Due to the approach of Hurricane Irene, New York City has issued a mandatory evacuation order for New Yorkers who live in the low-lying coastal areas across all five boroughs and the Rockaways.

These areas include: Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Far Rockaway, Beach Channel, South Beach, Midland Beach, and Battery Park City. People should be out of these areas by 5 pm on Saturday.

UPDATE Pets and Service Animals are welcome at all New York and New Jersey emergency shelters.

Residents who live in Zone A are strongly encouraged to stay with friends or family outside an evacuation zone. Evacuation Centers are open for residents who have no alternative shelter.

MTA service including subways, buses, and railroads will begin to shut down at noon Saturday, so please prepare to evacuate immediately.

[box_light]Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder to find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone[/box_light]
[box_light]Download a PDF map of the NYC hurricane evacuation zones.[/box_light]

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for NYC. Make sure your emergency supply kits and Go Bags are ready to go with supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries.

Visit the Ready.gov Hurricane Irene page

Live weather updates from Weather.com Hurricane Tracker

Disaster preparedness information for people living with disabilities.