Once free of the confines of storm stricken Manhattan, it doesn't take long to realize that traveling through New Jersey presents its own daunting set of problems.
The first line of cars stretched along the highway for miles raises more questions than concerns, until it becomes clear that the three mile string of vehicles are all waiting for gasoline to continue on their way.
Eighty percent of New Jersey stations don't even have gas, while police guard closed stations and open stations alike. At one set of pumps we saw a driver who pulled in from from desperation, cutting in front of the line. Drivers near the pumps piled from their cars threatening violence and when we left, the newcomer still sat in his car, windows rolled up, head on his hand — waiting.
Some stations were expecting fuel deliveries today, others had capped purchases hoping not to run out.
Reserve tanks in the area were drained before Sandy to avoid an environmental disaster. The Arthur Kill waterway is closed for major oil spill cleanup, which means no deliveries will be coming from the port in Bayonne. Many terminals themselves are without power and the extent of damage is yet unknown.
Residents told us over-and-over today, generally with a shake of the head and a look into the distance: "This is like nothing I've ever seen."
Now: Step into the darkened streets of lower Manhattan >
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