Hurricane Sandy’s Impact Continues for East Coast, Help Needed for Survivors

The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is unbelievable.  Most of us have seen these kind of images before following Hurricanes Katrina, Andrew, Irene, and other natural disasters.  However, this hurricane really hit the population centers of the United States and it is surprising that more lives weren't lost.

This hurricane had the second lowest pressure every recorded by a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.  At Atlantic City, New Jersey the central pressure dropped to 946 mb.  Normal pressure is around 1032 mb. Damage estimates are now at between $20 billion to $50 billion.

The latest information indicates that 51 people have died with that number expected to continue to rise over the next days.  Flooding is generally the number one cause of loss of life in storms, and with some spots receiving over eight inches of rainfall along with the storm surge, it is no wonder the loss of life is so great.

New York City had to shutdown the subway system due to flooding.  As a result, Wall Street even suspended trading on Monday as traders weren't able to get to work.

New York and New Jersey really took the brunt of the hit of this hurricane and extra-tropical cyclone.  The storm's sustained winds peaked at 90 mph as it approached landfall and continued on with 80 mph winds once it made land.  At Eaton's Park in New York, they reported a weak wind gust of 96 mph.  Surf City, New Jersey had a peak wind gust of 89 mph.

In addition, to the storm surge, heavy rainfall, and strong winds; heavy snowfall hit the higher elevations.  Over 28 inches of snow fell at Redhouse, Maryland.  Many locations in Virginia had over two feet of snow as well.

If you would like to donate to those who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, you can donate to the Salvation Army or to the American Red Cross.  In times of need, Americans are unbelievably generous.

I know those on the East Coast will appreciate your generosity.

Mark Anthony is a meteorologist who has worked at television stations across the Midwest. He now works at Townsquare Media St. Cloud as morning show co-host on 98 Country and resident weather guru.