New York City prepares for Irene
(CBS) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has issued a mandatory evacuation of all New Yorkers living in Zone A, which includes includes Brooklyn's Coney Island and Manhattan Beach, Far Rockaway in Queens, low-lying areas on Staten Island, and Manhattan's Battery Park City by 5 p.m. EST today.
According to his statements during today's press conference, about 14,000 people have sought shelter in emergency housing. He is urging those in danger areas to seek another place else to stay during the storm, but warns everyone not to leave their homes as much as possible when Hurricane Irene passes by the city.
Taxis are mandated to take New Yorkers from flood zones to safe areas, and new pricing has been set. It will cost $10 to travel within one zone, and an additional $5 per zone. For more information, please visit the NYC.gov official website.
Already New Yorkers are noting the rains that have started in the city.
For a comprehensive list of what New Yorkers are buying in preparation for a hurricane, check out Gothamist's coverage. Surprisingly, hair gel was on the must-have list.
