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Hurricane Sandy

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Hurricane Sandy
Current storm status
Category 1 hurricane (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC) October 29
Location:35°54′N 70°30′W / 35.9°N 70.5°W / 35.9; -70.5 (Hurricane Sandy) ± 20 nm
About 285 mi (460 km) E of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
About 385 mi (615 km) SSE of New York City
Sustained winds:75 knots (85 mph; 140 km/h) (1-min mean)
gusting to 90 knots (105 mph; 165 km/h)
Pressure:946 mbar (hPa; 27.94 inHg)
Movement:N at 13 kt (15 mph; 24 km/h)
See more detailed information.

Hurricane Sandy is a massive, late-season tropical cyclone that has affected Jamaica, Cuba, The Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, and is currently threatening the East Coast of the United States and Eastern Canada. The 18th tropical cyclone, 18th named storm, and 10th hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, Sandy developed from an elongated tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22. It became a tropical depression, quickly strengthened, and was upgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and gradually strengthened.

On October 24, Sandy was upgraded to a hurricane, shortly before making landfall in Jamaica. Upon moving further north, Sandy re-entered water and made its second landfall in Cuba during the early morning of October 25 as a Category 2 hurricane. During the late evening of October 25, Sandy weakened to Category 1 strength; in the early hours of October 26, it headed north through the Bahamas.[1] Sandy briefly weakened to a tropical storm in the early morning hours of October 27, then restrengthened to a Category 1 hurricane later that morning and remained that strength through the evening of October 28. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on October 28, Sandy surpassed Hurricane Igor to become the largest hurricane in Atlantic history, with a maximum gale-force wind diameter of 930 mi (1500 km).[2] Shortly after midnight October 29, Sandy turned to the north and started to make its expected approach towards the U.S. coast.[3]

Evening photo of Sandy on October 28

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A tropical wave was moving westward through the eastern Caribbean Sea on October 19, 2012.[4] It had an extended low pressure area, and conditions were expected to gradually become more favorable for development.[5] On October 20, the system became better organized, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) assessed a high potential for it to become a tropical cyclone within 48 hours.[6] By the next day, the associated convection, or thunderstorms, had become minimal, although barometric pressure in the area remained low, which favored development.[7] The thunderstorms gradually increased, while the system slowed and became nearly stationary over the western Caribbean.[8][9] At 1500 UTC on October 22, the NHC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Eighteen about 320 mi (515 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica. This was based on surface observations and satellite imagery, which indicated the system had developed enough organized convection to be classified.[10]

When the tropical depression formed, it was in an area of weak steering currents south of a ridge extending eastward from the Gulf of Mexico. Low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures were conducive to strengthening[10] and rapid deepening. Late on October 22, a Hurricane Hunters flight observed winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) in a rainband, which prompted NHC to upgrade the depression to Tropical Storm Sandy.[11] Outflow increased, while moist atmosphere helped the convection organize further. NHC noted that "remaining nearly stationary over the warm waters of southwestern Caribbean Sea is never a good sign for this time of year."[12] Still, the cloud pattern initially remained largely the same.[13] Early on October 24, an eye began developing. By that time, Sandy was moving steadily northward, drawn by a trough approaching from the northwest.[14] At 11:00 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on October 24, the NHC upgraded Sandy to hurricane status after the Hurricane Hunters observed flight-level winds of 99 mph (159 km/h). At the time, Sandy was about 65 mi (105 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.[15]

Satellite image of Hurricane Sandy near Jamaica landfall

At about 3:00 p.m. EDT (1900 UTC) on October 24, Sandy made landfall near Kingston with winds of about 80 mph (130 km/h).[16] Just offshore Cuba, Sandy rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale with 110 mph (175 km/h) winds.[17] Shortly thereafter at 1:25 a.m. EDT (0525 UTC), the hurricane struck Cuba just west of Santiago de Cuba.[18] At landfall, Sandy had a well-defined eye of over 23 mi (37 km) in diameter, and flight-level winds reached 135 mph (216 km/h).[19] While over land, the structure deteriorated and the eye was no longer visible.[20] After Sandy exited Cuba, dry air and increasing shear restricted the outflow and caused the structure to become disorganized.[21] A mid-level low over Florida turned the hurricane toward the north-northwest.[22] By early on October 26, most of the convection was sheared to the north of the center, and the size of the storm increased greatly.[23] By the next day, the NHC remarked that Sandy was "showing characteristics of a hybrid cyclone... like an occluded frontal low." However, the system maintained a warm thermal core, and despite strong 60 mph (95 km/h) wind shear, the hurricane continued to develop thunderstorms due to good divergence from a nearby trough; the same trough turned Sandy toward the northeast.[24] On October 27, Sandy briefly weakened to a tropical storm, after dry air became fully ingested into the mid- and upper-level circulations.[25] Later that day, however, wind reports from the Hurricane Hunters indicated that Sandy re-intensified into a hurricane.[26]

