As Hurricane Irene began to hit the city — with high winds, heavy rain and tidal surges — Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged New Yorkers to “stay inside” as “the time for evacuation is over.”
WIth a tornado watch in effect, 370,000 residents were evacuated — including those in the Rockaways — and 1,400 were in 91 shelters citywide.
Bloomberg warned that hi rises were at higher risk. In Long Island City, Citylights was ordered emptied.
He also urged residents to “stay where you are” and stay in a room with no or few windows.
With Irene barreling down, here are the facts:
Con Ed may be forced to cut power depending on the storm
The GWB is shut in both directions
Amtrak is suspened through Sunday
Metro North and LIRR are suspended
Area airports are closed for arrivals but open for departures pending updates (check your carrier)
Mass transit is not likely to be back on track by Monday
Call 3-1-1 for info and outages
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
