We know about the wind expected from Sandy and this area has seen powerful storms before, but it's not quite the same this time around. Noticeable differences include its path and size. Our Iris St. Meran joined us from Oneida Shores to tell us why this storm is different.

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CENTRAL NEW YORK -- Sandy is just a category one storm right now. By the time it reaches our area, it may even be downgraded. It doesn't sound like a big storm but for a number of reasons one of the largest many meteorologist have forecasted in their career.

Up and down the Atlantic Coast, Sandy's story is the same: Rain and wind. Although it's not unusual to see from a storm this time year, our meteorologists have noticed a number of differences. The first is the path it's taking.

"Usually this time of year, it runs right along the coast and then veers East out into the ocean, but there's a jet stream really deep, pulling in cold air. That's actually sucking the storm back to the west inland. And it's combining with another storm system. A colder air storm system," said YNN meteorologist Vanessa Richards.

Because of that, Richards says it's considered a hybrid storm, which makes it more powerful and also bigger. The eye of the storm is mainly in the Mid Atlantic states like Virginia and New Jersey. The reason our region isn't out of the woods is because of the size of the storm.

Richards said, "At its largest point, it's been 900 miles wide. It's been maintaining 800 miles wide. So it's a huge storm."

A storm that is rare to see in most people's lifetimes and will bring each region something different.

"Minor flooding in some spots, where there's typically flood prone areas. For us, it's a wind event. Winds are going to be gusting most spots 50 miles per hour. Other areas, higher terrain, lakeshore communities maybe closer to 60, 70 miles per hour," Richards said.

Strong winds are what most people will experience here. One thing to be mindful of is the trees. Because most trees haven't completely shed their leaves, they'll be heavier and easier to topple. So keep that in mind when you're in your home or traveling outside.