Sandy comes ashore with flooding, power outages

Sandy comes ashore with flooding, power outages

Massive flooding, high winds and widespread power outages hit the East Coast as Sandy moves inland.

25 min ago| By MSN News with wire reports

NEW YORK — Superstorm Sandy slammed into the New Jersey coastline with 80 mph winds Monday night and hurled an unprecedented 13-foot surge of seawater at New York City, threatening its subways and the electrical system that powers Wall Street. At least 10 U.S. deaths were blamed on the storm, which brought the presidential campaign to a halt a week before Election Day.

Sandy knocked out power to at least 3.1 million people across the East, and New York City's main utility said large sections of Manhattan were plunged into darkness. Water pressed into the island from three sides.

Just before the storm center reached land, forecasters stripped it of hurricane status, but the distinction was purely technical, based on its shape and internal temperature. It still packed hurricane-force wind, and forecasters were careful to say it remained every bit as dangerous to the 50 million people in its path.

As the storm closed in, it smacked the boarded-up big cities of the Northeast corridor — Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston — with stinging rain and gusts of more than 85 mph. It also converged with a cold-weather system that turned it into a superstorm, a monstrous hybrid consisting not only of rain and high wind but snow.

Read more & see more links further down the page:
http://t.news.msn.com/us/sandy-comes-ashore-with-flooding-power-outages?GT1=51501

4 million without power; 'stay wherever you are,' Bloomberg pleads with New Yorkers

(see 87 pictures....)

By M. Alex Johnson
NBC News

updated 2 hours 55 minutes ago

Superstorm Sandy surged inland late Monday hitting the New Jersey shore and New York Harbor with an incredible force, killing four people, plunging more than 4 million others into darkness and crippling transportation with historic flooding across a huge swath of the East Coast.


Read more:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49593609/ns/weather/t/superstorm-sandy-plows-coast-three-killed/

Julie - as someone that lives in Louisiana I have been watching this storm closely. As miserable as the hurricanes are that have effected La., they occur in warm weather and if you are without electricity for an extended period of time, if you have a gas grill outside, you can cook all the thawing meat in your freezer to keep it from going bad, cook breakfast etc. Although it's miserably hot, it's NOT as bad as the conditions that the victim's of SANDY are facing.

From my understanding, this storm is one of the worst storms to hit the US due to the convergence of three different weather systems. In some parts that are to be affected, I read there had been light snow a few days ago I think in Va. The flooding is just miserable, but in New York, Jersey Shore, and other areas along the coast, the water isn't warm making conditions that much worse.

My heart really breaks for all those effected, sending my prayers for their safety. Thanks for the topic as I have wondered if any of our blogging friends here at RC are effected. There was several days of warning, I hope everyone got out of the way of Mother Nature, she isn't to be reckoned with.

art tart - I also heard that Sandy was going to be one of the worst storms too.

I hope our RC family is safe.

I also read that the NYSE was closed Monday, and will probably remain closed Tuesday. They were supposed to trade electronically but I guess they ended up not doing that.

For the stock market to be closed 4 days in a row, including the weekend, that is HUGE!

-----------------

By NBC News wire services

Updated at 6:30 p.m. ET: For the first time since the Great Blizzard of 1888, U.S. stock markets will be closed for two consecutive days due to weather.

http://marketday.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/29/14778477-hurricane-sandy-to-keep-stock-markets-shuttered-tuesday?lite

Julie - too, in Atlantic City, the Casinos were ordered closed by Governor Christie, only the 4th time since 1935. Of course, it had to be mandatory, LOL, Casinos don't like to close for any reason. They have back up generators for the comfort of those in their establishments losing money.

I read the water has overflowed into the subways, the city is paralyzed. Cold, miserable, and no electricity, it's a nightmare for those involved no doubt.

I have read the death toll is at 10, but the toll will mount as the storm moves out. geez louise, it took weeks to find most of the deceased after Katrinia because so many opted to stay in New Orleans for various reasons. Hopefully, most along the Coast were smarter and evacuated instead of remaining in their homes.

art, crazy, isn't it? The stock market, the casinos, etc.

