Preparations are in place to open emergency shelters, if needed. The shelters are operated by American Red Cross officials with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Chapter in Williamsport, according to Kathy Stine, disaster response specialist.
"We're on standby but will open if needed and there are widespread power outages," she said.
In the region, designated shelters are at New Covenant United Church of Christ, 212 E. Third St.; the Renovo Fire Co. in Renovo; and the Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School in Lewisburg.
"These shelters are for our local residents and visitors," said John Yingling, director of the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety. The shelters are not receiving points for the possible exodus of people in the storm's path who are not from central Pennsylvania, he said.
Two "mega shelters" are prepared to open should that need arise, but they are not those listed by the local Red Cross chapter, he said.
Anyone arriving at a Red Cross shelter is asked to try to bring identification, any medicines and medical equipment, pillows, towels, blankets, bathrobes, a change of clothes and books/magazines.
Anyone in need of shelter in Tioga County needs to call Tioga County Emergency Services at 724-9110, according to Denny Colegrove, county emergency management coordinator.
As of 8:30 p.m. Monday, there had been no reports of any displacements in the region.
Sun-Gazette reporter Cheryl Clarke contributed to this report.
