"Here are a set of important statements from the latest National Weather Service statements and discussions:
* A PROLONGED PERIOD OF POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS WINDS IS EXPECTED...LASTING LIKELY WELL INTO TUESDAY BEFORE GRADUALLY SUBSIDING..
* RESIDENTS...VISITORS... AND BUSINESSES ACROSS THE REGION SHOULD PLAN FOR WIDESPREAD POWER AND COMMUNICATION OUTAGES.
* IF THE FORECAST RAINFALL AMOUNTS ARE OBSERVED ON A WIDESPREAD BASIS...WIDESPREAD MAJOR FLOODING IS POSSIBLE.
* THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS STORM WHICH WILL AFFECT THE ENTIRE AREA REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE STORM CENTER IS.
* PLEASE TAKE THIS THREAT VERY SERIOUSLY...THIS IS GOING TO CREATE SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTIONS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. BE PREPARED TO AT LEAST HUNKER DOWN FOR A WHILE...AND BE PREPARED FOR SOME SERIOUSLY CHALLENGING CONDITIONS.
I’d like to stress that beyond a certain time Monday, it will probably become unsafe to be outside, either walking or driving. In the morning hours, you may be able to get around OK, but with wind-driven rain, it will be unpleasant.
Some time after 2 or 3 p.m., once sustained winds reach 30-40 mph, and it’s gusting over 50 mph, I would not advise going out. During Hurricane Irene, a number of lives were lost when people were crushed by falling trees - some in cars. Your best bet will be to stay inside from mid-afternoon Monday through Monday night, and only travel if absolutely critical."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/a-fiercer-forecast-for-hurricane-sandys-effects-on-washington-dc/2012/10/28/01d5d1be-2152-11e2-ac85-e669876c6a24_blog.html?hpid=z2#pagebreak 
