t winds will be over the higher terrain. This will likely cause widespread power outages for an extended period of time. Remember we will have more frequent updates on Twitter @NWSBinghamton.

hat, but a direct hit somewhere on the mid-Atlantic coast looks likely. This map shows our current best estimate for rainfall in our area through mid-week. Our best estimates indicate that rainfall of more than 4 inches will be enough to cause moderate flooding on major rivers, and rainfall of greater than 6 inches will cause major flooding. The forecast indicates that 1 to 3 inches is the most likely rainfall amount for our area; however with the storm still more than 2 days away, anyone with vulnerability to flooding should pay very close attention to the latest forecasts, watches and warnings, as just a slight change with the storm could still result in flooding rains. In addition, brief heavy downpours could cause localized flooding on area streams and poor drainage areas with amounts of less than 3 inches. Strong winds and damage to trees and power lines is also a big concern with this storm.

of that track, but something close to that is getting much more likely. This map shows the probability that the storm will produce sustained winds of tropical storm force, or greater than 39 mph. Sustained winds of greater than 39 mph would be accompanied by gusts over 50 mph, which would be enough to cause widespread damage to trees and power lines. Best timing for the strongest winds in our area would be later Monday and continuing into Tuesday. Heavy rain will also be a threat with the storm later Monday through Tuesday.

are of the concern in our area given what we went through last year. We are still too far out to given exact details on how high the rivers will get or who may or may not flood. What we can see is the most "likely" scenario now is some flooding is possible on area rivers and creeks and the potential for wind may produce power outages. The best thing you can do now is monitor and prepare. We will have a much more clear idea of the exact impacts in our area, as we get closer. So again, monitor and prepare are the words now, exact details as we get closer.

models contains "worst case" and "best case" scenarios. What you see here can be considered the middle of the road idea from each group. Note that the two graphics have a slightly different outcome, so we can't dwell on the details. At this point in time, the ONLY thing we can take away from this graphic is that Sandy is showing a potential to cause river flooding across CNY and NEPA if/when she arrives next week. The uncertainty is too great to indicate how high the rivers would get right now, but NOW is the time to prepare for what you would do should disaster strike.

in the air. Models are showing the storm entering New Brunswick to as far south as southern NJ. More info as we get it and we will be following this extremely close over the next 3-4 days. Please share this graphic to keep family and friends informed.

Look for us to update you with a graphic by early this evening. In the meantime, now is the time to pay attention and just watch how the storm evolves over the coming days. Remember if you want more frequent updates, follow us on Twitter @NWSBinghamton.

power for many days. Remember that this loss of power may coincide with very cold weather, so keeping warm would be a concern (heating). For more tips on what you should have at home to prepare for this go here http://on.fb.me/SiiOXH and for more information on today's topic, go here: https://nwschat.weather.gov/p.php?pid=201210241001-KBGM-NOUS41-PNSBGM

ontest is just for fun, no prizes are given out. The photo must be an original and be about the weather, astronomy, or nature. If you are interested in entering, please post a picture to our wall and tell us you want to enter the photo contest. Make sure to include where the photo was taken in your entry. If we select your picture for a future contest, we will do our best to let you know. Good luck!

. (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/bgm/preparedness/wwaw/winter_prep_2012.pdf)

The picture is the snowfall map from last October's snowstorm. Big October snowfalls have happened the last week of October in 2005, 2008, and 2011 in just the last 10 years. The average first snowfall of measurable snow is the first half of November. The average time for the first 3 inch snow is the first week in December. For more on big winter storms and the 3 October snowstorms mentioned go to (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/bgm/recentwx.shtml)

ontest is just for fun, no prizes are given out. The photo must be an original and be about the weather, astronomy, or nature. If you are interested in entering, please post a picture to our wall and tell us you want to enter the photo contest. Make sure to include where the photo was taken in your entry. If we select your picture for a future contest, we will do our best to let you know. Good luck!

. Areas of dense fog will persist through 2 am, before some improvement is possible as drier air moves in from the west. If driving overnight, remember to slow down and leave plenty of distance in front of you, while using your low beam headlights. http://1.usa.gov/WN9pJB.

test is just for fun, no prizes are given out. The photo must be an original and be about the weather, astronomy, or nature. If you are interested in entering, please post a picture to our wall and tell us you want to enter the photo contest. Make sure to include where the photo was taken in your entry. If we select your picture for a future contest, we will do our best to let you know. Good luck!

locations and lingering in the Catskills until midday. Sullivan and Delaware Counties in NY will get the most rain for our area with 1.5 to 2 inches. This amount of rain is not expected to cause any flooding.

ursday in the Utica area: http://www.facebook.com/events/349967941759886/. Please register for this event if you plan to attend as space is limited. We are still working out some dates and venues, but our final class list is out: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/bgm/spotters_skywarn/skywarn.shtml If you are not able to make the drive to one of these classes, we are going to experiment with (2) online classes in early December. More information will be posted at the link above and on Facebook. We welcome and listen to your comments. Of the two online classes, (1) is on a weekend and the other a Friday night, to accommodate those that work during a "normal" work week.

contest is just for fun, no prizes are given out. The photo must be an original and be about the weather, astronomy, or nature. If you are interested in entering, please post a picture to our wall and tell us you want to enter the photo contest. Make sure to include where the photo was taken in your entry. If we select your picture for a future contest, we will do our best to let you know. Good luck!

. This contest is just for fun, no prizes are given out. The photo must be an original and be about the weather, astronomy, or nature. If you are interested in entering, please post a picture to our wall and tell us you want to enter the photo contest. Make sure to include where the photo was taken in your entry. If we select your picture for a future contest, we will do our best to let you know. Good luck!