“Hurricane Sandy could be one of the most devastating storms we’ve responded to in decades,” says Phyllis Freeman, World Vision’s domestic disaster response director.
Below are some quotes about the possible damage that may occur as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
Storm Surge:
Henry Margusity of Accuweather.com said today;
Sandy will be a dangerous storm coming in with a storm surge that will hit Long Island, the south coast of New England and even into New York City. The Jersey beaches to the Maryland beaches will be flooded and in some areas, the ocean is going into the streets.
Flooding:
NBC10 (Philadelphia) Meteorologists Sheena Parveen and David Chang write:
Monday will be the worst day. High winds between 40 and 70 miles per hour, power outages and street as well as creek flooding are also expected. New Jersey and Delaware should expect 4 to 8 inches of rain by Monday at noon and a 15-foot surf along the Atlantic side of both states.
And, as reminder, FEMA states that
Flooding is often the most significant threat from hurricanes and tropical storms – avoid walking or driving through flooded areas – it only takes six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle.
Wind Damage:
From Weather Underground, Jeff Masters states:
Sandy should bring sustained winds of 50 – 70 mph with gusts over hurricane force to a large section of coast. With most of the trees still in leaf, there will be widespread power outages due to downed trees, and the potential for a billion dollars in wind damage.
I received a note from the FEMA Ready Campaign today that stated:
FEMA urges those along the East Coast to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy. Individuals in the region should continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials.
Individuals do not need to be in the direct path of the storm to be affected. Hurricane Sandy remains a large storm system that is expected to continue to affect coastal areas this weekend and have widespread impacts early next week.
Hurricanes can bring high winds, heavy rains and dangerous surf, so listen to local officials and follow their instructions. State and local officials make determinations and announcements about evacuations.
This is a very serious storm. I have already heard of several disaster relief organization preparing for deployment to the Northeast. If you are in the storm’s path—take precautions today.
And please follow the storm on credible weather services such as the National Hurricane Center, The Weather Channel, orAccuweather.com.