The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and high wind advisory Saturday as the "Frankenstorm" draws closer.

The flood watch is in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday evening for Pennsylvania, West Virginia, east central Ohio and western Maryland.

The high wind watch is effective Monday afternoon through Tuesday.

Flood Watch

Potentially heavy rain associated with the interaction of a stalled cold front across the Appalachian Mountains and Hurricane Sandy may cause flooding, the weather service website states.

Areas that get more than 2 inches of rain Monday and Tuesday might flood where drainage is poor or along small streams. If the heavy rain is widespread, larger rivers might be impacted, according to the weather service.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

High Wind Advisory

A high wind watch means there is a potential for sustained winds of at 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or stronger.

Strong gusty winds could bring down trees and power lines. Motorists are warned to use extreme caution, especially when traveling over bridges and overpasses.

"If Hurricane Sandy turns northwestward toward the stalled cold front along the Appalachian Mountains late Monday into Tuesday, high winds may result," the National Weather Service states.

Extended forecast

• Sunday: Showers. High near 51. North wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
• Sunday Night: Rain. Low around 39. North wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Monday: Rain. High near 42. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Monday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 39. Windy, with a northwest wind 28 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Tuesday: Rain. High near 43. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Wednesday: Rain and snow showers. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Wednesday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Keep checking back with Upper St. Clair Patch for updates. Tell us in the comments if you see storm damage in your area and please upload photos to the media box above.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook