TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Emergency officials in New Jersey are warning residents to prepare for a scary pre-Halloween storm.

Forecaster say Hurricane Sandy could hit the state over the weekend and into next week.

Morris County's Office of Emergency Management has sent a letter to towns urging them to review their emergency plans, and to make sure there is adequate space in shelters if residents need to be evacuated.

Emergency officials in Atlantic County are warning residents to prepare for a storm that could last a few days.

The National Weather Service says it will depend on how Sandy tracks as it transitions into a large coastal storm and moves northward along the East Coast.

There's the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, rough seas, beach erosion and coastal flooding beginning Sunday.