Data from a USAF Hurricane Hunter plane this morning indicates that Sandy is a hurricane again, after briefly weakening to a tropical storm earlier this morning. It is expected to remain a large storm with impacts over a large area into next week.
Sandy is centered this morning about 335 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, moving toward the north-northeast. A
turn toward the northeast at a faster forward speed is forecast for tonight and Sunday, then a turn toward the north on Sunday Night, paralleling the U.S. coast through the weekend.
Maximum sustained winds are 75 mph – a Category One hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Little change in strength is expected for several days.
A Tropical Storm Warning continues for Great Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands, the east coast of Florida freom Sebastian Inlet to St. Augustine , and along the Southeast U.S. coastline from the South Santee River to Duck, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.. A Tropical Storm Watch continues from the Savannah River north to South Santee River, and now for Bermuda.
Those along the remainder of the U.S. east coast should monitor the progress of this hurricane. Remember- do not focus on the details of the exact track forecast late in forecast period, as Sandy is expected to impact a large area of the U.S. East coast early next week.
Total rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated 8 inch amounts, are possible over far eastern North Carolina. Amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with isolated 12 inch amounts, are possible over portions of the central Atlantic States, including the DelMarVa Peninsula.
Get the latest on this tropical cyclone, including forecasts and
graphics, on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov

For expected local impacts, go to the NOAA NWS website at www.weather.gov