Five reasons why Sandy could be an epic storm...

This is a very interesting article and a must read if you are in the path of this storm.  It outlines the five factors which could make a relatively moderate hurricane/tropical storm system far more impacting and dangerous.  At a minimum, make sure you have drinking water and food to last for a few days without power.  

Update:  More from Instapundit and Brendan Loy.  

1.  Northbound Hurricane

Unlike a tropical system like a hurricane, which gets its power from warm ocean waters, Sandy is expected to turn into an extratropical system, which are driven by temperature contrasts in the atmosphere. 

2.  A Winter Storm Coming In From The West

Winds from a western winter system, which left snow in Kila, Mont. shown above, are what will help pull Sandy back toward the U.S. mainland from the open waters of the Atlantic. 

3.  A Blocking Pattern From Canada 
Frigid air coming south from Canada also is expected to get ingested into Sandy, which will only help to strengthen the storm further and create winter storm conditions for some in the storm’s path. 

4.  A Full Moon, Which Means Higher Than Normal Tides

A full moon means the tides will be higher than usual, which will make it easier for the storm's powerful winds to push water into low-lying areas.  Coastal rivers are also more prone to flooding with the surge pushing water upstream. 

5.  Snow, Wind, and Trees With Leaves = Massive Power Outages
Millions of people are expected to lose power at some point during Sandy and many of those folks will likely not have power restored for many days.