If Hurricane Sandy sends after effects to North Central West Virginia, the City of Bridgeport is poised and prepared.

A number of city officials and department heads met this morning to discuss what measures needed to be taken, said City Clerk Andrea Kerr.

The meeting took place after emergency management agencies across West Virginia were advised of weather scenarios which could take place.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the targeted days for the after-effects to hit the immediate area, said WDTV 5 News Chief Meteorologist Ken Meehan.

North Central West Virginia can expect it to be windy, cloudy and cold, temperatures in the 30s and 40s with wind chills likely in the 20s and 30s.

“We can definitely expect that, but we’re also thinking heavy precipitation,” Meehan said. “It looks like at a certain elevation, we’ll see snow above and rain below. Right now, it looks like that’s about 3,000 feet – places like Terra Alta, Preston, Tucker, Randolph and Pocahontas Counties.”

Those areas can possibly see a significant amount of snow, he said.

But with anticipated weather still three to four days away, much could change, Meehan said.

If the anticipated amount of precipitation comes, there is potential for flooding, he said.

 

City departments are ready for whatever comes our way.

“Of course, we have had all of our portable generators and main generator tested and they’re up and ready to go,” said Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker. “And we’ve made sure there is a substantial supply of fuel available – and it is.”

Members of the Bridgeport Police Department have been alerted of the possibility of putting in extra hours to potentially take care of stranded motorists, resident checks and assistance to the Bridgeport Fire Department with regard to downed power lines and limbs.
“We’re just kind of keeping an eye on the storm continuously and be ready,” he said.

Bridgeport Fire Department Shift Commander Rick Todd said his department was advised to make certain that fire trucks are full of fuel and snow chains were ready and in working order.

Director of Public Works Tom Brown said the department is ready and equipped to respond and handle whatever conditions the pending storm might produce.

“We’re checking out all of our emergency equipment and making sure everything is working and available as needed,” he said.

To take proper personal precautions regarding the potential pending storm, read Emergency Services Director Shaunda Rauch’s blog by clicking HERE.