As Irene Lifts From New York, The Worst Appears Over -Part 2 | WPN World People News

Despite the fact that Mayor Bloomberg said the city of New York will be back to work Monday, it will hardly be a normal day. The city's public transportation system is still struggling to come back online and it will likely have major disruptions tomorrow. The New York Times reports:

Waves crash onto a road as Irene arrives Sunday in Southampton, N.Y.

Transit workers were still waiting for winds to die down before they could inspect the entire system. But an initial survey revealed flooded subway tracks, powerless commuter rail networks and fallen trees and branches that had rendered some rail routes impassable.

...

Even though New York escaped a punishing blow from the storm, the city will struggle to fully return to normal until the transit system, its lifeblood, is fully functional. Many businesses said they would have a hard time operating as usual if their workers cannot get there.

Mateo Lleras, a spokesman for JetBlue, said that the airline was basing its decision on when to start flying again on when the trains resume running.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg just gave us one: He said crime in the city was dramatically down overnight. Police made only 45 arrests, when they typically make 345.

He said that his city is in "pretty good shape," thanks to the precautionary steps taken before Irene made landfall. Here are some highlights of the mayor's press conference:
— There have been no deaths or significant injuries.
— The Evacuation order will be lifted at 3 p.m. ET.
— Markets will open as usual in New York on Monday.
— The storm surge caused "serious damage."
— 62,000 are without power.
— 650 trees were knocked down.
— All the bridges are open, as well as all tunnels.
— Most residents should have power by Tuesday.

Source: NPR