After briefly being downgraded to a tropical storm, Sandy has again reached hurricane strength, with sustained winds of 75 mph.

Sandy is a massive cyclone, with hurricane-force winds recorded as far as 100 miles away from the eye of the storm and tropical storm force winds extending out 400 miles.

Tropical storm conditions could be felt in the Carolinas by Saturday evening.

Flood watches and warnings are already posted for our area from late Sunday through Tuesday morning as the storm is expected to pivot northeastward and make landfall along the mid-Atlantic coast.  Storm surge will be abetted by a full moon and rainfall tallies from three to five inches.

Today's balmy conditions are making for a mild start to what could be very challenging weather period.  Mostly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 60s will give way to greater chances of showers, breezier conditions and cooler air on Sunday.  Highs tomorrow will be only in the mid to upper 50s.  To prepare for the brunt of the storm, now expected on Monday into Tuesday, use today to assemble non-perishable foods and batteries should the power fail. Also, batten down the hatches by securing any loose lawn furniture or garbage cans.  Although many leaves are still on the trees, those on the ground and in the gutters could lead to flooding problems in and around your home.      

The Associated Press contributed to this report.