Apple launched the iPad mini on Oct. 23, which went on sale in Apple stores on Nov. 2. New York City has still not fully recovered from the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, which has crippled the city's transportation system. However, despite everything, top Apple stores in the city saw the iPad mini fly off from the shelves within hours of opening.

Hurricane Sandy caused blackouts in New York City and many retail stores are still shuttered down. However, Apple's flagship store at Fifth Avenue sold out the white version of the iPad mini within 30 minutes and all other models in just over two hours.

"In Just Over 2 Hours, the Black & Slate iPad mini Sell Out. As of 11:40 AM ET, both the 16GB and 32GB Black & Slate iPad mini models were sold out at the Fifth Avenue NYC store; while we estimate the 64GB iPad mini sold out at around 12:10 PM ET. This sell out is driving customers to buy the fourth generation iPad that also went on sale this morning," per notes from Brian White, an analyst with Topeka Capital's, reported Business Insider.

The iPad mini has gained significant popularity since its launch.

"The iPad mini is off to a strong start and we believe this will be the next star in the Apple portfolio," stated White.

Almost 600 people lined up outside the Fifth Avenue Apple store, according to Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray. However, the Apple retail stores in SoHo and West 14th Street remained closed.

Brian White estimates that Apple will sell 800,000 to 1 million iPad mini during the launch weekend. Gene Munster also forecasts sales of 1 million to 1.5 million units during the launch weekend, which also includes the fourth-generation iPad sales.

The demand for tablets in the tech market has increased of late, and Apple being one of the most popular tablet makers will see an increase in growth for iPads as well.

Time will tell if the 7.9-inch and the 9.7-inch iPads can take the major chunk of the tablet market in the near future.