Check out the pictures in this link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49593609/ns/weather/t/superstorm-sandy-plows-coast-three-killed/

I read 10 people too. I sure hope most people left, but so many choose to remain.

I think the most horrifying thing I ever saw was the 2011 Japanese tsunami. It was so unexpected, and catastrophic. The youtube videos are horrifying. I'll never forget some of what I saw on those videos.

NYC is taking it bad.
UNCONFIRMED reports:
3 tunnels flooded; 3 bldgs collapsed; 3 dead in NYC;
Rockaway Island is on fire w/ emergency personnel going by boat to break windows of trapped residents; Con-Ed power plant has blown; entire city without power; hospital is being evacuated due to emergency generators failing.

NJ; Nuke power plant at Oyster Creek off line

Please drop a prayer for these in dire need.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/30/superstorm-sandys-wrath/?hpt=hp_t1

" Here are the latest developments:

[Update 1 a.m.] The U.S. death toll from Sandy now stands at 13 after police in Pennsylvania said an 8-year-old boy died Monday after he was struck by a tree limb in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

[Update 1 a.m.] New power outage numbers: 5.5 million customers in 13 states and Washington D.C., according to a CNN tally.

[Update 1 a.m.] Now come the blizzards. The National Weather Service says a blizzard spawned by Sandy will bring 2 to 3 feet of snow to the mountains of West Virginia, with 1 to 2 feet expected to fall in Southwestern Virginia. Another 12 to 18 inches of snow will fall in the mountains near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

[Update 1 a.m.] Reporter Jeff Pegues with CNN affiliate WABC says the howling winds and rising waters of Sandy shorted out power lines and sparked a major fire in the Rockaway Park area of Queens Monday evening, according to firefighters.

[Update 1 a.m.] NYU Langone Medical Center says backup power to the facility has failed. The hospital is evacuating all patients now. Earlier, it had said it was evacuating nearly all."

" [Update 1 a.m.] The rain will continue and "the winds are still going to be howling” overnight, says CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera. “We’re tracking a hurricane and a blizzard all at the same time.” The blizzard in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia will last 36 hours.

video

[Update 1 a.m.] Trillian Media captured this explosion at a Con Edison power plant Monday evening, that plunged many New Yorkers in the dark. The explosion happens around 18 seconds - and you can see parts of the city slowly go dark."

" [Update 12 a.m.] More than 99 blood drives in the Northeast have been canceled due to Sandy. This is likely to create a blood shortage in the Northeast as emergency crews work to help those injured. To help with the anticipated shortage, the Red Cross is encouraging people throughout the country to donate blood. People can also donate $10 to disaster relief efforts by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or they can contribute online at www.redcross.org. “We are expecting to been a very long and difficult situation,” said spokeswoman Kristiana Almeida.

[Update 12 a.m.] An ominous tweet from the Connecticut emergency management department:
CTDESPP/DEMHS @CTDEMHS

If u find urself surrounded by H2O, call 4 help if u can & then get 2 highest level of home. Hang a white sheet out a street side window."


" [Update 12:45 a.m.] York University's Langone Medical Center isn't the only one medical facility impacted by the storm. New York’s Bellevue Hospital Center has had flooding in its basement and is currently using emergency backup power, but no injuries have been reported. Ian Michaels of the Office of Emergency Management says the main priority is to help secure additional power, and obtain additional fuel and pumps for the hospital.

[Update 12:45 a.m.] This is a sight you rarely see"

video of station flood waters

" [Update 12:37 a.m.] At least 5.3 million people are without electricity across 10 states and Washington D.C., according to a CNN tally. Standby for updated figures as info continues to roll in from other affected states.

[Update 12:35 a.m.] There's been a 12th death in the United States: A 62-year-old man was killed in by a falling tree in Oley, Pennsylvania. "The gentleman went outside to let his dog out. And he was on his back porch when a tree fell on the porch," said Pennsylvania State Police spokesman David Beohm.

[Update 12:12 a.m.] The storm surge along with the high tide that resulted in historic water levels in western Long Island Sound has started to recede, the National Weather Service said on Monday night. Water levels will continue to fall below flood stage through the overnight hours, the weather service said.

