NEW YORK (Reuters) – Millions of people across the eastern United States awoke on Tuesday to scenes of destruction wrought by monster storm Sandy, which knocked out power to huge swathes of the nation's most densely populated region, swamped New York's subway system and submerged streets in Manhattan's financial district.

At least 15 people were reported killed in the United States by Sandy, one of the biggest storms to ever hit the country, which dropped just below hurricane status before making landfall on Monday night in New Jersey.

The storm interrupted the presidential campaign a week before Election Day – posing both risks and opportunities for President Barack Obama as he seeks a second term – and closed U.S. financial markets for a second day.

More than 1 million people in a dozen states were under orders to evacuate as the massive system continued its trek westward. It left behind a trail of damage – homes underwater, trees toppled and power lines downed – caused by epic flooding and fierce winds all along the eastern seaboard.

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