Hurricane Sandy Could Hit NJ Hard, Experts Say

Meteorologists up and down the East Coast are now saying Hurricane Sandy, sitting over the Caribbean as of Thursday afternoon, could spawn a storm that devastates the mid-Atlantic region early next week.

As the storm glides up the East Coast, it could bring significant rain, wind and waves to the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricane Sandy is forecast to become a large coastal storm, and may affect the northern New Jersey area between Sunday and Tuesday, the National Weather Service is reporting.

The weather service wouldn’t commit to exact times or impacts, however, stating, “there remains quite a bit of uncertainty with the track and therefore with any actual impacts to our area at this time.”

Jersey Central Power & Light released a statement Thursday regarding Hurricane Sandy’s impact on the utility provider’s coverage area as well.

“As a precaution, JCP&L has placed employees on alert, and is prepared to mobilize employees and resources where needed if Hurricane Sandy develops into a threat to the region.”

From Sandy to “Frankenstorm”

Some government forecasters are predicting an unusual mix of a hurricane and winter storm, according to the Associated Press, and the worst of it could be focused around New York City and New Jersey.

Forecaster Jim Cisco said the storm's size impact may be felt from Florida to Maine, and inland to Ohio, according to the AP report.