ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — For the second time in little over a year, a hurricane is shutting down Atlantic City’s casinos.

With Hurricane Sandy taking aim at New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie ordered Atlantic City’s 12 casinos to shut down at 4 p.m. Sunday as part of his statewide emergency declaration.

It will mark the fourth time in the 34-year history of legalized gambling in Atlantic City that the casinos have been shuttered. Last year, the approach of Hurricane Irene shut the casinos down for three days in August.

Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford urges residents to take advantage of bus rides off the island to mainland shelters. For those who won’t go, the city can hold 3,000 people in its schools.

Citywide evacuations will start at noon Sunday and run through 10 p.m.

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