[Updated at 11:55 p.m.] Lisa Greiner, spokeswoman with New York University's Langone Medical Center, offers some more details about why the facility is evacuating about 200 patients:

"Due to the severity of Hurricane Sandy and the higher than expected storm surge, we are in the process of transferring approximately 200 patients within the medical center to nearby facilities. We are having

intermittent telephone access issues, and for this reason the receiving hospital will notify the families of their arrival. They're on backup power now and have been for the past 2.5 hours approx there's no flooding in the hospital (may be flooding in basement).”

[Update 11:50 p.m.] Sen. Bob Menendez, North Bergen, NJ, was on air a few minutes ago and said the building he lives in had its windows blasted out. "I think it's the worst we have seen here in my lifetime,” he said of the damage in his state.

[Update 11:47 p.m.] Half the city of Hoboken, New Jersey, is flooded, said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. The city of 50,000 has had to evacuate two of its fire stations

[Update 11:45 p.m.] Sandy has claimed its first casualty in Canada. A woman was killed when she was struck by flying debris in Toronto, the city police said on its Twitter feed Monday night."


" [Updated at 11:42 p.m.] Brooklyn borough President Marty Markowitz tells CNN that New York firefighters were having difficulty getting to a fire at Coney Island Hospital late Monday because of the flooding.

[Update at 11:37 p.m.] A caravan of ambulances is ferrying patients of New York York University's Langone Medical Center after it lost power, CNN affiliate WABC showed.

[Updated at 11:35 p.m.] Sandy continues to pack 75 mph winds as it moved over land late Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center's 11 p.m. advisory. The center of the storm, which is moving northwest at 18 mph, is 10 miles southwest of Philadelphia.

The Miami-based weather agency warns that hurricane-force gusts, in excess of 74 mph, could be felt overnight from Chincoteague, Virginia, to the Cape Cod community of Chatham, Massachusetts.

[Updated at 11:31 p.m.] A buoy located at the entrance to New York Harbor rose to a record height of 32.5 feet on Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. This breaks the previous record of 26 feet, set during Hurricane Irene in August 2011.

[Posted at 11:29 p.m.] More than 670,000 New Yorkers are without power, Con Edison official John Miksad said late Monday."

" "

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/us/hurricane-sandy-barrels-region-leaving-battered-path.html?pagewanted=all
New York Times - NY 10/31/12

Northeast Awakes to Huge Damage in Storm’s Path; Millions Without Power

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/sandy-slams-new-york-new-jersey-washington-region-spared-major-devastation/2012/10/30/5eeab77a-222e-11e2-8448-81b1ce7d6978_story.html
The Washington Post - Washington, DC 10/30/12

Sandy slams New York, New Jersey; Washington region spared major devastation

It is sooo hard to imagine the devastation caused by this storm...I've been through a lot of storms, here in Florida, but nothing like this...My prayers for those who have sustained damage and loss of life...I hope that the areas hit will be able to recover more quickly than New Orleans...I wonder what Mother Nature has up her sleeve for next time???

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/30/superstorm-sandys-wrath/comment-page-2/
CNN - NY 10/30/12

Superstorm Sandy's wrath: Deaths, flooding, outages - and no end in sight

Superstorm Sandy unleashed its lethal wrath on the United States, killing at least 17 people in seven states and leaving an estimated seven million without power.

People died as the hurricane tore through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. Three of the victims were children, according to the AP.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/superstorm-sandy-17-dead-estimated-million-power/story?id=17594562#.UI_7osVG-kM

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPERSTORM_SANDY?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=

http://www.nytimes.com/

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-destroys-atlantic-city-boardwalk/

Unfortunately, the death toll is climbing. I sure hope our RC family are safe!

Sandy leaves 33 dead in US, up to 8.1 million without power

Superstorm Sandy left millions in the Northeast without power or mass transit this morning. President Obama has declared a major disaster area in New York and Long Island.

NEW YORK — Millions of people from Maine to the Carolinas awoke Tuesday without electricity, and an eerily quiet New York City was all but closed off by car, train and air as superstorm Sandy steamed inland, still delivering punishing wind and rain. The U.S. death toll climbed to 33, many of the victims killed by falling trees.

