TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is asking President Obama for a federal emergency declaration even before a superstorm makes landfall in his state.

The declaration would allow the state to request funding and other assistance for actions taken in advance of the massive storm, which is expected to make landfall in New Jersey late Monday evening.

The storm is expected to strike southern New Jersey, but its effects will be felt 500 miles away.

Thousands of New Jerseyans are evacuating as the storm bears down on them.

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