(WTNH) — As Hurricane Sandy passes by the Carolinas, residents from the mid-Atlantic states to New England are watching the path of the storm very closely.

Although Sandy weakened during the day on Friday, the storm was still a Category 1 hurricane as of Friday evening.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) say that although the storm may weaken slightly, it is expected to regain hurricane status before making landfall.

While most hurricanes race off towards the northeast and out to sea, an unusual turn to the northwest is expected. This is a result of Sandy merging with an approaching cold front.

As the two systems merge, Sandy is expected to get bigger, posing quite a problem for many up and down the East Coast.

Connecticut is expected to be experience an increase in winds Sunday night, along with a higher than normal tide.

Conditions are expected to be worst on Monday, but with the storm possibly stalling out over the region, stormy weather could linger into Tuesday.

Heavy rains, damaging winds and shoreline flooding are forecast along the coastal plain, while heavy snows could cripple parts of the Appalachians.

Stay with News 8 for more details

*story courtesy of wtnh.com