Hurricane Isaias is packing fierce winds, snapping trees and knocking out power to thousands across in the Caribbean - and its path up the East Coast may bring it to the Hudson Valley in the coming days.

As the southern part of the United States braces for the hurricane, the Hudson Valley is preparing as well. News 12 meteorologists say the storm could reach the area as a tropical storm in the days ahead.

Officials say a storm like this requires extreme attention, not only because of its severity, but due to the uncertainty that comes with it.

They say the hardest part about preparing for Isaias has nothing to do with preparation at all, but waiting to see how strong it is.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets and has urged the public to be prepared and alert in response to the forecast, which shows that Isaias could sweep through parts of New York City and Long Island as well as the Hudson Valley.