Hurricane is leaving a path of destruction, seen here as the roads through Kitty Hawk and along the coast in North Carolina have been destroyed. (Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user dedhead 1950)

By The Associated Press

NEW YORK - President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster for New York City and Long Island.

Superstorm Sandy is marching slowly inland after leaving at least 17 dead in its march up the East Coast.

Millions of people are without power or mass transit and many areas are
flooded.

High winds, 25-foot waves in Chicago

Chicago officials are warning residents to stay away from the Lake Michigan shore as the city prepares for high winds and waves resulting from Superstorm Sandy.

Office of Emergency Management and Communication Director Gary Schenkel says officials expect winds to reach 50 to 60 mph on Tuesday, with lake waves exceeding 24 feet. Outdoor concessions and the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier will be closed.

Portions of the bicycle path along Lake Shore Drive are closed. Schenkel says the Chicago Transit Authority is prepared to reroute buses that use Lake Shore Drive, if necessary.

The National Weather Service issued a lakeshore flood warning from 1 a.m. Tuesday through 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Canceled flights

Air Travel to and from the East Coast out of Chicago is virtually non-existant due what was Hurricane Sandy.

Around 500 flights at O'Hare have been canceled, and more than 100 at Midway have been scratched. The Chicago Department of Aviation is reporting no substantial delays at either airport, but as always, you're advised to check ahead if you're flying out or expecting incoming visitors.

Sandy has not caused any travel changes at Central Illinois Regional Airport