The Sloatsburg Department of Public Works continues to drive through the village in preparation of landfall for Sandy, which promises to be a fierce storm. With predictions of hitting land between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday evening, October 29, nearly the whole state of New York is shutdown and bracing for what could be the perfect storm.

Sustained winds are expected to be in excess of at least 65 mph, with gusts reaching much higher. Expect driving rains.

The Sloatsburg DPW yellow trucks and rain-slicked workers have been going through the village most of Monday, clearing drains and debris, even as wind gusts are blowing small branches from trees. Earlier Monday, the DPW made available sandbags at the department’s Stirling Mine Road facility for residents in need.

The DPW, as well as the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department, will be on full alert during Sandy’s landfall Monday and Tuesday. According to Fire Chief Vacchiano, the SFD will not engage in any pump-outs until after the storm.

For residents who lose power or are flooded out, the Sloatsburg Ambulance building, located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Seven Lakes Drive, will serve as a safe location for those who might have to leave their homes. Sloatsburg Elementary School, located on Second Street, will also be made available for those in need.

Additionally, on Friday Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright formally requested that National Guard troops be made available if needed.

Orange & Rockland has provided a storm watch center at its website. The company expects to be in the field throughout the storm, and when safe, to fix downed lines. Call toll free 1-877-434-4100 to report a power outage.