If you have never been through a hurricane, it is hard to comprehend the amount of rain you get, especially if it stalls... a couple of inches an hour for 6-8hours... wind and storm surge aside.... the damage done from flooding (I would be leery of retreating to a mountain area that could direct run off to the valley)disrupts everything, electric power (A/C and entertainment) transportation avenues,and most of all sewer... ...Florida had an excellent Emergency Management Director under Craig Fugate..and lots of experience and plans to preposition water and ice, EMT, power company vehicles...I doubt that New York has had that much experience...the slogan "hide from the wind, run from the water" is pretty good. If you are not in immediate danger from wind/storm surge I would suggest "hunkering down in place" in familiar surroundings expecially if you have young children.. the practical side of preparations ...check with the large scale, and urban preparedness of this forum...good luck