ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The streets of Atlantic
City are mainly deserted as heavy rain and strong winds associated with
Hurricane Sandy start sweeping southern New Jersey.
Large, frothy waves continue pounding the coast as the storm, which
strengthened slightly, moves toward a predicted direct hit on New Jersey.
Officials issued a mandatory evacuation for residents along the state's
barrier islands.
Atlantic City Emergency Management director Tom Foley says officials are
sweeping the city's low-lying areas for people who are still in their homes.
More than 2,300 homes and businesses are without electricity, mainly in
Monmouth and Cumberland counties.
Mass transit is not running.
President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for New Jersey. That
allows the state to request federal funding and other assistance for action
taken in advance of the storm.
