New York Prepares for Storm’s Arrival

By MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ

As the National Hurricane Center warned that Hurricane Sandy could bring “life-threatening” flooding along the Atlantic coast, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that subway, bus, and railroad service in New York would be suspended beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York ordered evacuations of some low-lying areas of the cities because of a higher storm surge.

Noting that it was unsafe to operate trains in high winds, Mr. Cuomo said the shutdown was also intended as a signal to discourage New York-area residents from being “up and about.”

Joseph J. Lhota, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said he expected the transit systems to restore at least some service about 12 hours after the storm ends, but warned that the city could be without transit for as many as two full work days. “I do think Monday and Tuesday are going to be difficult days,” Mr. Lhota said.

The National Hurricane Center warned of a “life-threatening storm surge” that could cause record-breaking coastal flooding from Delaware to Southern New England.