Evacuations have been ordered, and many businesses, along with mass transit, are shut down ahead of Hurricane Sandy.

Mandatory evacuations are in place along coastal towns and cities, including Bridgeport, Greenwich, Stamford and Fairfield. Both Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesesi say this storm is not to be taken lightly. They add that residents in evacuation zones should leave and head to one of the many shelters set up. In Stamford, the city's fire chief says firefighters will not be able to go into evacuated zones at the height of the storm, so residents should leave immediately.

Metro-North service is suspended until further notice. All buses, subways and trains in New York City are also not running. And thousands of flights at area airports have been grounded.

Schools, colleges and universities are also closed today, as well as the state courts.

School Closings