The East Coast is bracing for what could be a life-threatening storm surge as Hurricane Sandy makes it way toward land.

Evacuations were ordered along the coast and public transportation systems, including the New York City Subway, were shut down on Sunday in anticipation of the damage the storm could bring.

As of early Monday, Hurricane Sandy was barreling toward the coast with winds moving as fast as 85 mph and an 11-foot storm surge in its wake.

Throughout the storm's development, The Weather Channel is offering free live updates and storm coverage through its YouTube channel.

Check out The Weather Channel's live stream of Hurricane Sandy coverage below.

Even before making landfall on the East Coast, Sandy has already caused significant damage and loss of life. The hurricane is to blame for approximately 65 deaths during its time in the Caribbean before taking its turn northward.

And weather forecasters expect New York City and other large metropolitan areas might see the storm's worst effects.

"Forecasters warned that the New York City region could face the worst of the hurricane," Fox news reported. "As of 9 a.m. Monday, the storm was centered about 300 miles southeast of New York City, moving to the north at 14 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending an incredible 175 miles from its center. The National Hurricane Center said early Monday the storm has intensified, with top sustained winds of 85 mph and higher gusts."

Live Interactive Hurricane Sandy Crisis Response Map for East Coast Areas

Evacuations in the cities expecting the worst from Sandy reached hundreds of thousands of people. In Lower Manhattan and other parts of New York City, more than 375,000 residents were ordered to leave their homes for their own safety. In Delaware, 50,000 people were asked to evacuate, while Atlantic City, N.J., ordered 30,000 residents to take shelter elsewhere.

Craig Fugate, an administrator for FEMA, said the storm could become one of the most dangerous in the U.S. record, and people should take it very seriously.

"The time for preparing and talking is about over," Fugate said. "People need to be acting now."

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