New Zealand Olympian Kim Smith expects her plan ahead of the New York City marathon this weekend might have to change as Hurricane Sandy batters the east coast of the United States.

Smith lives in Providence, Rhode Island and was to have driven to New York tomorrow ahead of the NYC marathon on Monday, where she will be among the favourites.

But with one of the biggest storms to hit the US wreaking havoc, forcing mass evacuations in the northeast and shutting down transportation, including New York's subway system, Smith is unsure what will happen over the next couple of days.

"I'm meant to be heading down to New York on Tuesday (today NZT) but I'm not quite sure that's going to be possible. It's all a little scary at the moment," Smith said yesterday.

The 30-year-old's immediate concern was making it through the storm unscathed.

"The last time we had a hurricane, a tree went through the house next door so I'm hoping the same thing won't happen to my house. Hopefully, it will be OK."

She said her build-up to the big race had been "pretty solid".

"My training's gone well and I'm feeling pretty good."

Smith finished fifth in the NYC marathon the past two years.

She was a disappointing 15th at the London Olympics but bounced back to win the Boston Athletic Association half marathon last month and pocket $US100,000 for winning a three-race distance medley series.

- © Fairfax NZ News