Natural disasters

Electricity is coming back for those who lost power because of Sandy. Two days after the storm, about six million people on the East Coast are still in the dark, down from a high of eight and a half million.

As stricken homeowners dig out, home-improvement sales should see a boost.

Flooding and power outages from Hurricane Sandy have brought New York City to an unprecedented shutdown.

While much of Philadelphia -- another major city that has found itself in the path of Hurricane Sandy -- remains officially shut down, there are a few signs of life on the streets.

Businesses in the path of Sandy are taking whatever measures they can to avoid damage: Clear Channel has dispatched crews across the east coast to remove billboards as a precautionary measure.

As Hurricane Sandy makes it's way up the East Coast of the United States, damage estimates of $10 to $20 billion are beginning to trickle in.

Businesses in the path of Hurricane Sandy are preparing for anything but business-as-usual -- for some shops storms are good for business.

Utilities spent billions a year ago repairing lines and equipment damaged by storms Irene and Alfred -- and were roundly criticizing for leaving many people without power for days. They're intent on being prepared for Sandy.

Since Katrina, the city has focused on evacuation as a response to hurricanes. This time the advice is to stay put, with a few days' emergency supplies. Stores respond as best they can.