Lower Manhattan goes dark during superstorm Sandy, on Monday, Oct. 29. Sandy continued on its path Monday, as the storm forced the shutdown of mass transit, schools and financial markets, sending coastal residents fleeing, and threatening a dangerous mix of high winds and soaking rain.

Damaged cars sit under a fallen tree from high winds in the Queens borough of New York on Monday. Hurricane Sandy began battering the U.S. East Coast on Monday with fierce winds and driving rain, as the monster storm shut down transportation, shuttered businesses and sent thousands scrambling for higher ground hours before the worst was due to strike.

President Barack Obama steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday. Obama cancelled his appearance at a campaign rally in Orlando, Florida and returned early to Washington, DC to monitor response to Hurricane Sandy.  During a press conference on Monday, the President said he was more concerned with the safety of the American people and our country.  Thank you Mr. President!