The full extent of the damage in New Jersey, where the storm roared ashore Monday night with hurricane force, was unclear. Police and fire officials, some with their own departments flooded, fanned out to rescue hundreds.

"We are in the midst of urban search and rescue. Our teams are moving as fast as they can," Gov. Chris Christie said. "The devastation on the Jersey Shore is some of the worst we've ever seen. The cost of the storm is incalculable at this point."

Read more:
http://news.msn.com/us/sandy-leaves-floods-fires-17-dead-in-its-wake?GT1=51501

Wow, it just keeps getting worse, and worse!

Breezy Point: 'Whatever is not flooded is on fire'

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

New York City's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, gives a brief update on a horrific fire, in the Breezy Point section of New York City's, that charred "more than 80 homes."

By Andrew Mach, NBC News

Updated at 1:35 p.m.: NEW YORK -- At least 80 homes were destroyed in the New York City borough of Queens in a six-alarm fire that raged overnight and into the daylight amid neck-deep floodwaters.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said firefighters contained the blaze at Breezy Point, Queens, by 11 a.m. on Tuesday, a full 12 hours after it was reported to the New York City Fire Department.

Read more:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/30/14797289-breezy-point-whatever-is-not-flooded-is-on-fire?lite

I am shocked to repeatedly read that the white house and FEMA are referring calls to the "INTERNET and social media such as facebook/twitter for information!" DUH! If you don't have electricity, that's not possible, the battery life of a lap top isn't long enough and the battery on cells phones will eventually die. This always happens, hopefully most people didn't rely on the white house or FEMA and just used common sense and had plenty of batteries, transistor radios, candles, and battery operated lanterns to help them get by.

It seems a battery operated radio is probably the best bet, I always keep one handy due to storms.

art tart wrote:I am shocked to repeatedly read that the white house and FEMA are referring calls to the "INTERNET and social media such as facebook/twitter for information!" DUH! If you don't have electricity, that's not possible, the battery life of a lap top isn't long enough and the battery on cells phones will eventually die. This always happens, hopefully most people didn't rely on the white house or FEMA and just used common sense and had plenty of batteries, transistor radios, candles, and battery operated lanterns to help them get by.

It seems a battery operated radio is probably the best bet, I always keep one handy due to storms.

I have a solar/hand crank radio and lots of emergency candles. Got food, water, can openers. Always short of matches! Need to stock up on those. We each need to prepare for that once in a life weather anomaly.

Freckles - sounds like you too have a plan, i need to add a can opener to my stash since I read it on yours. It never fails here in La., many refuse to buy the bare essentials such as matches as you mentioned, flashlights, candles, bottled water even after the horrific mess of Katrina.

Those in NO that refused a mandatory evacuation order before Katrina blamed the Govt. for their lack of water, food, housing, prescriptions, etc. imo, we as citizen's have to take responsibility for making decisions for our family, for our basic needs if we choose to stay and have the necessary supplies in the event our house flooded. we are powerless over Mother Nature, but, imo, there are some things we can do.

I bet many did prepare their homes w/essentials for their return and evacuated as local govt's ask.

There is no doubt this might have some effect on the Presidential Election though I don't know what exactly, I have a feeling both candidates are going to tell us! who'da thought Mother Nature as the factor?

These are nice little lights to have, esp if you have males in the house going to the bathroom during a power outage. It's a good idea to put one near the litterbox overnight too, if you have cats.

Julie, those lights are great!

I have about 8 of them for times when we have a power outage. I keep one of them on my bedside table. If the power goes out while we are sleeping and I wake up, I just click on the "light."

Also, we have two Coleman lanterns that use D batteries. They are awesome and provide a lot of light.

Also, have 8 small lanterns that are useful too.

These are hurricane supply light sources but we use one of our Coleman lanterns when we may have an outage due to whatever besides a hurricane.

We lucked out this year. No hurricanes affected my little corner of the world! ( Ann breathes a sigh of relief!)

I agree, Ann. Love those lights!
(Keeping my fingers crossed, no hurricanes for Ann-TX.)

