Governor Christie: Don't Be Stupid, Get Out

Governor Chris Christie and National Weather Service meteorologist Gary Szatkowski may have been speaking from opposite ends of the state, but their message to residents about the power of the impending storm was clear.

"Hurricane Sandy is already the deadliest hurricane of the 2012 season," Szatkowski said. "Please respect its power and heed the advice of local and state officials regarding any evacuations."

Christie, speaking at a press conference in Pompton Lakes regarding the state of emergency (video attached to this story) and severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy. a boiled things down even further.

"Don't be stupid, get out," Christie said. "Get out and go to higher, safer ground. I don't know any other way to put it I guess."

Szatkowski, a NWS meteorologist who has been tracking the storm and issuing updates from Mt. Holly said he would rather have people play it safe than be sorry.

"Sandy is an extremely dangerous storm," Szatkowski said. " There will be major property damage, injuries are probably unavoidable, but the goal is zero fatalities."

Szatkowski also had a message to those who believe the storm is over-hyped.

"If you think the storm is over-hyped and exaggerated, please err on the side of caution," Szatkowski said. " You can call me up on Friday and yell at me all you want."