Hurricane Sandy: Devestating Impacts
Sandy remains at Category 1 hurricane status with winds at 90 mph as it moves faster northwest at 28 mph just off the east coast of the Mid-Atlantic United States with a central pressure of 940mb. The storm is expected to make landfall near the Delmarva Peninsula and southern New Jersey sometime between late tonight and early tomorrow morning. The characteristics of this storm are unlike many of us will ever see again, since its impact on the east coast is going to be absolutely tremendous and uniquely timed with astronomically high tides. The weather will continue to worsen over the next 12 – 24 hours with the impacts extending into the coming days and weeks. Those impacts are many and severe including, but not limited to, damaging winds at hurricane force, life-threatening storm surge, and flooding rains. Power outages, impassible roadways, and many instances of flooded properties are just a few of the outcomes expected. One of the most amazing characteristics of this storm is the impact it will have on the coastline itself when all is said and done. The storm surge alone will have devastating impacts on coastal properties and even has the chance to change the shape of the coastline as we know it. This storm is being discussed as one that will go down as being one of the most destructive storms to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. in recent history. Inland, other concerns are with those in the Appalachian mountain range where cold temperatures are expected to result in heavy snows especially in West Virginia where snowfall amounts could total in excess of 2 feet. As far as the progression of Sandy is concerned once the storm makes landfall tonight, the storm will weaken just west of the landfall mark starting Tuesday and carrying into Wednesday. It’s worth noting once more however, that the impacts will be felt much longer after the storm has weakened and passed back out into the North Atlantic Ocean. That’s all for now, we’ll keep you updated throughout the day. Stay in touch with friends and family!
