From CNN WIRE: The scenes are straight out of a disaster blockbuster: A killer storm takes aim at one of the most populated regions of the country.
Hundreds of thousands are forced from their homes. New York City is brought to a standstill. The nation's capital is emptied of government workers. And thousands of National Guard troops are called up.
Such was the story playing out early Monday from North Carolina to Maine as Hurricane Sandy took aim at the Mid-Atlantic coastline, where forecasters said it was likely to collide with a cold front and spawn a "superstorm" that could generate flash floods, snowstorms and massive power outages.
Chrisine Romans looks at how the markets, insurance companies and other industries could be affected by Hurricane Sandy.
READ MORE: Hurricane Sandy makes a left turn, takes aim at New Jersey