The Quiet Before The Storm

I expect the peacefulness to be short lived so we'll take it while we have it. Hurricane Irene is a matter of hours away from hitting NYC head on. It's a very eerie feel in Brooklyn and from what I can tell the rest of New York as well. Reporters have called it a post-9/11 feel with neighbors helping each other out, which I have noticed in my limited time outdoors today. Walgreens is sold out of flashlights and water which seem to be the most sought after item here. No luck at Staples either. An odd mix of stores, but some of the few I have in walking distance. Taxis have switched over to Group Ride Fare-to-fare zones which is cheaper for trips between boroughs. A trip to Bronx would normally cost me 60-70 bucks, but I can get to Yankee stadium for 20 bucks flat on the new system. Tollways are closed to encourage citizens to leave the city, mass transport shut down early today at noon. All flights have been cancelled and all the airports are closed. Amtrak has suspended service. Broadway is giving in and saying "the show must not go on". Dave Matthews who had a three day festival set for this weekend on Governor's Island postponed today and tomorrow's lineups. While I've only lived in this apartment for a couple days, I have had extensive experience in New York and this is a very strange feeling. I am not in an evacuation zone but even those that are are brushing off the hurricane as nothing. It will be interesting to see how things play out tomorrow. I will update soon if I have power.