Photo taken on Oct. 29, 2012 shows a flooded street in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the United States. [Xinhua]

The authorities have anticipated such a scenario. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has declared state of emergency in the state, and ordered Atlantic City evacuated. Most residents have fled town, but some people hunkered down in their homes, waving to reporters who walked the street to get a decent shot of the incoming storm. One man was on the Atlantic City Expressway, waving to passing cars, asking whether the expressway was closed down, so he could head out to a shelter.

According to the New Jersey state government, some 2,200 people have sought shelter in various parts of the state.

As the day gets darker, the situation in the city worsened sharply. Wind and rain got noticeably worse, and tide at the sea got higher and fiercer. Most part of the city was without power and water, and streets were strewn with all kinds of debris, including a kayak.

As of Monday afternoon, Jersey Central Power and Light reported over 290,000 customers were without power. Public Service Energy & Gas, another local utility company, said about 74,000 customers were without power.

Many parts of the city were also inundated by knee-high water, and it could get down-right dangerous as many power lines were down, some even gave out sparks as cars pass by.

"We probably shouldn't be here," said Jim, the pipe-fitter, who was talking with Xinhua under a row of houses, as a resident left behind approached and warned of the dangers of standing on the street.

"Right now the main danger is something blowing off the roof or on the street."