National Hurricane Center: Maps & Updates on Hurricane Sandy's Path

Hurricane Sandy, the 18^th storm of the 2012 hurricane season, is making its way up the east coast of the United States and the National Hurricane Center is following its every move.

Hurricane Sandy is taking over headlines as the massive storm threatens the east coast. The Category 1  storm is churning around the Atlantic Ocean. As of Sunday night, the storm was off the coast of North Carolina, about 485 miles southeast of New York City.

 Hurricane Sandy has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving north at 15 mph. Its hurricane-force winds extend 175 miles from its center, making it a huge and strong storm.

The National Hurricane Center included a warning that says:

"SANDY EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE FLOODING TO THE MID-ATLANTIC COAST...INCLUDING LONG ISLAND SOUND AND NEW YORK HARBOR... ...WILL BRING COASTAL HURRICANE WINDS AND HEAVY APPALACHIAN SNOWS..."

The storm surge is a huge concern for those who live in low-lying areas near the water.  With the moon being full, tides are already high to begin with. With high winds from the hurricane, the tide will rise even higher. Hurricane Sandy is expected to create a storm surge of six to 11 feet.

FEMA is urging people to listen to instructions from officials.

"As conditions worsen along the Mid-Atlantic and other parts of the East Coast, residents need to listen to the direction of local officials. This is a large storm and the potential impacts from wind, coastal flooding, inland flooding, rain and snow will affect many states," Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator said in a statement, according to ABC.

One official, New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered a mandatory evacuation for several locations within the city. All public transportation was also suspended as of 9p.m. on Sunday. Public schools are also closed.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall on Monday evening or early on Tuesday. Areas of the Mid-Atlantic will feel its effects for several days.

Hurricane Sandy already wreaked havoc across the Caribbean. Sandy caused flooding, mudslides, power outages and structural damage. The Associated Press reported that 66 have died as a result of Hurricane Sandy and 51 of those were from Haiti. The storm left Haiti on Friday.