By Al Novack

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As the storm nears, street parking, public transportation, airlines and major utlities across the Delaware Valley have their weather disaster plans in place.

The Pennsylvania National Guard has told about 16,000 members to be ready to deploy for a storm response if activated.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has announced free metered and kiosk street parking beginning today through Wednesday morning.

The PPA will enforce and issue tickets for any and all safety related parking violations.

Amtrak is cancelling some of it’s rail service Sunday between New York and DC. If you normally use Amtrak and have questions about service you can call, 1-800-usa rail or go to their website amtrak.com.

Governor Christie has announced that preparations are underway for the potential shutdown all NJT service effective Monday.

NJT transit users can get the latest information at njtransit.com or you can call 973-275-5555.

At Philadelphia international airport, numerous airline flights have been cancelled because of hurricane sandy. Travelers are being advised to call their airlines or go to phl.org.

Utilities such as PECO, PPL, PSE&G, and Atlantic Electric are all expecting large numbers of outages during the storm. Some outages may last for days.

PSE&G, for example, is predicting as many as 1 million customers will be without power.

Utility crews are being brought in from all over the nation to assist east coast utilities with what is expected to be a gigantic restoration process.

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