Power outages seem to be the key problem. Deisel generators are a short-term solution, and the power looks like it may need a week to fully restore. As well as transmission and local lines being down, three nuclear plants were taken offline and a 4th is on alert. The NYSE has been criticized for its poor disaster preparedness and lack of backup testing. Overall, a C score for US infrastructure.
According to the report, outages could actually get worse before they get better, particularly for mobile. Mainly because many wireless cells are on backup electric power, but running out of that backup power.
I just read that Fog Creek Software is (among other actions) carrying 55 gallon drums of diesel fuel up 17 flights of stairs to keep things going. I doubt that method is sustainable for very long.
http://twitter.com/fogcreekstatus