Lower Manhattan's power could be cut

New York City -- Consolidated Edison said it will decide between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, whether to cut power to a swath of Lower Manhattan because of possible flooding while Hurricane Irene lashes the city.

The area that may be affected is south of the Brooklyn Bridge, to Broadway, said John Miksad, the company's senior vice president of electric operations. He spoke on a conference call with reporters.

Depending on the severity of the flooding, it may take two to three days to restore power to the area, Miksad said. The shutdown may affect 6,000 customers, he said. The stock exchanges in that part of Manhattan have their own backup power, he said.

Irene, after coming ashore in North Carolina today, will approach the New York area starting this evening.