What happens if a hurricane hits New York City?

UPDATE: For the first time in history residents in parts of New York City are being ordered to evacuate, according to CNN.

Hurricane Irene is moving closer to the east coast. As parts of New York state are being evacuated,  residents in New York City are being advised to brace for the real possibility they could be in the storm's path.

Not counting the potential for injuries and loss of life if the hurricane - estimated to be 600 miles wide  -  passes close to New York City, the damage could run in the billions, if you use the cost comparison chart published by The New York Times.

The U.S. Government website has a large list of links on  tracking the storm, what to stock inside your home, and preparing your pets. Tips on that last item include making sure you have enough pet food, a place to stash them inside your emergency shelter, or a safe place to leave them if you need to evacuate and can't take them along.

If you're looking for interesting historical information, The Wall Street Journal has posted a story about with some fairly detailed destructions of the damage caused  by hurricanes that hit in and around Long Island in 1985 and 1938.

Last but not least, if you are stocked up with food and water and your pets are secured, you can spend some time taking an interactive Web-based course through emergency management group FEMA.

Hoping everyone has somewhere secure to bunk down, and plenty of food, water and medical supplies.