The US is braced for the approach of Hurricane Sandy, one of the most serious storms in recent years.

In New York the public transit system has been suspended and 375,000 people have been ordered to evacuate low-lying areas.

Speaking to Today presenter James Naughtie, Peter Franklin, a taxi driver in the city, described Manhattan as "deserted".

The city that never sleeps "is sleeping now", he said.

"I get the feeling I'm living in a science fiction movie."

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