Current storm information

As of 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC) October 29, Hurricane Sandy is located within 20 nautical miles of 35°54′N 70°30′W / 35.9°N 70.5°W / 35.9; -70.5 (Sandy), about 285 mi (460 km) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and about 385 mi (615 km) south-southeast of New York City. Maximum sustained winds are 75 knots (85 mph, 140 km/h), with stronger gusts. Minimum central pressure is 946 mbar (hPa; 27.94 inHg), and the system is moving north at 13 kt (15 mph, 24 km/h).

Hurricane force winds extend up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Sandy, primarily to the southwest, and tropical storm force winds up to 485 miles (780 km) from the center.

For latest official information see:

Watches and warnings

Template:HurricaneWarningsTable

Note: In addition, high wind warnings are in in effect north of Chatham to the Merrimack River, the lower Chesapeake Bay, south of Chincoteague, Virginia to Duck, North Carolina. Hurricane force wind warnings are in effect along portions of the coast between Chincoteague, Virginia and Chatham, Massachusetts, the tidal Potomac River from Cobb Island to Smith Point, the middle and upper Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and the coasts of the Northern Delmarva Peninsula, New Jersey, the New York City area, Long Island, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Blizzard warnings are also in effect for the West Virginia mountains.[27]

Forecasted impacts:

  • Gale force winds are expected along portions of Mid-Atlantic coast October 28, and are forecast to reach Long Island and southern New England by early October 29. Hurricane-force winds, at least in gusts, are likely over the warning areas and sections of the Mid-Atlantic region north of the warning areas by late October 29.
  • A storm surge is possible along the track, with the largest wave heights of between 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3.0 m) from Long Island Sound to Raritan Bay.
  • Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches (76 to 152 mm) are expected over far northeastern North Carolina, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches (200 mm) possible. Amounts of 4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 mm) are expected over the Mid-Atlantic states, including the Delmarva peninsula with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches (300 mm) possible. Amounts of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) with isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches (130 mm) are possible from the southern tier of New York through New England.
  • Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, using a computer model built on power outage data from previous hurricanes, conservatively forecast that 10 million customers along the Eastern Seaboard will lose power from Sandy.[28]

Preparation

Caribbean

Upon developing into a tropical cyclone on October 22, the Government of Jamaica issued a tropical storm watch for the entire island.[29] Early on October 23, the watch was replaced with a tropical storm warning, simultaneous to a hurricane watch being issued.[30] Later that day at 1500 UTC, the hurricane watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning, while the tropical storm warning was discontinued.[31]

Shortly after Jamaica began watches and warnings on October 22, the Government of Haiti issued a tropical storm watch for Haiti.[32] By late on October 23, it was modified to a tropical storm warning.[33] The Government of Cuba posted a hurricane watch for the Cuban Provinces of Camagüey, Granma, Guantánamo, Holguín, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba at 1500 UTC on October 23.[31] Only three hours later, the hurricane watch was switched to a hurricane warning.[34]

The Bahamas

The Government of the Bahamas, at 1500 UTC on October 23, issued a tropical storm watch for several Bahamian islands, including the Acklins, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Exuma, Inagua, Long Cay, Long Island, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador Island.[31] Later that day, another tropical storm watch was issued for Abaco Islands, Andros Island, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and New Providence.[34] By early on October 24, the tropical storm watch for Cat Island, Exuma, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[35]

Bermuda

At 11:15 a.m. EDT (1515 UTC) on October 26, the Bermuda Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Bermuda, reflecting the enormous size of the storm and the wide-reaching impacts.[36]

United States

Much of the East Coast of the United States in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states have a good chance of receiving gale-force winds, flooding, heavy rain and possibly snow early in the week of October 28 from an unusual hybrid of Hurricane Sandy and a winter storm.[37] Government weather forecasters said there is a 90% chance (the chance having increased from 60% on October 24), that the East Coast will be impacted by the storm (with some media outlets already referring to the expected combination of the tropical system and storm front under the nickname "Frankenstorm").[38] Utilities and governments along the East Coast are attempting to head off long-term power failures as a result of Sandy. Power companies from the Southeast to New England are alerting independent contractors to be ready to assist to fix storm damaged equipment quickly and are asking employees to cancel vacations and work longer hours. In New Jersey, where the storm is expected to come ashore, Jersey Central Power & Light has told employees to be prepared for extended shifts.[39]

