The senior financial adviser with American Express Financial Advisers in Augusta was checking with the company's offices in New York - located just across the street from the flaming skyscrapers.

''I called our corporate offices and verified trading had halted and all our people were OK,'' Mr. Rogers said. ''It doesn't look like any of our people were hurt, and we can be thankful for that. But it's been a hectic morning.''

Trading on the New York Stock Exchange has been halted for at least today. Financial planners and stock traders in Augusta have been paralyzed.

''We've put everything on hold,'' said Chris Wyrick, a broker with Prudential Securities in Augusta. ''There's nothing to do but pray for the families of the victims. It's only appropriate for trading to be halted. You want to try to prevent panic from entering the market, and in a situation such as this, people panic.''

Jeff Humphreys, chief economist for the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, said he doesn't expect any adverse effects from the market closure. If fact, it would be strange if the markets didn't close, he said.

''I don't think closing the market will have much effect,'' he said. ''It's difficult to predict the overall effect on consumer confidence. Often the nation rallies around something like this. The market could rise rather than fall. But closing it for the day will have no impact whatsoever on the course of the economy.''

Wienges Sanders, an investment adviser for New Windsor Capital Management in Augusta, said he and his staff are calling clients and advising them about best- and worst-case scenarios.

''The first thing out of their mouths is, 'What's going to happen to me?,''' Mr. Sanders said. ''They see everything kind of up and disappearing. But the markets are closed for the day, so nothing will happen right away. Still, it's very unnerving.''

Many expect market prices to fall when trading resumes, but financial advisers are urging investors to be cautious about diverting money from stocks.

''The economy will come back. This is the strongest nation in the world,'' said Chuck Smith, a broker in North Augusta for Edward Jones. ''We're not going to stop brushing our teeth and using soap or eating cereal.''

Reach John Bankston at (706) 823-3352 or john.banks@augustachronicle.com.