ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
With the northern US now feeling the wrath of Tropical Storm Sandy, many experts are predicting this storm will do more damage than Hurricane Irene did last year as it swept through the Northern seaboard.
"The impact will be larger and more than double that what Hurricane Irene was. That was estimated $15 to $20 billion, now we could see $35 to $40 billion worth of property damage," said Darton College economic professor Aaron Johnson.
But Johnson says when we talk economic impact of Sandy, it's not all bad.
Retailers such as hardware and grocery stores will benefit as residents brace for Sandy.
Even some Southwest Georgians may benefit from Sandy's destructive winds, as there will probably be a high demand for construction workers after the storm is all said and done.
"There could be some potential jobs there if they are willing to take their chances. There could be some temporary income," said Johnson.
The storm may even bring a standstill to politics as Sandy may prevent millions from getting to the polls to vote for their candidate in this upcoming presidential election.
This may play vital in some northern swing states.
"Think about the impact if New Hampshire is hit. That's a borderline state, so there are some positives and negatives that can actually help or hurt either candidate," said Johnson.
While Sandy's powerful winds are wrecking havoc in the northern US, many must now wait it out and hope for the best.
Johnson said he doubts Sandy's damage will cause any increase in gasoline prices.
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