Expert's concern at 'very large storm' heading for US

Experts in the US have spoken of their concern at the gathering size of Hurricane Sandy, which is projected to hit the US late on Monday, one week before the presidential election.

''It is becoming a very large storm system,'' said Dr Louis Uccellini, director of the National Center for Environmental Prediction.

He added that the storm ''could set historical precedence'' if it developed along predicted lines.

Hurricane Sandy reportedly caused up to 40 deaths as it swept through the Caribbean on Thursday.