Frankenstorm: The Presidential Election's October Surprise?

My photo, dated 10/29/2012-Copse of trees near my residence

Looking at the weather reports, this storm ( a mixture of a hurricane and a nor'easter) will be a monster.  Experts have dubbed it the Frankenstorm and suggest that it might cause more than a billion dollars in damage.  The storm is massive.  My locality (Roanoke, Va.) is nowhere near the storm's epicenter; it will receive a good dose of wind and rain nonetheless.  Some authorities in and around Roanoke are already preparing for the worst.  Could a storm this vast and powerful impact the presidential election?  Could it be the oft discussed October surprise?

Once the storm passes, several states will require federal aid and assistance--perhaps a great deal of assistance.  Unfortunately, the storm will also likely cause some human fatalities; storms of this nature usually do.  The nation will be watching to see how FEMA and other government agencies respond to the tragedies.    If the public feels that the federal government doesn't respond forcefully enough; they may blame President Barack Obama.  The president's Katrina moment will be enough to sink his election chances.  By contrast, if the populace is happy with the government response, Obama might gain some votes.

What do you all think about this one?  Will the Frankenstorm influence the election.  Is it the October surprise that many pundits have been waiting for?