Mandatory Evacuation In Force For Parts Of New York Due To Hurricane Sandy

(Newsroom America) -- New York has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zone A areas, the Rockaways, Hamilton Beach, and City Island as Hurricane Sandy approaches.

The City is closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to bring dangerous storm surge and high winds to New York City Monday.

The current advice has been issued for residents:

* If you live in Zone A, consider staying with friends or family outside the affected area.

* If you cannot stay with family or friends, shelters are open in public schools around the city.

* All evacuation centers have at least one entrance usable for wheelchairs. If you require further information, you can call 311 or visit the MOPD website, which will also provide information about accessible transportation.

* If you cannot reach a shelter by yourself, call 311 for help with transportation.

* Find out what zone you live in and the location of your nearest evacuation center/shelter. The MTA will shut down all subway, bus, and commuter railroad service at 7 PM, Sunday.

All NYC public schools will be closed Monday, October 29.

Street cleaning and parking meter rules are suspended for Monday, October 29.

Meanwhile President Obama will visit the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Headquarters today, where FEMA is currently coordinating the deployment of federal resources and teams to states up and down the east coast as responders prepare for Hurricane Sandy.

While at FEMA the President will participate in a briefing on the storm and be updated on the ongoing efforts to support local preparedness efforts in potentially affected areas.