Preparing for Frankenstorm

A year after being battered by Hurricane Irene, East Coast residents are bracing for a much bigger storm.

Forecasters are warning that Hurricane Sandy will merge with two other systems to form what’s being called "Frankenstorm."

The hurricane is already being blamed for 43 deaths in the Carribean, and could hit the northeast as early as Monday.

East Coast residents on vacation in Hawaii are stocking up on emergency supplies before heading home.

Most tourists take home things like macadamia nuts, candy, key chains, shell lei, and other souvenirs.

For Jesse Ashmore, his carry-on…

"It’s heavy."

…is weighed down by two ten packs of D batteries.

"They are guaranteed sold out already in my area."

Jesse lives in Philadelphia. He’s bracing for the worst.

"I mean when they tell you it’s called ‘Frankenstorm,’ I mean, come on."

Frankenstorm preparations are underway all along the East Coast.

In Massachusetts, boat owners were urged to remove their vessels from the water by Sunday.

In Virginia, 21 ships from Naval Station Norfolk were sent out to sea this afternoon.

In New York, bulldozers spent the day building up sand dunes.

"So am I worried? I’m going to survive but I was more worried about getting my D batteries while I was here, because they are guaranteed sold out already in my area because they are the first thing that goes.  Flashlights, D batteries and then water and that kind of stuff after that."

Meanwhile, Michael Madison is heading home to Chesapeake, Virginia.

"It’s a little scary but normal hurricane comes through, more worried about getting home, taking care of my house because I’ve been gone for a week, so make sure everything is batten down, put away stuff on the porch."

Unlike Michael and Jesse, Boris Baldman is heading to the East Coast on vacation.  He’s visiting his parents in Brooklyn.

"I am a little concerned if it’s going to hit directly the New York area," said Boris Baldman, Ala Moana area resident.

United Airlines had two flights heading to the East Coast tonight.  No delays or cancellations just yet.

But airlines are warning passengers to expect flight cancellations over the next several days.  Many airlines are allowing passengers to reschedule their flights for free.