Throgs Neck has been left deserted as residents packed up and headed for safety last night ahead of Hurricane Sandy.

The neighborhood is one of several Zone A locations under mandatory evacuation as the storm takes aim on the Northeast. Winds have begun to pick up, with some light sprinkles of rain, along the Long Island Sound.

One of the biggest fears is a storm surge that could bring serious flooding to low-lying area with waves of up to 11 feet. During Hurricane Irene last year, the city experienced surges of up to 4 feet.

Officials are warning everyone to take the storm seriously and not to ignore evacuation orders. Schools, the entire transit system and the stock markets have all been closed down for the day.

In addition to Throgs Neck, Soundview, Harding Park, Locust Point, Clason Point and several neighborhoods along the Harlem River were also ordered to clear out.

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