Mid-Atlantic: Coastal Floods & Snow

Sandy is a little more than 100 miles away from land and closing in on a possible landfall this afternoon. The storm has virtually crippled the Mid-Atlantic region, shutting down schools, mass transit, and the federal government.

Maryland Transportation officials say it's likely they'll shut down the Bay Bridge, which connects the state's Eastern and Western shores. 

Among the headlines from the region:

• Maryland: Ocean City, Md. Pier significantly damaged
• 5" Snow Reported: Near Big Stone Gap, Va. 2-3' possible in West Virginia mountains
• Pennsylvania: All flights canceled at Philadelphia airport; I-95s Broad St. Exit in South Philadelphia closed
• Early Voting Canceled: Maryland and Washington D.C.; President Obama and Mitt Romney reshuffled campaign plans

Virginia

A curfew is in place on Chincoteague Island.  Officials say the entire 37-mile-island is underwater and there is no way off because a causeway to the mainland has been closed. Norfolk's Midtown Tunnel tide gate has been lowered and the tunnel is now closed to motorists. 

An impressive 7.21" of rain has been recorded at Gwynn's Island, Va., since Sandy's initial assault began. In Tazewell, Virginia the snow has begun in earnest with residents reporting as much as 3" of white stuff  Tazewell is in the extreme southwest portion of the state.

AP PHOTO

An Orbital Sciences crew works to secure the first stage of the Antares rocket on the launch pad at Wallops Island, Va. on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 in advance of Sandy.

The Navy ordered its Hampton Roads ships out to sea on Friday, but reversed course Saturday and directed ships still in port to remain. The Navy believes ships can safely weather the wind and storm surge in port.