Through regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, FEMA will continuously monitor Sandy and will remain in close coordination with state and tribal emergency management partners in Florida and the potentially affected Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and New England states.[40] President Obama signed emergency declarations on October 28 for several states expected to be impacted by Sandy, allowing them to request federal aid and make additional preparations in advance of the storm.[41]

Amtrak has cancelled some services through October 29 in preparation for the storm.[42]

Flight cancellations and alerts for travel on the U.S. East Coast are in place and more may be added should the storm stay on its predicted path towards the Mid-Atlantic and the New England areas.[43] Over 5000 commercial airline flights scheduled for October 28 and October 29 were cancelled by the afternoon of the 28th, with that number expected to rise significantly.[44]

The National Guard and U.S. Air Force put as many as 45,000 personnel in at least seven states on alert for possible duty in response to the preparations and aftermath of Sandy.[45]

Southeast

Numerous schools on the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach County, Florida announced closures for October 26, in anticipation of Sandy.[46]

On October 26, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue declared a state of emergency for 38 counties in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, taking effect October 27.[47]

Mid-Atlantic

The U.S. Navy sent more than two dozen ships to sea from Norfolk Naval Base, for their own protection.[48]

Republican Party presidential candidate Mitt Romney cancelled campaign appearances scheduled for October 28 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and New Hampshire October 30 because of Sandy. Vice President Joe Biden cancelled his appearance on October 27 in Virginia Beach and an October 29 campaign event in New Hampshire.[49] President Barack Obama canceled a campaign stop with former President Bill Clinton in Virginia scheduled for October 29, as well as a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, the next day because of the impending storm, and said he will remain in Washington D.C.[50]

On October 26, Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray declared a state of emergency.[51] That same day the governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia also declared a state of emergency in preparation of the approaching storm.[48] The United States Government Office of Personnel Management announced federal offices in the Washington, DC area would be closed to the public on October 29.[52] In addition, Washington DC Metro service, both rail and bus, was cancelled on October 29 due to expected high winds, the likelihood of widespread power outages, and the closing of the federal government.[53] President Obama declared a state of emergency for the District of Columbia.[54]

In Maryland, on October 27, Smith Island residents were evacuated with the assistance of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, Dorchester County opened two shelters for those in flood prone areas, and Ocean City initiated Phase I of their Emergency Operations Plan.[55][56][57] Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. is putting workers on standby and making plans to bring in crews from other states.[39] On October 28, President Obama declared an emergency in Maryland and signed an order authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid in disaster relief efforts.[58] Also, numerous areas were ordered to be evacuated including part of Ocean City, Worcester County, Wicomico County, and Somerset County.[59][60] As of October 27, 2012, there are serious possibilities that more than a hundred million tons of dirty sediment mixed with tree limbs and debris floating behind Conowingo Dam may be eventually poured into the Chesapeake Bay, posing a potential environmental threat.[61] The Maryland Transportation Authority canceled all service for October 29 and possibly October 30. The cancellations apply to buses, light rail, Amtrak and MARC train service.[62]

In Delaware, Governor Jack Markell declared a state of emergency, with coastal areas of Sussex County evacuated. Delaware Route 1 through Delaware Seashore State Park was closed due to flooding.[63] Delaware roads will be closed to the public after 5:00 a.m., except for emergency and essential personnel.[64]

In Cape May County, New Jersey, officials advised residents on barrier islands to evacuate on October 26, becoming a mandatory evacuation on October 28. There was also a voluntary evacuation for Mantoloking, Bay Head, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Harvey Cedars, Long Beach, Ship Bottom, and Stafford in Ocean County.[65][66][67] Jersey Central Power & Light has told employees to be prepared for extended shifts. Most schools, colleges and universities are closed October 29 and possibly October 30.[39] Governor Chris Christie issued mandatory evacuations for all barrier islands from Sandy Hook to Cape May, along with the closure of all Atlantic City casinos. Tolls were suspended on the northbound Garden State Parkway and the westbound Atlantic City Expressway starting at 6:00 a.m. on October 28.[68] President Obama signed an emergency declaration for New Jersey. The declaration allows the state to request federal funding and other assistance for actions taken prior to Sandy's landfall.[69] On October 28, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer ordered an evacuation of all basement and street level residential units, due to possible flooding.[70]

Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter asked residents in low-lying areas and neighborhoods prone to flooding to leave their home by 2 p.m. EDT October 28 and move to safer ground.[71] The Philadelphia International Airport suspended all flight operations for October 29.[72] On October 28, Harrisburg Mayor Linda D. Thompson has declared a state of disaster emergency for the city to go into effect at 5:00 a.m. October 29. Electric utilities in the state are bringing in crews and equipment from other states like New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma, to assist with restoration efforts.[73]

New York State including Long Island

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for every county in the state. He also asked for a pre-disaster declaration to better access federal assistance.[74] Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano ordered voluntary evacuations of the South Shore storm surge area, which includes the area south of Sunrise Highway and north of Route 25A in elevations 15 feet above sea level or less.[75] Shelters were opened at Nassau Community College, Levittown Memorial High School, Locust Valley High School, and SUNY Old Westbury. In Suffolk County, mandatory evacuations were ordered for residents of Fire Island and in surge zone areas in Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, and Southold. Shelters were opened at Hampton Bays High School, Sachem East High School, and the Brentwood High School Sonderling Building.[76] Most all schools closed in Nassau and Suffolk counties on October 29, including Nassau Community College, Molloy College, Hofstra University and Adelphi University.[77] On October 28, President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the state of New York.[78] The Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road suspended service beginning 7 p.m. October 27 through October 29 and possibly October 30.[79] Starbucks closed all of its outlets in the city and Long Island on October 28 at 4 p.m. to let employees get home before the transit system shut down. The stores will remain closed on October 29.[80]

New York City

Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters on October 26 that the city has begun taking precautions but said at this time there is no call for mandatory evacuations and no plans to suspend the city's mass transit or cancel school. That changed on October 28, when he ordered public schools closed on October 29.[81] and mandatory evacuations for Zone A on Manhattan, which is the southern tip of the island as well as the Rockaways, a low-lying area of Queens.[82] On October 28, officials activated the city's coastal emergency plan, with subway closings and the evacuation of residents in areas hit during Hurricane Irene in August 2011. More than 76 evacuation shelters were open around the city.[74] The MTA announced that all subway, bus, and commuter rail service would be suspended, beginning at 7 p.m. EDT on October 28 and expected to continue through at least October 30.[83] All PATH train service and stations will be shutdown at 12:01 a.m. October 29.[81] 200 National Guard troops are being deployed in the city. All bus carriers at the Port Authority Bus Terminal will close 3 a.m. October 29. U.S. stock trading will be closed on October 29 and possibly October 30.[84] All state courts will be closed October 29, except for arraignments and emergency applications. Jurors should not go to their assignments. NYU Langone Medical Center is canceling all surgeries and medical procedures, except for emergency procedures.[85] On October 27, Google postponed their upcoming Android event in New York City due to the storm.[86] The Staten Island Ferry and East River Ferry services are suspended at least through October 29.[87] Bridges and tunnels will be closed on a case-by-case basis. Major carriers canceled all flights into and out of JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark-Liberty airports until it is safe to fly. Broadway cancelled all October 28 evening and October 29 performances.[79] Alternate-side parking and parking meter regulations are suspended on October 29.[88]

New England

Connecticut's Governor Dan Malloy partially activated the state's Emergency Operations Center on October 26[89] and signed a Declaration of Emergency the next day.[90] On October 28, President Obama has approved Connecticut's request for an emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Sandy making landfall.[91]

In Rhode Island, Governor Lincoln Chafee and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency have urged that Rhode Islanders be prepared for the storm and "pay attention to the news" as Sandy approaches.[92][93] Additionally, National Grid USA, Rhode Island's leading energy company, has announced that they are more well prepared than during Hurricane Irene in 2011, when power outages were widespread in the state due to what National Grid has said was a lack of communication amongst National Grid employees.[93]

In Massachusetts, the state's emergency management agency has started issuing situational awareness news releases as some computer models show that Sandy could "potentially transition over the weekend into a powerful nor'easter." Governor Deval Patrick gave utility companies until October 26 to submit emergency plans in case the storm causes outages.[94] Patrick also encouraged all schools and colleges to close and non-essential employees to remain at home. State officials were considering evacuations of coastal areas. The MBTA expected to operate all public transit services for as long as it was safe to do so.[95] Governor Patrick ordered state offices to be be closed October 29 and recommended schools and private businesses close. On October 28, President Obama issued a Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration for Massachusetts. The Red Cross opened shelters in Fall River, Weymouth, Newbury and on Martha’s Vineyard. On the morning of October 29, three shelters will open on Cape Cod. The MBTA suspended commuter boat service as of the morning of October 29.[96]

