Delaware
DOVER, Del. (AP) - Utilities and emergency management officials in Delaware are gearing up for a severe storm that could hit the Delmarva peninsula.
Hurricane Sandy is churning through the Caribbean and is expected to merge with a winter storm and a blast of Arctic air over the eastern U.S. early next week in what some are calling a "Frankenstorm."
Delaware is expected to begin feeling the storm's effect on Sunday.
Delmarva Power has activated its emergency teams and is going through checklists to ensure it has sufficient manpower and resources to respond to power outages, including vehicles, cables and poles. The Delaware Electric Cooperative is taking similar steps.
Emergency management officials are encouraging residents and visitors to continue monitoring the storm and have supply kits and evacuation plans ready if needed.
Maryland
On Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore officials expect strong winds to whip through the area.
In Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton told the Salisbury Daily Times that all city employees were expected to be on call including the 12 newly hired firefighters.
They are not expected to be sworn in until a week after the storm.
In Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald told the paper that the resort is in preparedness mode.
He added that late-season tourists will not be discouraged from visiting during the weekend.
But Theobald said that he does expect the storm to scour the beaches…and whip through the inland waters.
