 at 10 a.m. Monday. The same restriction is in effect on the turnpike in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, as well as other major roadways in and around the Philadelphia area.

Fears that high winds could make travel dangerous also prompted officials to ban empty trucks and tractor-trailers, tandem trailers, motorcycles and recreational vehicles from those same roadways.

Motorists are being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel as Hurricane Sandy approaches. The National Weather Service says winds up to 75 mph are possible. At the storm's peak, rainfall totals could approach 10 inches.

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