Hurricane Sandy has disrupted the U.S. presidential campaign, just eight days ahead of elections.

President Barack Obama suspended campaigning and returned to Washington on Monday to oversee the response to Hurricane Sandy. His Republican challenger has curtailed political events out of respect for the storm's potential victims.

A Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll released on Monday indicates both candidates are virtually tied in the presidential contest. Obama wants to show he's on top of the storm response effort. He's warned the nation to be well prepared for possible transport and power outages.