Sandy

I live in DC. But I grew up at the Jersey Shore. And my heart goes out to everyone there, including much of my family.
My mom is currently waiting in line for gas .... a commodity in short supply because of the continued power outages. And she is starting to get scared. After speaking with her moments ago, my younger brother, in Florida for law school wrote to NJ101.5 (and they read it on air):

I'm a law student down in FL, but my entire family is back home in various parts of the shore. Right now my Mom is up in Edison on Rt. 27 and Vineyard by the Costco and Walmart trying to get gas. She is on line for gas. The line is several miles long. No electricity, so no stop lights. Courteous people are stopping at intersections, so as not to block the way. Others are taking advantage and trying to cut the line in front of those who stop at intersections. People are getting verbally aggressive. Some are honking horns incessantly. Others are cutting through parking lots trying to jump ahead. No police presence as far as my Mom can see. She's afraid the situation will escalate soon. She has tried several times to get through to you guys through phone and email without much success. Cell service is spotty. She was able to get a brief call to me, and asked for me to let you guys know.  Absolute mayhem, hysteria, confusion. Things are looking desperate. 

For all the press about how responsive the govt and utilities have been, there is no appreciation for how society is devolving. I'm to the point where I'm going to rent a car and drive supplies north.