Hartford (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says Connecticut officials are closely monitoring a hurricane-winter storm mix that is approaching the East Coast.

During an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, Malloy said different weather models show the storm could hit Connecticut's shore or head into the Atlantic Ocean. He said officials will likely know more on Friday.

Connecticut was hit hard last October by a freak winter storm that knocked down trees and left residents without power for days.

Malloy said he has spoken with Northeast Utilities, the state's largest utility, about their preparations. NU came under criticism for its handling of last year's storm. Malloy said he believes everyone is doing what they need to do this early in the process.

He says "nobody wants to be caught flatfooted this time."