On October 28, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin declared a state of emergency to attain federal resources and the Vermont National Guard if required. The Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union has announced an early release for school children on October 29. The Mount Anthony Union Finance Committee and Mount Anthony Union School Board meetings have been rescheduled to November 5.[97]

On October 26, Maine's Governor Paul LePage signed a limited emergency declaration that allows power crews from other states and Canada to help Maine prepare for Hurricane Sandy. The declaration will help Maine power providers pre-place their crews by extending the hours their crews can drive.[98]

Canada

The Canadian Hurricane Centre issued its first preliminary statement on Hurricane Sandy on October 25.[99] Due to the uncertainty of Sandy's path, the statement was aimed at all of Eastern Canada from the Canadian Maritimes as far west as Southern Ontario. While tropical depressions occasionally reach Southern Ontario, Hurricane Hazel is the only hurricane or tropical storm to have ever struck the region. Forecasters predicted that Sandy would bring rain to Ontario and Quebec, possibly turning to snow in Ontario.[100]

Impact

Effects by country
Country Fatalities Damage (in USD) Sources
 Bahamas 1 Unknown [101]
 Cuba 11 Unknown [102]
 Dominican Republic 2 Unknown [102]
 Haiti 51 Unknown [103]
 Jamaica 1 Unknown [102]
 United States 1 Unknown [104]
Total 67 Unknown

At least 67 people have been confirmed killed across the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including Cuba and Puerto Rico, as a result of the storm.[103][104]

Hispaniola

In Haiti, which was still recovering from the 2010 earthquake, at least 51 people have died, and an estimated 200,000 were left homeless as of late Saturday October 27 as a result of four days of ongoing rain from Hurricane Sandy.[103] Reports of significant damage to Port-Salut were received as rivers overflowed their banks.[105] In the capital of Port-au-Prince, whole streets were flooded by the heavy rains. Most of the tents and buildings in the city's sprawling refugee camps and the Cite Soleil neighborhood were flooded or leaking, a repeat of what happened earlier in the year during the passage of Hurricane Isaac.[106]

In the Dominican Republic, two people were killed, and 8,755 people evacuated as officials said the rains were expected to continue until at least October 27.[102][107] Traveling by vehicle was very hard in places as some roads had high water levels. An employee of CNN estimated 70% of the streets in Santo Domingo were flooded. Some cars were underwater, and people with trucks were charging motorists $5 to pull their vehicles out, while others were doing it for free.[108]

Jamaica

Sandy was the first direct hit by the eye of a hurricane on Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert 24 years ago. The storm hit Jamaica as a category 1 hurricane. Extensive damage was reported on the island. Trees and power lines were snapped and shanty houses were heavily damaged, both from the winds and flooding rains. More than 100 fishermen were stranded in outlying Pedro Cays off Jamaica's southern coast.[109] One man was crushed to death by stones that fell from a hillside as he tried to get into his house in a rural village near Kingston.[110] The country's sole electricity provider, the Jamaica Public Service Company, reported that 70 percent of its customers were without power. Looters shot and wounded a police official as he led a group of officers through Craig Town, a section of West Kingston. More than 1,000 people went to shelters, the Office of Disaster Preparedness said. Jamaican authorities closed the island's international airports, and police ordered 48-hour curfews in major towns to keep people off the streets and deter looting. Cruise ships changed their itineraries to avoid the storm, which made landfall the afternoon of October 24 near the capital, Kingston.[111]

The day after the storm, government officials went on an aerial tour of the rural eastern areas of the island. Parliament member Daryl Vaz reported that most buildings had lost their roofs, in addition to widespread damage to banana crops. Approximately 70 percent of the island lost power because of Sandy, and schools in the Kingston area would likely remain closed for a week. Resorts in Montego Bay and Negril sustained no major damage, and cruise ship terminals reopened to vessels after a 24-hour suspension of services. Authorities warned that the extent of the damage is not clear, since some major roads remained impassable, and it would likely be weeks before life in most areas returned to normal.[106]

