1043-Hurricane Sandy very likely to strike East Coast around Monday

Although there are several possible scenarios for the path of Hurricane Sandy, the most likely landfall will be along the east coast of the United States. Given the size of the storm - it will spread more than 300 miles out once it interacts with a trough along the east coast - where exactly it makes landfall is not as significant as with a stronger, smaller storm. There is a possibility the storm will collide with a winter storm and create a mix of tropical storm-northeaster. People in Maine, New York and Virginia should be making preparations now, to include a supply of non-perishable food, power supply such as generator, blankets, kerosene lamps, portable radios with extra batteries, manual can openers, and a full tank of gas in automobiles. Interests along the coast with personal belongings in below-ground basements should consider moving items to a higher floor. People should also be advised that just because a storm has passed does not be all is safe - many injuries and deaths occur after a storm, especially involving trees and live electrical wires. If you live in an area that is hard hit by the storm, and you can see a lot of fallen trees and wires you should remain inside until utility workers can arrive to the area when they might disable all power in the area until wires can be scoped and repaired. This is why you should be prepared to remain in your home for several days following a bad storm. 

Because Sandy will strike during a full moon and the tide will be high, if you live near a lake or river you should consider that it might overflow and cause flooding in your area.

Fortunately, given the later time of year and the storm's interaction with colder water, Sandy will most likely arrive as a strong tropical storm but with sustained category 1 winds, approximately 70 to 80 miles per hour. 

There is a smaller chance Sandy will swipe the east coast and make landfall around Delaware. In this scenario the damage will be less and the east coast will be spared widespread wind damage. However, flooding will be a real concern for those along the coast lines. In the Delaware region the arrival of Sandy and collision with another storm could create record-shattering rain, snow and flooding. 

Residents and businesses on the coast of north and south Carolina should also make preparations for possible water damage. Forecasters will know a lot more about Sandy's future this weekend, when the storm connects with the trough expected to draw it toward the east coast.- Preston Brady III, Mobile Tribune