Work continues at the World Trade Center construction site, but storm preparations also are under way there.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Friday it is securing all cranes and other construction equipment at the site.
It also is securing debris and smaller objects that could be blown off the building at 1 World Trade Center.
Sandbags were being installed in areas that could be subject to flooding.
For residents in the project path of the storm, the state Emergency Management asks they secure their lawn furniture and hanging plants, warning they will become projectiles in the hurricane-force winds heading this way.
Spokesman Dennis Michalski says many New Yorkers should lay in supplies and be prepared for 24 to 72 hours where they may not have outside help.
On Long Island, the 106th Rescue Wing of the Air National Guard in Westhampton Beach is moving its six Blackhawks and four C-130 aircraft used for search-and-rescue missions out of the storm's path Friday, planning to make them available in the aftermath.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has begun ordering some evacuations.
Meanwhile, the buildings commissioner has ordered all work at New York City construction sites to be suspended from 2 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday.
Commissioner Robert LiMandri said Friday that inspectors are checking construction sites throughout the city to make sure equipment is secured and any loose materials are removed or tied down.
That includes cranes, scaffolding, hoists and anything else that could come loose in heavy wind and rain.
The inspectors will continue their work throughout the weekend to make sure builders, developers and contractors are complying.
