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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Corbett said Monday that he is closing major interstates around Philadelphia until 2 a.m. as Hurricane Sandy passes over Pennsylvania, causing widespread flooding and power outages.
Corbett said the highways will close beginning at 7 p.m. They include the full length of Interstates 95 and 676; the non-toll porton of I-476; I-76 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia and the U.S. Route 1 extension in Philadelphia. Emergency vehicles can still travel the roads.
He also said that closing the Pennsylvania Turnpike is an option, as well.
Corbett said the hurricane will pass over the Philadelphia area, tracking westward along Pennsylvania's southern counties. He said the hurricane's eye will pass south of Harrisburg by 2 a.m. and State College by 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Wind gusts will be around 70 miles per hour, with sustained winds at 40 to 50 miles per hour, he said. The storm could reach as far west as the Johnstown area before veering north.