Northeast Braces for Hurricane Sandy

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- Businesses and residents in the Northeast are bracing for the effects of Hurricane Sandy expected to reach the area just in time for Halloween. The storm churning through the Atlantic Ocean is set to converge with a cold front blowing down from Canada and a wintry storm making its way across the country to result in what some are calling "Frankenstorm."

Meteorologists expect a natural horror show of high wind, heavy rain, extreme tides and maybe snow to the west beginning early Sunday, peaking with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday and lingering past Halloween on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

The worst of the storm is expected to be felt in New Jersey and New York -- with some experts predicting landfall in Central New Jersey -- and the effects could span as far away as Ohio.

"It's looking like a very serious storm that could be historic," said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the forecasting service Weather Underground. "Mother Nature is not saying, 'Trick or treat.' It's just going to give tricks."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecaster Jim Cisco, who coined the nickname Frankenstorm, said: "We don't have many modern precedents for what the models are suggesting."

Government forecasters said there is a 90 percent chance -- up from 60 percent two days earlier -- that the East will get pounded, according to AP.

It's no surprise that many in the convenience industry are closely monitoring all movements of the storm. Though based in Oklahoma, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is making preparations for its customers out east.

"In keeping with our commitment to provide the best service for our customers, Love's is monitoring Hurricane Sandy's path as it is projected to make landfall on the Northeast Coast early next week," the company said in a Facebook post late Thursday night. “Fuel teams at Love's are planning to make additional deliveries to keep our locations along the East Coast stocked with fuel. Our store teams are taking precautions with the goal to remain open during the storms."

Also on Thursday, Pilot Flying J released a list of its locations that were preparing for the storm, as CSNews Online previously reported. The Knoxville, Tenn.-based company has activated its Emergency Preparedness Team and has moved generators in into the area so it can quickly deploy them to affected locations as the storm makes landfall.

Stewart's Shops, based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is also making preparations for customers looking for last minute emergency items. "We are all watching to see how we might be impacted by Hurricane Sandy. As you make storm preparations, remember that Stewart's Shops is already storm-ready with supplies for you and your family. From milk to bread to bottled water and batteries, fresh-made subs and sandwiches to sweet and salty snacks that don't require refrigeration," the company posted on its Facebook page.