Be prepared for Hurricane Sandy with these news updates for the neighborhood.

Hurricane's Silver Lining: A Day Off

Although millions watched with trepidation as Hurricane Sandy barreled toward the East Coast—barraged by warnings that it could wreak havoc across the region—many in no immediate danger had a more comforting realization: They had just been granted a nearly guilt-free day off.

The brunt of the storm wasn't expected to strike locally until early Tuesday. But in preparation, regional transportation agencies suspended service Sunday night and school districts canceled classes—triggering sudden recalculations.

Hurricane Sandy Shoppers Create Storm Of Their Own At New York City Supermarkets

Hours before Hurricane Sandy was predicted to hit New York City, stores in the five boroughs were slammed by tidal waves of shoppers scrambling to scoop up any last-minute provisions from the depleted shelves.

At Trader Joe’s in Brooklyn, shoppers ransacked the frozen food section, grabbing bags of Mandarin orange chicken and boxes of cheese enchiladas by the armful.

“I don’t really understand,” said Jo Pate, 34, who has worked at the store since June. “If the power goes out, no one will be able to cook this stuff.”

Sandy vs. Irene: How Do the Storms Stack Up?

For the second time in 14 months, Greater New York is looking at a head-on strike by serious tropical weather. But Sandy and Irene don’t appear to be similar storms. The incoming storm is much bigger, stronger and potentially more troubling for coastal communities, including New York City.

Hurricane Sandy prompted a series of mandatory evacuation orders along the eastern seaboard Saturday, including New Jersey’s barrier islands, casinos in Atlantic City and New York’s Fire Island. The most severe impact of the storm is expected to occur on Monday evening.

Six Tips For Feeding The Family During A Storm-Related Power Outage

Before you brave the rain, wind and inevitable lines at the already depleted grocery store today in the mid-Atlantic region, take a deep breath.

If you're a moderately good grocery shopper, you probably already have the food you need on hand to make it through the next few days if (when) we lose power due to Hurricane Sandy. (If not, best to find a shelter near you.) But you do need to take extra precautions that what you're preparing is safe.

Hurricane Sandy about 300 miles from NYC, on track to hit later Monday

Hurricane Sandy churned towards a ghostly quiet New York City on Monday morning, bringing 85 mph winds and storm surges that could lash 50 million people along the East Coast.

As of 9:30 a.m., the massive storm was 310 miles south-southeast of the city. Forecasters said the center will be over the mid-Atlantic coast by Monday night.

Public transportation across the city was shut down and the state planned to shut the flood-prone Holland and Brooklyn-Battery tunnels at 2 p.m.