BARRE — Officials and meteorologists around the state are preparing for a possible major storm at the beginning of next week.

Tropical Storm Sandy was over Jamaica on Wednesday afternoon and could hit Vermont between Monday and Wednesday.

The storm could make landfall on the East Coast anywhere from Delaware to Cape Cod, said Jason Neilson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in South Burlington. He said the storm is projected to drop 2 to 5 inches of rain with damaging winds.

Making matters worse is the uncertainty of another front coming in from the west. The timing of that front's arrival in New England will dictate what Sandy does. Neilson said that if the western front comes in early it could push Sandy out to sea; too late and the storm could come right up Vermont.

He said the weather service should have a good idea by Friday where Sandy is going to strike.

Vermont Emergency Management is preparing for the worst. Deputy Director Ross Nagy said his department is talking to utilities about possible power outages from the storm's winds and sending advisories to local emergency management directors and state agencies about the storm's progress.

Nagy advised the public to make sure their emergency kits are stocked. Outdoor furniture should be put away to reduce possible flying objects, and those with generators should make sure they are fueled up.