-----------------

Posted: Tue, Oct. 30, 2012, 3:34 PM


Christie: Devastation at NJ shore 'unthinkable'

WAYNE PARRY and KATIE ZEZIMA

The Associated Press


Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20121030_ap_christiedevastationatnjshoreunthinkable.html?viewAll=y#ixzz2Ap7boIKo

Thank you for creating this thread. I lived on the east coast for many years and have gone through several hurricanes, but this storm was absolutely incredible! I've been watching the coverage non-stop, and have never seen anything like it.

I have relatives who live on Long Island, so I'm anxiously awaiting word. They were well prepared for this, so I'm sure they are safe, just without power. Will feel so much better once I hear from them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this massive storm.

At least 48 dead, millions without power in Sandy's aftermath!

Read more:
http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2012/10/30/at-least-17-dead-millions-without-power-in-sandy-aftermath/#ixzz2ApmfteqT

It's inevitable the death toll will mount in the coming days. At times like this, it's easy to put our own personal problems into perspective, it's hard to watch so many fellow American's suffering due to SANDY.

Still praying for the victim's of Sandy.

CuriousPortlander, I will keep your relatives in my thoughts & prayers. I hope you hear from them soon.

Details of the devastation became clearer late Tuesday after authorities made their way through severely damaged areas across 20 states stretching from New England to Tennessee:

•By 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC News confirmed that 46 people had been killed in the U.S., 23 of them in New York — including 18 in New York City. Six people had been killed in New Jersey; five in Pennsylvania; four in Connecticut; two apiece in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia; and one each in North Carolina and Puerto Rico. Before it made its way north, Sandy was blamed for 68 other deaths in the Caribbean.

•More than 6 million homes and businesses were without electricity, about half of them in New York and New Jersey. That number represents individual structures, including large businesses, meaning the number of people without light, heat or refrigeration is likely much higher. NBC News meteorologist Bill Karins said cleanup and restoration of power could continue "right up through Election Day."

•A massive fire destroyed at least 100 homes in Breezy Point, a seaside community in Queens, N.Y. Firefighters had difficulty reaching the blaze because of the severe weather. The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known.

•Ten subway tunnels under the East River in New York were flooded, leading the Metropolitan Transit Authority to declare: "The New York City subway system is 108 years old, but it has never faced a disaster as devastating as what we experienced last night." Subway service was unlikely to resume for four to five days, Bloomberg said, but free bus service had resumed on a Saturday schedule, and about 4,000 cabs were running on city streets.

Read more:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49605748/ns/weather/

American Red Cross Sets Up 'Safe and Well' Site

Posted: Oct 30, 2012 2:04 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 30, 2012 2:04 PM CDT

Read more:
http://www.wboy.com/story/19955545/american-red-cross-sets-up-safe-and-well-site

snipped:

One of the most dramatic tales came from lower Manhattan, where a failed backup generator forced New York University's Tisch Hospital to relocate more than 200 patients, including 20 babies from neonatal intensive care. Dozens of ambulances lined up in the rainy night and the tiny patients were gingerly moved out, some attached to battery-powered respirators as gusts of wind blew their blankets.

snipped:

Atlantic City's fabled Boardwalk, the first in the nation, lost several blocks when Sandy came through, though the majority of it remained intact even as other Jersey Shore boardwalks were dismantled. What damage could be seen on the coastline Tuesday was, in some locations, staggering — "unthinkable," New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said of what unfolded along the Jersey Shore, where houses were swept from their foundations and amusement park rides were washed into the ocean. "Beyond anything I thought I would ever see."

Read more:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57542675/long-days-for-millions-in-sandys-wake/

Sandy Makes Waves in Chicago

NBCChicago.com

updated 10/30/2012 7:46:30 PM ET

Chicago officials on Tuesday warned residents to stay away from the Lake Michigan shore as the city prepared for high winds and waves resulting from Superstorm Sandy, which pounded the East Coast.

Office of Emergency Management and Communication Director Gary Schenkel said officials expect winds to reach 50 to 60 mph, with lake waves exceeding 24 feet. Outdoor concessions and the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier were closed Tuesday.

