WASHINGTON (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.

Earlier story:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Forecasters say there's still quite a bit of uncertainty about the path that will be taken by Hurricane Sandy.
   
It's heading north after causing widespread damage in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, a wintry storm is chugging across the country from the west. And frigid air is streaming south from Canada.
   
Forecasters say they could meet around New Jersey or New York on Tuesday morning, creating a meteorological mess.
   
There could be heavy rain, high winds, flooding, tornados, coastal surges and possibly snow. Widespread power outages are possible. Utility companies are gearing up.
   
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has activated the state's emergency crews to monitor Hurricane Sandy as it works its way north. Cuomo is asking New Yorkers to monitor their TVs and radios for weather alerts.
   
Sandy weakened overnight to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds near 80 miles an hour. It's expected to remain a hurricane almost until it reaches the U.S. shoreline, probably early Tuesday.
   
Forecasters expect the East Coast to feel the effects starting Sunday and stretching past Wednesday.

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