Brian Grant (L) and Bob Bianchini, engineers from the public works department out for a safety inspection, are slammed by waves and storm surge pounding the boardwalk and the beach at first light as Hurricane Irene slams into Asbury Park, New Jersey, August 28, 2011. Hurricane Irene knocked out power to 3.3 million homes and businesses along the US East Coast, forced two nuclear plants to shut and idled oil ports and refining as it approached New York City early on Sunday.  [Photo/Agencies]