Portions of the bicycle path along Lake Shore Drive from North Avenue Beach to Ohio remained closed where the waves splashed onto the trail. Schenkel said the Chicago Transit Authority was prepared to reroute buses that use Lake Shore Drive, if necessary.

Read more:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49607614/ns/local_news-chicago_il/

art tart wrote:Freckles - sounds like you too have a plan, i need to add a can opener to my stash since I read it on yours. It never fails here in La., many refuse to buy the bare essentials such as matches as you mentioned, flashlights, candles, bottled water even after the horrific mess of Katrina.

Those in NO that refused a mandatory evacuation order before Katrina blamed the Govt. for their lack of water, food, housing, prescriptions, etc. imo, we as citizen's have to take responsibility for making decisions for our family, for our basic needs if we choose to stay and have the necessary supplies in the event our house flooded. we are powerless over Mother Nature, but, imo, there are some things we can do.

I bet many did prepare their homes w/essentials for their return and evacuated as local govt's ask.

There is no doubt this might have some effect on the Presidential Election though I don't know what exactly, I have a feeling both candidates are going to tell us! who'da thought Mother Nature as the factor?

I am on limited income so it has been a challenge laying in a store of goods.
When things are on sale, I have tried to buy a few extras. Made a check list I have taped to the door and I SO enjoy crossing off my list! Lots of tuna for humans and emergency pet food; boxed/canned juice and water; a healthy supply of canned fruits and veggies, sugar, salt, vinegar (may be used for sanitizing) and coffee/tea. Even have cans of soups and those silly spaghetti rings. Now I am coming down to the end with shampoo, bleach, and dried peas/beans. Will finish that in Nov. Then, start on propane for the heaters and the grill. It is SO nice to look in the pantry and see the cupboards are nicely filled. (Chances are I will get hit with a tornado and all these items will disappear or end up at another home!) Makes it convenient for food drives as well.

I STRONGLY rec people building their cupboards. A little at a time and before you know it, you will have a nice little nest egg for the eventual emergency--- yours or a neighbor. Try buying sale/lead items to begin your pantry.

Thanks for posting about the stick up lights. That is something I have been wanting to buy but I keep forgetting about it! Good idea.

South Michigan area:
Spoke with family in So Michigan.
Strong winds and period power outages.

More devastating pictures.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49596252/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

Freckles - you mentioned limited income and it's a reality for many. I was talking w/my adult children about this, so many American's are already in distress, no jobs, no money, and then to have a hardship like evacuating, even temporarily, puts more strain on a lot of families w/limited budgets. Hopefully, monetary relief can get to these families quickly although nothing moves quickly w/the Govt., OBAMA has promised "no red tape." I guess time will tell.

Freckles - good to hear your relatives are safe, CuriousPortlander - keep us posted on your's.

art tart wrote:Freckles - you mentioned limited income and it's a reality for many. I was talking w/my adult children about this, so many American's are already in distress, no jobs, no money, and then to have a hardship like evacuating, even temporarily, puts more strain on a lot of families w/limited budgets. Hopefully, monetary relief can get to these families quickly although nothing moves quickly w/the Govt., OBAMA has promised "no red tape." I guess time will tell.

Freckles - good to hear your relatives are safe, CuriousPortlander - keep us posted on your's.

I heard from my relatives on Long Island today; they're fine, thank goodness. Power is back on in Kings Park (north shore) but still out in Smithtown. Lots of trees down, but most everything else is OK.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Much appreciated! And thanks for all the videos and links. Going back now to read/watch them all.

CP-- Thanks for the up date on Long Island. Kids have friends there and I so hope these good people are safe.

Such grief at a time when our country has been laid low economically. Hope everyone can give a little something (a can of food, box of mac &cheese, tin of pet food or even a couple of dollars) to one of you many charities. Even yesterday's coats can provide a bit of warmth and comfort for another this Thanksgiving and holiday season. A pair of handmade mittens for a child to protect against the winter's chill??? US Marines still collect and distribute to the children.

It may be slim pickings but I am sustained by the examples my grandmothers gave from the Great Depression when even then people reached out to help others.

We need a roll call.
Is fysty okay?
What about giggles, willow, marica and all of our friends from RC?

