Casinos bow to hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy, a blasting superstorm that has already claimed the lives of 43 people on its path across the Caribbean, is due to strike the eastern seaboard of the United States within hours, and New Jersey governor Chris Christie, along with neighbouring governors, is taking no chances.

The Associated Press news service reported Saturday that the governor has ordered the evacuations of all Atlantic City casinos and the state’s barrier islands by Sunday afternoon. He’s also closing state parks.

Other governors are declaring states of emergency and urging coastal residents to move inland.

North Carolina Governor Beverly Purdue has declared a state of emergency for some coastal areas, whilst New York City is considering whether to shut down public transportation, as it did during Hurricane Irene last year.

Airlines are predicting cancellations and waiving change fees for passengers who want to reschedule.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to come ashore early Tuesday EST around Delaware. As it moves inland, forecasters say Sandy will run into two major winter weather systems, potentially creating one huge storm. An 800-mile wide swath of the USA could see high winds and torrential rains.

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