People walk at the Times Square in New York, the United States, on Oct. 29, 2012. [Xinhua]

The New York City is beginning to feel the effects of Hurricane Sandy, one of the biggest storms ever to hit the United States, as winds continue to gain strength Monday afternoon, with a crane in downtown area partially collapsed. No injuries have yet been reported.

The working jib of the crane appears to have bent backwards, dangling over the street near Central Park. City officials have ordered people in neighboring buildings to move to lower floors. Surrounding streets have been closed off as a precaution.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg announced that public schools will continue to be closed Tuesday for the second day, and that there's no chance that mass transit, shut down Sunday night, will be back in time to serve people.

"The current track provided by the National Hurricane Center shows Sandy making landfall just south of Atlantic City this evening. That keeps New York city well within the danger zone of this storm," said Bloomberg.

According to him, New York City is now under a coastal flood warning through 3 pm on Tuesday and high-wind warning through 6 pm Tuesday.