Another idea for an emergency kit: ThermaCare heat wraps. The ones for your back are fairly large, and provide heat for up to 12 hours. Great if you lose power and it's really cold.

CuriousPortlander wrote:Another idea for an emergency kit: ThermaCare heat wraps. The ones for your back are fairly large, and provide heat for up to 12 hours. Great if you lose power and it's really cold.

That's a great idea!

Very interesting.......

Hurricane Sandy provides 'wake-up call' for cities at risk of flooding

Rock Center with Brian Williams

Thu Nov 1, 2012 11:03 PM EDT

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

snipped:

Bowman points to storm surge barrier projects in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in the Netherlands as models. In the Netherlands, a country where a considerable part of the population lives below sea level, such barriers help control flooding in some of the most densely populated areas.

"If we had such barriers in place during Hurricane Sandy there would have been no damage at all," Bowman said.

Read more:
http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/01/14862174-hurricane-sandy-provides-wake-up-call-for-cities-at-risk-of-flooding?lite

Julie's signature said:
" Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach.
I feel it in the air, the summers out of reach.
Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone."

Wow! That says so very much especially after Sandy.

Really interesting reading from everyone about how to prepare... I live in Ontario Canada and we were told to prepare for power outages for up to 72 hours... although some of those outages have been longer.

With all the pets I have... water was a huge issue. filled 5 gallon water containers... and of course the bathtubs... for water to flush toilets and basics like washing floors... oops ... I am not OCD just have small puppies right now and they are messy!

Freckles wrote:Julie's signature said:
" Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach.
I feel it in the air, the summers out of reach.
Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone."

Wow! That says so very much especially after Sandy.

So true!

justanopinion wrote:Really interesting reading from everyone about how to prepare... I live in Ontario Canada and we were told to prepare for power outages for up to 72 hours... although some of those outages have been longer.

With all the pets I have... water was a huge issue. filled 5 gallon water containers... and of course the bathtubs... for water to flush toilets and basics like washing floors... oops ... I am not OCD just have small puppies right now and they are messy!

Especially when you're playing Bubble Shooter?

j/k, and btw, on that terrific High Score!

More bad news.....

Near-freezing temps add to Sandy misery; potential nor'easter looms

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

TODAY's Al Roker takes a look at the European model forecast that predicted Sandy, and its new forecast of a potential Nor'easter next week, bringing wind gusts of up to 45 mph.

By Miguel Llanos, NBC News

Millions trying to recover from Superstorm Sandy were not getting much cooperation from Mother Nature: Lows this weekend were set to dip into the 30s, an issue for elderly and others without power, while a nor'easter winter storm is possibly on its way.

"No rest for the weary," the National Weather Service's prediction center said in a Friday morning update that cited the "potential for a nor'easter along the Atlantic Coast next Wednesday and Thursday."

snipped:

"It's not definite," he emphasized, but two key models used by weather forecasters are in agreement "that this is going to happen. It's just a matter of how strong this system is going to be."

The Weather Channel echoed that concern.

Read more:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/02/14880382-near-freezing-temps-add-to-sandy-misery-potential-noreaster-looms?lite

The New York Marathon is causing outrage in a city hurting! Should the marathon go on?

As more than one million New Yorkers continued to cope with power failures, even the planned New York City Marathon became a source of bitter derision when news emerged that generators being used by organizers could have served hundreds of residences on Staten Island, the borough that bore the brunt of the city’s casualties. Beyond irritation, some New Yorkers say the lack of power has made them fearful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/nyregion/recovery-efforts-after-hurricane-sandy.html?hp&_r=0

Staten Island is in a terrible situation having had most of the casualties for New York, I wonder why more didn't evacuate Staten Island and chose to stay? An island is the last place I would stay if there was a hurricane of any magnitude, much less the warnings of how severe this storm was.

Freckles wrote:We need a roll call.
Is fysty okay?
What about giggles, willow, marica and all of our friends from RC?

Freckles, Fysty is fine. Read her post here:

http://www.realitychatter.com/t4007p50-whats-your-weather-summer-2012#182287

art tart wrote:The New York Marathon is causing outrage in a city hurting! Should the marathon go on?

