States up and down the East Coast are bracing for Hurricane Sandy, which could make landfall anywhere between Maryland and Pennsylvania, according to the latest forecast map from the National Hurricane Center.

Here's a look at how coastal states are rushing to prepare for potentially devastating effects:

CONNECTICUT

Bus service in Connecticut will stay closed for the duration of the storm, Gov. Dan Malloy announced Sunday.

"Folks, this could be bad -- really bad," Malloy said, noting that forecasters are predicting 36 hours of sustained winds. "It could impact us in several ways and for a long period of time. Please take this as seriously as we are taking it."

Malloy said his state will have 400 National Guard troops ready to assist with recovery efforts as needed.

President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency for Connecticut.

DELAWARE

Even before the center of Sandy ran aground, parts of the Delaware coast were already experiencing significant flooding.

"We're seeing more flooding than you normally do, and particularly since the storm's not here," Gov. Jack Markell said Sunday.

Earlier, the governor declared a "limited" state of emergency, meaning it doesn't order driving bans or business closures.

Markell ordered the evacuation of all coastal communities and a flood-prone area in southern Delaware.

Shelters opened beginning Sunday afternoon to accommodate those who have left their homes but have nowhere else to go, Markell said.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The city's mass transit system, known as the Metro, will stay idle on Monday.

All of Washington's public schools will be closed Monday, Mayor Vincent Gray announced. "The district is preparing in earnest" for the storm's effects, which could include heavy rain, street flooding, strong winds, power outages, and storm-surge flooding along the Potomac River and its tributaries, Gray said.

All federal buildings in the district will be closed to the public Monday.

Obama declared a state of emergency in the District of Columbia on Sunday.

MAINE

The Maine Emergency Management Agency warned Sandy could create "significant problems" in the state, such as high surf, fierce winds and coastal erosion.

In anticipation of widespread power outages, Gov. Paul LePage signed a "limited emergency declaration" so power crews from other states and Canada can help the state prepare for Sandy. The declaration also extends the hours that power company crews can drive.

MASSACHUSETTS

Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency for the Bay State.

Hoping to avoid the kind of criticism utilities received after last year's Hurricane Irene and other storms, Patrick said utilities plan to pair tree removal and power restoration crews -- rather than having them work separately -- so that work can be done more efficiently.

The city of Boston announced that schools will be closed Monday.

Obama also declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts.

MARYLAND

Like several neighboring states, Maryland could see as much as a foot of rain in some areas -- a major reason the state has declared a state of emergency.

Besides flooding, strong winds are expected to cause significant power outages. The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, for instance, says several hundred thousand customers could be affected.

Public schools in Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George's County will be closed Monday.

In the coastal city of Annapolis, city crews distributed sandbags to residents and businesses to help them prepare for flooding.

President Obama declared a state of emergency in Maryland on Sunday.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Sandy could bring winds of up to 60 mph and dump 2 and 4 inches of rain to parts of the Granite State -- likely starting Monday, Gov. John Lynch's office said.

"While the exact path and severity of the storm remain uncertain, it is clear New Hampshire will experience a significant weather event and I urge everyone to be prepared," Lynch said.

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey was the first to announce mandatory evacuations. The state's barrier islands from Sandy Hook south to Cape May must be cleared out, along with Atlantic City's casinos.

"We have to prepare for the worst here," Gov. Chris Christie said. Tolls have been suspended on the northbound Garden State Parkway and the westbound Atlantic City Expressway so people in those areas can leave more quickly, he said.

All state offices will be closed on Monday, with only essential employees expected to report to work, Christie announced.

New Jersey Transit came to a halt and will remain suspended indefinitely.