PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Sunday afternoon, Gov. Tom Corbett talked about the state’s plan for Hurricane Sandy and disaster preparedness efforts.

Corbett held a press conference at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency headquarters, warning the public to be prepared for what could be an “historic” storm.

He said that given the massive power outages expected, as well as the heavy wind and rain, effects of Hurricane Sandy could be unprecedented.

“Basically this is a hurricane wrapped in a nor’easter,” Corbett said.

State officials have 1,600 National Guard members on standby for whatever Sandy may bring.

Most of the heavy rainfall should occur Monday night, with some areas getting as much as 6 to 10 inches of rain, he said.

Additionally, a full moon and high tides will only aid in the overflowing of many rivers and creeks, so Corbett urged people to stay out of low-lying areas and to stay inside.

The Gov. also warned Pennsylvanians to be prepared with plenty of water, non-perishable food, medicine and even pet supplies in case of lengthy power outages.

The heavy wind is what Corbett said officials are most concerned with and it’s expected to prevent workers from being able to immediately fix any power outages.

“Take everything off the porches and out of the yard that could become flying projectiles,” Corbett said.

Officials stressed that if people have issues or need help during the storm, they should contact their local county officials – not PEMA.

“We’re there to support the counties,” he said.

Although the brunt of the storm is expected to hit more of the eastern and southeastern portions of the state, Pittsburgh officials are also prepared for extreme weather – but say there’s nothing to panic about yet.

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