Atlantic City, NJ (WIBX) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is ordering evacuations of all barrier islands in the state and coastal areas from Sandy Hook to Cape May, New Jersey, including Atlantic City.

Christie is not taking any gambles with Sandy, and is ordering all casinos to close by 4:00pm on Sunday, October 28.  Will the storm hit Central New York?  It appears that at least some of it will.

Forecasters are saying that all residents of the Mid-Atlantic states and New England should continue to monitor Sandy's progress.  Right now maximum sustained winds are 75mph. The storm is expected to move parallel to the southeastern coast of the United States and turn north Sunday night and Monday morning.

Rainfall totals of three to six inches are expected throughout the Carolinas and four to eight inches throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. Historically flood-prone spots are again being targeted by the storm.

As of 2:30pm on Saturday, October 27, Sandy is producing tropical storm force winds over the Atlantic from the northern Bahamas to the coast of North Carolina.

Tropical storms warnings are in effect for:

  • Santee River, South Carolina to Duck, North Carolina
  • Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
  • Great Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

  • Savannah River to South Santee River
  • Bermuda

In a written statement sent to the press this afternoon, Rosie Taravella, CEO of the American Red Cross Central New York Region says, "The Central New York Chapter is mobilizing volunteers, shelters, relief supplies and disaster vehicles to help. The best thing families can do is to get ready now by staying informed about Sandy's progress, listening to the advice of local authorities, checking their emergency supplies, and reviewing their household's emergency plan."

The Red Cross is saying that the "next 24 hours (are) critical for (the) public to make hurricane preparations" and has preparedness tips available on their website at: www.redcross.org or by calling them at: (315) 234.2200.

We will continue to keep you updated on the air and online as we continue to follow this storm.

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