Superstorm Sandy could bring 'catastrophe,' impact 60 million people

NEW YORK: Tens of millions of Americans braced themselves up for a potentially devastating Hurricane Sandy as its wind speed crossed the dangerous 90 miles per hour, threatening "unprecedented damage" with forecasters warning that it will slam cities from New York to Washington.

Authorities declared a state of emergency from North Carolina to Connecticut as the superstorm made its way up the Atlantic on a collision course with two other weather systems, that could turn it into one of the most deadly storms to hit the US. It could affect as many as 60 million people.

President Barack Obama suspended his election campaign and rushed to the White House to personally review preparations as the Hurricane Sandy - being dubbed as a 'Frankenstorm' - threatened to hit America's East coast.

Obama held an emergency situation room meeting with his top advisors and officials on hurricane preparedness. Meanwhile, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has deputed inspectors at all nuclear power plants that could potentially experience impacts from the storm.

At least eight nuclear power plants are falling on the path of Hurricane Sandy including Indian Point, in New York.

"The inspectors are independently verifying that plant operators are making the proper preparations, are following relevant procedures and are taking appropriate actions to ensure plant safety before, during and after the storm," it said in a statement.

Sandy is threatening to become the largest storm to hit the mainland in US history. It was producing sustained winds of 90 miles per hour by 11 am Monday, up from 75 miles on Sunday night.

An expected storm surge at midnight could raise water levels to 11 feet above normal high tide, bringing "the potential to cause unprecedented damage."