Hurricane Sandy continues to barrel its way up the East Coast, and the entire region is bracing for its full impact.

The "super storm" now bearing down on the East Coast could wreak havoc across 800 miles of the most densely populated portion of the country, potentially affecting upwards of 65 million people.

Already, it's bringing 75 mile an hour winds, heavy rains, and flooding to the areas it has touched. And this is only the beginning.

Sandy is expected to make landfall Monday night or early Tuesday.

Click on the video above to watch Beth Hall's latest forecast for what we can expect here in the north country.

States of emergency have been declared in a number of states, including New York. Officials are taking no chances.

Among other things, all buses, subways, and commuter rail lines into New York City are being shut down; many coastal communities are being evacuated; and Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered the New York Army and Air National Guard to mobilize before the storm strikes.

County officials in the north country are also trying to get the word out for people to prepare. Click here to read the release from St. Lawrence County.

With St. Lawrence County officials warning of potentially damaging high wind gusts, a number of school districts are planning to close early on Monday.

(Click here to see our latest list of closures and cancellations)

Jefferson County has opened its Emergency Operations Center to be ready when Sandy strikes.

"We can bring in whatever resources we need, or representatives from what departments and agencies we need, to have first hand conversations with them, to get assistance out to what we need to do," said Jefferson County Emergency Services Director Joe Plummer

But here's the thing about the so-called Frankenstorm: by the time Hurricane Sandy reaches the north country, we likely won't be seeing hurricane force winds. The 7 News weather team predicts 65 mile per hour gusts and lots of rain.

Although it doesn't sound so scary, Plummer says it's nothing to scoff at.

Winds will be coming from the east. North country winds ususally come from the northwest. This will put stress on trees that have adapted to normal winds and the trees will be more likely to fall, and fall on power lines.

That's why, Plummer says, everyone needs to prepare.

"The forecast is just a forecast, it's a prediction. You don't know exactly where it's going to go, so the public really does need to keep track of that," he explained.

With the storm quickly approaching, it looks like people are taking Plummer's advice and stocking up at places like Noble Ace Hardware in Watertown

"We sold our last generator. We've actually been selling a lot of propane tanks for some lanterns or for some heaters there that don't rely on electricity," said store employee Anthony Thompson.

Whether Sandy hits the north country hard, or doesn't amount to much, stay tuned to 7 News for weather updates.