(13WHAM/AP) - Federal forecasters say when Hurricane Sandy turns in to what some call "Frankenstorm," it will smack the East Coast harder and wider than last year's damaging Irene.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday that wherever the storm comes ashore, there will be 10 inches of rain and extreme storm surges. Up to 2 feet of snow should fall on West Virginia, with lighter snow in parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Forecasters expect wind damage, power outages and flooding.
Hurricane Sandy is now near the Bahamas. It's expected to move up the coast and collide with a winter storm moving across the country and frigid air from Canada.
The hurricane is forecast to turn inland around Delaware, but it could still hit as far north as New York.
Governor Cuomo has asked President Obama for a pre-landfall disaster declaration. This would allow for State access to funds and FEMA resources to prepare.
Due to the impending storm, the Governor’s conference on Emergency Preparedness scheduled for October 29-30 in Albany is being postponed.
“As we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York State, I am activating all levels of state government to prepare for any potential impacts,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are working with federal and local partners to follow storm developments and organize a coordinated response plan. With unpredictable weather conditions, we are taking the greatest precautions – especially after our experience from last year’s storms. I urge New Yorkers to plan for hurricane conditions and follow news reports to stay updated on the storm’s progress.”
GO TO NEXT PAGE TO SEE WHAT AIRLINES ARE DOING FOR CUSTOMERS AHEAD OF THE STORM
