Mayor: Toronto's ready for storm Sandy

TORONTO, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Canada's largest city was prepared for the onslaught of ex-Hurricane Sandy's approach after it battered the U.S. Northeast, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said Monday.

Ford and city emergency officials told a news conference before the storm even made landfall in New Jersey Monday evening city staff and infrastructure were ready for the windy and rainy conditions the post-tropical system would bring in a northward track from New York state.

Winds were expected to pick up Monday night and gust as high as 60 mph, the Toronto Star reported.

"We are expecting very strong winds ... and some heavy, heavy rainfall," Ford said. "This means there is potential for materials blowing onto the streets, falling tree branches, flooding and power outages," Ford said.

The federal Environment Canada agency also issued a special weather statement.

"The combination of sodden ground, strong winds and some residual leaves on trees will likely lead to some areas with power outages due to fallen limbs or downed trees snapping power lines," the agency said.

Ontario Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur told reporters the Red Cross and emergency responders from Quebec and Manitoba had offered to assist if necessary.

Toronto officials also urged residents clear storm drains of fallen leaves and to take down outdoor Halloween decorations, CP24 TV said.