Hurricane Sandy: Super Storm Slams East Coast States

Summary

Hurricane Sandy, a massive storm with 90 mph winds, is causing chaos along the Atlantic coast. Millions of Americans are affected, with Atlantic City, New Jersey, experiencing severe flooding and damage. Meteorologist Ginger Zee reports from the storm's epicenter, while Sam Champion describes the unprecedented water levels in lower Manhattan. Residents are urged to take evacuation orders seriously as the storm surge threatens to break records, with over a million already without power and more expected to lose electricity as Sandy moves inland.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ Hurricane Sandy's onshore winds reached 90 miles per hour, indicating a powerful storm impact.
• 🌊 The storm's vast size affected 60 million Americans, highlighting its extensive reach.
• 📍 ABC's meteorologist Ginger Zee reported from Atlantic City, New Jersey, which was in the direct path of the storm.
• 🏖️ Atlantic City experienced severe flooding with water from the ocean and bays inundating the city.
• 🌊 The storm was described as one of the worst to ever hit Atlantic City, causing chaos along the Jersey Shore.
• 🏠 Residents were taking precautions, knocking on doors and making arrangements for potential water invasion into homes.
• 🌊 High tide waves were expected to grow to 20 feet at the shore and up to 40 feet at sea, indicating a significant storm surge.
• 🏙️ Lower Manhattan was also hit, with water from the New York Harbor overflowing onto the streets.
• 🚧 Infrastructure damage included a construction crane buckling in New York City, raising concerns about other construction sites.
• ⚠️ Residents were warned to stay home and take evacuation orders seriously, emphasizing the severity of the storm.
• 🔌 Over a million people were without power, with the potential for up to 10 million more to lose electricity as the storm moved inland.

Q & A

What was the wind speed of Hurricane Sandy when it made landfall?

Hurricane Sandy had onshore winds at 90 miles per hour when it made landfall.

How many Americans were expected to be affected by Hurricane Sandy?

Approximately 60 million Americans were expected to feel the power of Hurricane Sandy.

Where was Ginger Zee located during the storm coverage?

Ginger Zee was in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which was right in the bullseye of the storm.

What kind of damage did the storm cause in Atlantic City?

The storm caused massive damage in Atlantic City, with the city being essentially underwater due to water from the ocean and bays. There was also damage from debris like pieces of the boardwalk.

What was the impact of the storm on the streets of Atlantic City?

The streets of Atlantic City were inundated with water, and massive chunks of the boardwalk were littering the streets.

What precautionary measures did residents take in anticipation of the storm?

Residents made arrangements with neighbors, prepared to move to higher floors if water levels rose, and planned to stay indoors with their families for safety.

What was the potential height of the waves during the storm's peak?

The waves at the shore could grow to 20 feet, and at sea, they could reach up to 40 feet during the storm's peak.

How did the storm affect lower Manhattan?

Lower Manhattan experienced flooding with water from the New York Harbor overflowing onto the streets.

What was the expected duration of the storm's impact on Pennsylvania and western New York State?

The storm was expected to affect Pennsylvania and western New York State with tropical storm force wind gusts and heavy rain for almost all of Tuesday and Wednesday, extending into Thursday.

What was the record-breaking aspect of the storm surge in New Jersey?

The storm surge in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, reached about eight feet, marking the largest storm surge ever recorded there.

What was the situation in Long Beach, New York, regarding their defense against the storm?

Long Beach had built a sand berm as a defense, but it was eventually obliterated by the pounding surf and rising tide, leading to water flowing from the beach into the city.