Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center say they do not expect Sandy to weaken as it heads for what could be a direct hit along the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coast late Monday.

They also say the hurricane, in combination with two winter weather systems moving in from the north, will create what forecasters are calling a huge and complex "Frankenstorm", named for the Frankenstein monster of literature and films.

Up to 60 million people can expect damaging winds, heavy rain, floods, and snow.  Authorities are urging citizens to make sure they stock up on drinkable water, canned food, and batteries and be prepared to spend days without power.

Washington, DC and the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina have already declared states of emergency.  The White House says President Barack Obama has told federal emergency officials to get ready to move into action when storm-battered states call for help.

Sandy tore through the Caribbean region earlier this week, killing 43 people in the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti.