The power of this storm was phenomenal and wide-spread destruction ensued. The subway system under the East River is flooded and shut down for at least several days. Ocean City, a favorite place for Dawn Felegund, was badly flooded and is still flooded. The hurricane came to land around Atlantic City, New Jersey and conditions were so bad that some of the rescue shelters were flooded, requiring a second rescue for some of the residents.
The financial markets in the US will be closed for a second day. 1888's blizzard was the last time that the NY Stock Exchange was last closed for two days in a row. They anticipate that they will be able to trade tomorrow, electronically if not on the actual trading floor.
Several fires affected large numbers of people. A large fire in Queens, New York ended up destroying 24 homes, and a huge transformer fire knocked out power for all homes and businesses south of 39th. Looking at shots last night of Manhattan almost dark was eerie. This is New York - the city that never sleeps. It might not have been sleeping, but it was hiding last night.
So even if you can't check in, if you have no power, if you are tied up with family members and much more important things, please know that the prayers of the rest of the nation are with you. I have a lot of LJ friends and acquaintances who were directly affected by this storm and my prayers and thoughts have been, and will continue to be with all of you.