Trick or Treat? 'Frankenstorm' Sandy Arrives on NYC's Doorstep

Hurricane Sandy took a more southerly route late Sunday and early Monday, leaving the New York City area even further outside of its most damaging effects.

Still, the city remains braced for whatever the large storm has in its goody bag. And with transit and many services switched off, many New Yorkers of all ages have little choice but to sit at home and ride it out. Here's what you need to know:

• MTA subway and bus service is suspended for Monday.
• New York City schools and CUNY colleges are closed.
• All city parks, playgrounds and beaches are closed, and surfing is prohibited throughout the storm.
• All public hospital outpatient clinic appointments and elective surgeries are canceled. Emergency room and nursing homes remain open.
• Additionally, East River Ferry service is suspended at least through Monday and PATH trains are shut down. Amtrak service in the Northeast Corridor is also suspended.
• Motorists can take some small comfort in the suspension of the alternate side parking rules and free meters today.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service are calling for at least two straight days of wind, rain and high tides.

Expect Monday to stay cloudy and heavily rainy at times, dropping between one half and three quarters of an inch across the five boroughs. Sustained winds ranging from 30 mph in the morning to 46 mph in the afternoon will blow throughout the day, with gusts up to 65 mph. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 62 degrees.

The hurricane will continue to intensify into a cloudy Monday night, leaving behind another 1-2 inches of rain. Strong winds will also continue into the evening, dropping from sustained winds of 45 mph at sunset to 34-39 mph after midnight. Be prepared for gusts as strong as 80 mph. Temperatures will drop as low as 54 degrees.

Sandy is expected to start packing to leave Tuesday. Clouds will linger as winds continue to drop to between 28 and 32 mph during the day, with gusts up to 47 mph. A 70 percent chance of rain may bring between one-quarter and one-half inch of rain.

The remnants of Sandy should be well on its way past the city by Tuesday night. A low of 49, cloudy skies, a 70 percent chance of rain and winds between 16-18 mph are predicted.