New York City is among a number of U.S. cities to close schools and transit systems in preparation for the storm. The entire New York metropolitan subway system is being shut down for the second time in 14 months after no previous instances. The New York Stock Exchange is also closed in its first unscheduled shutdown since 2001. On Sunday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands in low-lying areas.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “In light of these conditions, I’m going to sign an executive order mandating evacuation of Zone A areas. I’m also ordering that all of the city’s public schools be closed on Monday. Now first as to the evacuation zone, let me stress that we are ordering this evacuation for the safety of the approximately 375,000 people who live in these areas. If you live in these areas, you should leave them this afternoon.”