Hurricane Sandy: What NYC Needs to Know

Updated 4:10 p.m. Monday. Check Prospect Heights Patch's Hurricane Sandy Section for the most recent information.

Flooding

Mayor Michael Bloomberg renewed his order to evacuate "Zone A," which in Brooklyn includes parts of Red Hook, Coney Island and Manhattan Beach.Find out whether your home is in a Brooklyn flood zone here, however if you're in the aptly named Prospect Heights, you're good.  

There are 65 city shelters open throughout the city. For a map of locations, visit WNYC's website.

The highest storm surges will coincide with high tide Monday night and surges are expected to continue into Tuesday, officials said. Substantial flooding is expected to accompany these surges.

Flooding has already been seen throughout low-lying areas of Brooklyn including Red Hook, Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and Williamsburg. Officials also report flooding at in Battery Park City, in the Rockaways, and on the FDR Drive.

Winds  

Sandy is expected to make landfall sooner than anticipated, with the center of the storm is anticipated to touch down along or just south of the Southern New Jersey coast by early Monday evening. 

Hurricane-force winds are expected in New York City. Already gale force winds have been reported, with sustained winds of 30 mph and higher already seen across the city. This will increase to 40-55 mph sustained winds into the evening with peak gusts of 70-80 mph.

Transit

All NYC bridges will be closed at 7 p.m. Monday night except the Triborough (aka RFK), which may stay open.

The MTA has shut down subways, buses, Metro North and the LIRR. 

Alternate side parking rules are suspended.

NYC Public Schools

NYC public schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. 

Specialized tests for Brooklyn Tech, Stuyvesant High School and Bronx Science were canceled on Sunday and will be given on Nov. 18.

Parks

All parks, playgrounds and beaches are closed. Surfing is prohibited until the storm is over, according to the NYC Parks Department.  

Power

Long power outages are possible. The city is working with Con Ed to prepare for storm. While weather is still good, stock up on basic supplies.

How to Prepare

Make a 'Go' bag that includes drinking water, first aid kit, flashlights, important documents, extra set of keys and medications.

Be sure to tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, umbrellas, toys and anything else that could be damaged or become a dangerous airborne projectile during the storm. The last thing you want is your garden shovel smashing your neighbor's window.