Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has issued a state of emergency for the city, beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, and lasting until at least 5 p.m. Tuesday, due to severe weather conditions caused by Hurricane Sandy.

In a press conference Saturday, Nutter issued a simple message to Philadelphia residents, “have a plan, be prepared, and then be prepared to take action.” The mayor added “we are encouraging residents in this city to please stay inside during the height of this storm.”

Nutter said that three emergency shelters would be open in the city at West Philadelphia High School, Roxburough High School, and Samuel Fels High School. The closest shelter to Temple is Fels High School located 6.4 miles away at 5500 Langdon St.

Nutter warned that the storm could cause extensive power outages, as well as flash flooding in certain areas of the city. The city will place robo-calls to residents of the East Germantown area of the city, warning them of the hazards of flash flooding.

Nutter said the city had not closed off any streets, but may do so in response to rising flood waters.

Temple has not cancelled any classes as of Saturday, however officials said they will monitor the weather and remain in talks about canceling classes.

Hurricane Sandy is the first hurricane to reach the East Coast this season. She is expected to make landfall on the Delaware or southern New Jersey shore late Monday or early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, which as issued a flood and coastal flood watches along with a high wind watch for Philadelphia County.

John Moritz can be reached at john.moritz@temple.edu or on Twitter @JCMoritzTU.