Gov. Corbett: 1.3 Million Without Power in Pennsylvania After Superstorm Sandy

As Pennsylvania cleans up from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, Gov. Tom Corbett said 1.3 million customers are without power Tuesday morning, mostly in the southeastern part of the commonwealth.

Although the storm was not as bad as it could have been for Pennsylvania, Corbett said neighboring New Jersey and New York were hit hard and he will reach out this morning to the governors of those states to offer resources such as medical personnel and shelter help.

"If we have resources available, we will make it available" to those hard-hit states, Corbett said.

At a 9 a.m. briefing about the storm that has been downgraded to cyclone status, Corbett noted that thousands have been mobilized to deal with the aftermath including 2,500 out-of-state utility crews; 1,700 from the National Guard and 25 FEMA representatives.

He said two deaths from falling trees have been reported in Susquehanna and Berks counties. 

About 600 people are in 48 shelters this morning, he added.

Besides wind and rain, the storm also brought snow—6 to 9 inches in the Laurel Highlands and a few inches in Somerset County, Corbett said. 

He said wind and rains still are affecting the central and western parts of the state and major tributaries are being monitored closely for the flooding possibilities.

The commonwealth's priority is the restoration of power to 1.3 million customers, but that will take time, the govenor said.

"I’ll remind the people to be patient," Corbett said.

He said those without electricity should call their electric company to report the outage, but to call only once.

Corbett also said the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has four warehouses of food available, in case mass feedings are needed.

Travelers who need information about roads should call 511 or click on www.511.pa.com, the governor said.

Speed limit reductions on interstate highways in the state as well as truck and motorcycle restrictions have been lifted, Corbett said.

"I’m still urging people to be careful and stay off the roads if possible.”

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