Hurricane Sandy cancels flight at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

CLEVELAND - All departing flights and all but a handful of arriving flights were canceled at Hopkins Airport Monday evening as the effects of Hurricane Sandy began impacting life in Cleveland.

Airport spokesperson Jackie Mayo said the airport was open, but the airlines were cancelling flights until noon Tuesday.

"They should still call ahead," she said. "It won't be back to normal for at least a day and a half."

Mayo said there were very few stranded passengers at Hopkins because the airlines had warned them in advance that flights would be canceled.

At Cleveland's emergency operations center, Mayor Frank Jackson made assurances that city departments will be able to handle any weather emergency.  He said they're monitoring for flooding and keeping a close watch on the East Shoreway, which was closed westbound at East 72 ^nd Street.

Crews are also preparing for power outages and Jackson said emergency service departments have additional staff on standby.

"This is a moment by moment situation," he said, "and we're working with our public and private partners to assure that we can respond to any situation."

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald said the county is ready to assist any city in the county with removal of debris, damage assessments and any other emergencies. He recommends residents avoid unnecessary travel for the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross suggests you have a three to four day supply of food, water, pet food, medicine and working flashlights.

Anyone needing non-emergency social services should call 211. The number for Cleveland Public Power is 664-3156. The number for flooding concerns is 664-2513.