The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Philadelphia and surrounding counties in the Delaware Valley region in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, which is projected to make landfall in the Chesapeake Bay area early next week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Reports from the NHC said that while Sandy weakened slightly over the Bahamas, the storm still has a maximum sustained wind speed of 75 mph, and is moving up the coast at 7 mph.

Beginning on Monday, the National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions in Philadelphia, continuing until Tuesday with rain lingering into Wednesday evening. Heavy snow fall is also predicted for more inland areas of the East Coast.

Deputy Director of Campus Safety Services Charlie Leone said that the university has been working to prepare for the storm by cleaning sewers and drainage pipes, securing trash can lids, going over emergency procedures and keeping up to date on the forecast.

Leone also said that while the university is taking steps to ensure a safety, students, especially those living off-campus, need to use the weekend to make sure they are stocked up with proper emergency equipment such as food, water, and batteries, as well as keeping track of the weather reports.

“Keep in mind what would happen if your power were to go out, would you have enough things to sustain you?,” Leone said.

Leone said that CSS will continue to look at weather reports and talk with university officials into next week regarding class and program closures, as well as the use of the TU Alert system.

Students and faculty can contact Temple Emergency Preparedness and Continuity Planning at tuready@temple.edu. Additionally, those in need of help can call CSS at 215-204-1234 or call 911.

The Temple News will continue to monitor and report on the latest campus news regarding Hurricane Sandy.

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