A satellite image shows Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 24 in the Caribbean. (Source: MGN/NOAA)
(RNN) – Different models have predicted a wide-ranging landfall for Hurricane Sandy, however, there is no uncertainty about the amount of damage it will cause.
The storm has already killed 43 people in the Caribbean and is expected to gain strength as it moves toward the United States.
The National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service is predicting a landfall around the New Jersey area Tuesday morning. The eye of the storm would go as far inland as central Pennsylvania, but the effects would reach far into Ohio and toward upstate New York.
Winter storms moving from the west that will greet Sandy about the time it hits land make it appear this could become a historic weather event.
"We are looking at one of the worst storms on record that we've seen in this region," said Carl Parker, hurricane specialist for The Weather Channel.
But simulations in the European model show the hurricane moving north in the Atlantic Ocean closer to the coastline, with the eye hitting land anywhere from upper North Carolina to Maryland.
Sandy has been compared to a nor'easter, a large storm with hurricane-like effects that usually moves northward.
Another unusual aspect of the storm is the strength it is expected to carry into the Atlantic. The calculations of experts vary, but low-pressure readings in many areas could reach record levels.
The heat from rising air and rain could feed unstable areas of low pressure at the eye of the storm, adding to its strength.
"We don't have many modern precedents for what the models are suggesting," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecaster Jim Cisco said.
A full moon is predicted for Monday and will still be 99 percent visible as late as Wednesday, meaning Sandy will hit during high tide. That would increase the amount of flooding in coastal and low-lying areas.
Fallen trees are also a greater likelihood since they have not shed their leaves and will hold more weight from precipitation. That means power outages from downed lines, damaged houses and blocked roads are all strong possibilities.
Copyright 2012 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
A tropical depression has formed off the coast of Belize and forecasters say it is expected to bring as much as five inches of rain to parts of Belize, Guatemala and northern Honduras.
Tropical Storm Barry bore down on Mexico's Gulf Coast early Thursday as civil defense workers readied emergency shelters and forecasters warned of the possibility of deadly flash floods and mudslides.
Sunday, June 16 2013 1:14 AM EDT2013-06-16 05:14:35 GMT
(CNN) – Severe weather like that of Superstorm Sandy is unforgettable. It caused $38 billion in damage to Jersey Shore area alone. Add those numbers to the damages caused by other hurricanes, tornadoes,
The damages caused by other hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods, 2012 was the second costliest year ever in terms of damage, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
The first named storm of the Atlantic season hammered Florida with rain, heavy winds, and tornadoes Thursday as it moved over land toward the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, promising sloppy commutes and...
The first named storm of the Atlantic season hammered Florida with rain, heavy winds, and tornadoes Thursday as it moved toward the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, promising sloppy commutes and waterlogged vacation...
Thursday, June 6 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-06 11:51:47 GMT
(RNN) – Less than a week into the official hurricane season, the first storm of the year has formed in the Gulf. Tropical Storm Andrea has sustained winds of 40 mph and is sitting 320 miles SSW of Apalachicola,
Less than a week into the official hurricane season, the first storm of the year has formed in the Gulf.
Saturday, May 25 2013 7:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 11:00:14 GMT
(RNN) - An active six months is predicted for the 2013 North Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center has called it an "extremely active"
An active six months is predicted for the 2013 North Atlantic hurricane season.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:46:35 GMT
The list of the names is a part of rotating lists of names. For example, the list used in 2012 is used in 2018. Each storm will be named alphabetically. The lists of names are chosen by World Meteorological
The names for the 2013 North Atlantic hurricane season.
Friday, April 26 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-04-26 11:03:49 GMT
(RNN) - Most natural disasters come as a surprise to all homeowners, but not being covered can be surprising and costly when you aren't sufficiently insured. One major insurance company is aiding homeowners
For homeowners, the instance of having insurance is not the only part in being prepared for severe weather when it strikes.
Monday, April 15 2013 9:06 PM EDT2013-04-16 01:06:27 GMT
A new audit released Monday by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says the state could be on the hook for hundreds of millions in disaster relief payback. The money was supposed to help property owners
A new audit released Monday by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says the state could be on the hook for hundreds of millions in disaster relief payback. The money was supposed to help property owners recover from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
A satellite image shows Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 24 in the Caribbean. (Source: MGN/NOAA)
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