'Frankenstorm' Expected to Affect Pittsburgh Region

Our area had tons of sunshine and warm weather over the last few days, but that's all going to change.

The weather this weekend is only going to get worse as forecasters track the eventual collision of Hurricane Sandy from the south with another storm system from the Midwest—it look as though Sandy will be in the vicinity early next week.

The National Weather Service is reporting that combination could bring snow, wind, rain and flooding to much of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency also has indicated that the potential heavy rains, high winds and risk of flooding may result in extensive damage to roads, streets, bridges and property, according to an Allegheny County press release.

The county Emergency Operations Center's Chief Alvin Henderson said all local emergency management coordinators have been given information about the storm and plans.

"We are currently monitoring the situation and are ready to implement any changes that may be necessary,” Henderson said.

It's too early to say for sure what impact it will have on Forest Hills, Regent Square, Swissvale and Edgewood weather, but's it safe to say it's going to be a lot colder and wetter beginning over the weekend.

“Obviously, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast for early next week with the track of Hurricane Sandy, although we expect to see rain and some snow for portions of our area,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald in a statement. 

Henderson is urging residents to stock up on necessary items should a storm hit. He said residents should have on hand:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines/prescriptions
• Cash, credit cards and important legal documents
• Sturdy shoes

Locally, the American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region is preparing for the possibility of flooding and power outages in the area as a result of the storm. Volunteers and staff have been put on alert, supplies and resources are being inventoried and prepared, and preparations are being made the possibility of opening shelters, according to Red Cross spokesperson Lauren Chapman.

Red Cross Community Evacuation Center Teams—community groups who are trained to quickly open shelters in their area in times of disaster—also are ready to join response efforts if needed.

For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all kinds of disasters, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/emerserv/preparelinks.aspx.

Here's a look at the Forest Hills-Regent Square area weekend forecast from the National Weather Service:

• Friday Night—A chance of showers, mainly after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind around 6 miles per hour, becoming northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Saturday—Showers. High near 54. North wind 6 to 11 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 21 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
• Saturday Night—Showers. Low around 42. North wind 11 to 13 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
• Sunday—Rain. High near 48. North wind around 14 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Sunday Night—Rain. Low around 37. North wind around 15 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

To track the hurricane's path, click here.

Stay with the Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch for more details as they become available.