Sandy in West County: Monday Morning Update

Hurricane Sandy spent most of Monday morning battering West Anne Arundel County with heavy, cold rain, but winds were still only moderate in strength. 

Most retailers remained open but cautioned that they could close at any minute if weather conditions deteriorated. 

Here's a quick rundown of what we know. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have additional information that would be helpful to the community. 

• There were no reports of major road closures, BUT there was plenty of standing water in many areas, including along Patuxent Road in Odenton. Visibility is not good, and drivers are being advised to stay off the roads.
• The traffic light at Piney Orchard Parkway and Odenton Road was flashing earlier in the morning, but is now operational, according to county police spokesman Justin Mulcahy.
• The Arundel Mills mall is closed, but the Maryland Live! casino will remain open. 
•  Most stores at the Village at Waugh Chapel and Waugh Chapel Towne Centre were open. 
• Local pizza places appeared to be open, including Romeo's, Papa Johns, Domino's, Pizza Hut and others. (Check our Patch directories for phone numbers for these businesses,as they could close at any moment.)
• There was a sizable crowd at Wegmans, and the store has plenty of pallets of water in stock, along with other essentials. 
• The Food Lion in Piney Orchard had a large supply of gallon jugs of water, but was cleaned out of batteries. 
• Shoppers Food Warehouse in Crofton is reportedly open and was re-stocked with many storm supplies.
• Fort Meade will be closed on both Monday at Tuesday. 
• There has been no announcement regarding the status of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. 
• The nearest official shelter is Annapolis High School, 2700 Riva Rd., Annapolis. 

Be sure to follow our live blog for instant updates on the storm. Also sign up for breaking news alerts from Odenton-Severn Patch and Crofton Patch.