As more than one million New Yorkers continued to cope with power failures, even the planned New York City Marathon became a source of bitter derision when news emerged that generators being used by organizers could have served hundreds of residences on Staten Island, the borough that bore the brunt of the city’s casualties. Beyond irritation, some New Yorkers say the lack of power has made them fearful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/nyregion/recovery-efforts-after-hurricane-sandy.html?hp&_r=0

Staten Island is in a terrible situation having had most of the casualties for New York, I wonder why more didn't evacuate Staten Island and chose to stay? An island is the last place I would stay if there was a hurricane of any magnitude, much less the warnings of how severe this storm was.

I thought that was kind of weird for them to have the marathon anyway. Unless they were trying to have a doings to relieve the tension and stresses that everyone is under? (Is that even possible???) You know, "take a little time out, and try to enjoy yourself" kind of thing? But I would think a marathon is the last thing on everyone's minds. Is there even a straight, clear path out there to run on? And yes, the generators would be better off being used in an area that desperately needs them at the moment.

Then I also saw, was it the mayor in NJ?, who postponed Halloween until Monday, 11/5. I thought he was doing it so the kids who missed out on 10/31 could still participate in something I'm sure they were all looking forward to.

But then I read the comments under that article, and it seemed everyone was pissed off that he changed Halloween. But I don't get why. Maybe they had no damage and their kids were ready to go on 10/31, and now they have to wait?

I don't know. Maybe someone who lives out that way can enlighten me.

Julie - I live in the South so I don't know about the pomp and circumstance of the Marathon but I do know it's a big deal. I know they expect 50,000 people, they said it would be good for the economy from people from outside NY that came to watch, I guess lodging/hotels and eateries could make money and street vendors. I did read that many were really upset about the generator's being used for the MEDIA for the event. It stated the "Mayor, Governor, or President" could confiscate the generator's and used for those still without power but they have chosen NOT to do so and there are still millions from the storm in several states without power.

The Marathon is expecting 40,000 participants.

Mardi Gras rolled after Katrina, but it was months later, not the same thing. Too, some people that work and sell goods at Mardi Gras make their money for most of the year at that time.

Sadly many that had insurance are going to find their policies aren't going to cover wind driven storm damage, or flooding from the surge from the hurricane. Since this rarely happens in NY or the coast, many people are not going to know this. I think many are going to be surprised when the rebuilding starts, FEMA seems to immediately be able to offer support but the grants, loans or monies given by FEMA have conditions, at least my friends in NO have said, some have had to get attorney's to sue and it takes years to resolve. I feel terribly for all those still suffering.

Thanks for the info art!

The marathon has now been canceled, which makes more sense, imo....or at least postpone it.

New York Marathon canceled, Bloomberg says

By Andrew Mach and Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News

NEW YORK – The New York Marathon will not be held Sunday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Friday, backtracking just a few hours after he defended the decision to hold it despite heavy criticism as the city struggles back from Superstorm Sandy.

"While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division," he said in a statement Friday evening shortly after NBC 4 New York and a few other media outlets reported the cancellation.

Read more:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/02/14880084-new-york-marathon-canceled-bloomberg-says?lite>1=43001

I'm glad that the marathon was cancelled. Those generators & port-a-potties can be of much better use helping those who need it. And believe me, there are many!

Mayor Michael Bloomberg bowed to public pressure today and canceled Sunday's running of the 2012 ING New York Marathon.

The mayor's action came amid an outcry that the event would take away from efforts to help thousands of New Yorkers who are without power or homeless because of superstorm Sandy.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/york-city-marathon-canceled-sunday/story?id=17629506#.UJRXsMVG-kM

Bloomberg, who is being referred to as "Plutoberg" across the internet for his out of touch with reality decision to think the Marathon was a positive thing for NY although there is so much human suffering in his city, canceled the Marathon NOT BECAUSE he wanted to, but because of the beat down he is taking in the National Media and Social Networking such as internet, twitter etc. He must plan to run again but has pi$$ed so many off, good luck with that.

Finally, it's good to see a Politician have to be MADE TO DO the right thing because of public outcry.