Cuba

Hurricane Sandy damage in Guantanamo Bay

Hurricane Sandy strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane before hitting Cuba.[17] At least 55,000 people had been evacuated principally because of expected flooding from rains that could total up to 20 inches (500 mm) in some places and a storm surge the Cuban weather service said was already beginning along the southeastern coast around midnight EDT.[112] Sandy made landfall just west of Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as a strong Category 2 hurricane, with the strong eastern eyewall passing directly over the city.[113][114] The eye of the storm came ashore just west of the city with waves up to 29 feet (9 meters) and a six-foot (2 meter) storm surge that caused extensive coastal flooding.[115]

Reports from the area after the passage of Sandy spoke of widespread damage, particularly to Santiago de Cuba. Electricity and water services had been knocked out, and most of the trees in the city had either been ripped off their roots or had lost all their leaves. A local TV reporter told Cuban state television that many of the city's 300,000 homes were reportedly in bad shape before the storm and were left vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain. Several Cuban provinces promised to send brigades to help Santiago recover, although officials gave a long list of other towns that suffered devastation. Guantanamo followed a similar fate to Santiago, with television showing telephone poles and cables down across the city. Several historic buildings in the center of town were reportedly damaged. State media has said at least 11 people in Cuba were killed as a result of the storm, and Raul Castro planned to visit Santiago de Cuba in the coming days. Nine of the deaths were in Santiago de Cuba Province and two were in Guantanamo Province and most of the victims were trapped in destroyed houses.[116][117] This makes Sandy the deadliest hurricane to hit Cuba since 2005, when Hurricane Dennis killed 16 people.[118]

Damage to the U.S. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base was not as severe, and there were no reports of injuries at the base. The highest sustained winds were below hurricane strength at 54 miles per hour (87 km/h), with a maximum gust of 66 miles per hour (106 km/h). The storm damaged roofs and windows in a few older buildings and tore some of the power cables within the facility. Several recreational boats broke off their moorings, but there was no damage to the prison, according to Navy Capt. Robert Durand.[119]

Bahamas

A NOAA automated station at Settlement Point on Grand Bahama Island reported sustained winds of 49 mph (74 km/h) and a wind gust of 63 mph (102 km/h).[120] One person was killed in Lyford Cay after being blown off his porch.[101] Portions of the Bahamas lost power or cellular service, including an islandwide power outage on Bimini. Five homes were severely damaged near Williams's Town.[121]

United States

Puerto Rico

Police said a man was killed on October 26 in Juana Diaz. He was swept away in a river swollen by rain from Sandy's outer bands. In addition, flooding forced at least 100 families in the southwest to seek new shelter.[104]

Florida

High winds and waves washed sand onto coastal roads in southeastern Florida. The storm left power outages across the region, which left many traffic lights out of order.[122] The Coast Guard rescued two sea men in Volusia County off New Smyrna Beach on the morning of October 26.[123] Brevard County and Volusia County Schools cancelled all extracurricular activities for October 26, including football.[124] In east-central Florida, damage was minor, though the storm left about 1,000 people without power.[125] Airlines at Miami International Airport canceled more than 20 flights to or from Jamaica or the Bahamas, while some airlines flying from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport canceled a total of 13 flights to the islands.[48]

North Carolina

North Carolina was spared from major damage through the late evening hours of October 28, though winds, rain, and inland snow could affect the state through October 30. Ocracoke and Highway 12 on Hatteras Island were flooded with up to 2 feet (0.6 m) of water, closing part of the highway, while 20 people on a fishing trip were stranded on Portsmouth Island.[126] On October 29, the Coast Guard responded to a distress call from the HMS Bounty, which was built for the 1962 movie "Mutiny on the Bounty." It was taking on water off approximately 90 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. Seventeen people were on board.[127] The Coast Guard said the 17 people abandoned ship and got into two lifeboats, wearing survival suits and life jackets.[128]

See also

References

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  2. ^ Beven (2012-10-29). Hurricane Sandy Forecast/Advisory (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
  3. ^ Rosenthal, Andrew. "Hurricane Sandy Turns North, Eyes Mid-Atlantic Coast Later Today". Weather Bug. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
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  12. ^ Stacy Stewart (2012-10-23). Tropical Storm Sandy Discussion Number 3 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-23.
  13. ^ Daniel Brown (2012-10-23). Tropical Storm Sandy Discussion Number 4 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
  14. ^ Jack Beven (2012-10-24). Tropical Storm Sandy Discussion Number 7 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
  15. ^ Michael Brennan (2012-10-24). Hurricane Sandy Discussion Number 9 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
  16. ^ Todd Kimberlain; James Franklin (2002-10-24). Hurricane Sandy Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
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External links

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