"Even if you have to walk, evacuate now," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter declared a state of emergency, the first such declaration since 1986.

Ocean City, Maryland, Mayor Rick Meehan said on August 27 that he was pulling police off the streets because of deteriorating conditions. Emergency calls will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Forecasters have told the mayor that waves could soar as high as 15 feet, especially when the worst of the storm hits the city between midnight and 3 a.m. on August 28.

New York started closing its mass transit system at noon on August 27, following a mandatory evacuation order for more than 370,000 residents of low-lying areas in the city. Many are streaming out, but others are staying put.

The Maryland Transit Administration said it was halting all subway and bus services at 9 p.m. on August 27 -- with light rail transport ending three hours earlier. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (U.S. 50/301) was closed until winds ease, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

States moved in additional National Guard troops to help with the response. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn sent guardsmen and emergency management personnel to assist 1,900 New York Guard members on active duty.