The Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management will continue to monitor whether and how Hurricane Sandy will impact the north country.

Heavy rain and extremely high winds are predicted to begin late Monday night when the hurricane — dubbed “Frankenstorm” because of the many unusual weather circumstances contributing to it and its proximity to Halloween — hits the area. Winds are expected to be out of the north and northeast, uncustomary for the region.

Emergency management officials recommend the public, especially boaters, also monitor the storm as it makes its way north, so people can be prepared.

Meanwhile, National Grid has set up ways for its customers to receive alerts about service interruptions and restorations in the event that the hurricane brings severe weather to Northern New York.

To sign up for the text message storm alerts, text STORM to 64743, which spells NGRID, and follow the prompts in return texts, company officials said. Regular text message charges apply.

Email alerts also are available to customers who create an online profile at National Grid’s website, www.nationalgridus.com.

The utility company also has a power outage map on its website.

National Grid is suggesting that customers keep the company’s emergency outage reporting number by the phone in case power goes out. The number is 1 (800) 867-5222. Outages also can be reported to the company via the Outage Central page of its website.

On Friday night, the National Weather Service was forecasting possible heavy rain and high winds for Tuesday and Wednesday associated with the hurricane making its way up the Eastern seaboard.

Although forecasters still are trying to figure out its path, National Grid has begun making crew assignments and preparing equipment in expectation of severe weather.

Emergency officials also have put together a list of reminders for the public. They include securing outdoor furniture and other items; making sure generators and smoke and carbon-dioxide detectors are working properly; preparing family emergency plans to include having non-perishable foods, drinking water and batteries for flashlights, portable radios and gasoline for generators and having food for pets on hand.

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