No doubt you’ve seen the maps, showing a storm so immense it’s difficult to fathom. And of course we’re seeing live coverage, video and photos. Or perhaps you’re looking out your window to see the passing of Sandy. Flooding described as “unprecedented,” wind damage, snow, and a huge fire in NYC which is reported to have destroyed more than 50 homes. No doubt we’ll learn of more damage and stories. And of course, the massive storm isn’t over, as it rotates its way to the west, with blizzard warnings being issued. Across the nation, and internationally, one other effect is being felt with the many canceled flights.
From the National Weather Service:
Although Sandy has transitioned to a post-tropical cyclone, it’s still expected to produce strong winds across the Mid-Atlantic and New England, as well as rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches over portions of the Mid-Atlantic, and snowfall totals of 2-3 feet in the mountains of West Virginia.
Most importantly, of course, are those directly experiencing the storm. Be safe.
Two particular storm related story lines I’m seeing are climate change and politics. Regarding the first, for example, see NPR’s<Frankenstorm: Has Climate Change Created A Monster? and the Washington Post, “Yes, Hurricane Sandy is a good reason to worry about climate change.”
Regarding the second, one week from election day, President Obama is in DC focused on the disaster of Sandy. Mr. Romney has scaled back campaigning in general, and is turning at least one campaign event into a fundraiser for victims of Sandy. Lots of speculation about what kind of impact the massive storm, coming one week before election day, in a very close race, will have. For some examples of what’s being written, see Politico’s, “Hurricane Sandy forces anti-politics politics,” and The Hill’s, “Tight polls, looming storm shake campaigns down the homestretch.”
And apparently another inevitable “story” in times of disaster, Christian preacher blames gays for Hurricane Sandy.
(Satellite Map via National Weather Service)
I am absolutely flabbergasted to have power here in the DC suburbs. We regularly lose power here in thunderstorms, slightly heavier than normal winds, or if a large bird lands on the wrong power line. Yet a hurricane blows through, and the lights barely flicker. I’ve also had uninterrupted internet and cable this whole time, and on good days the internet connection is only so-so at best. I guess there’s just no rhyme or reason to any of this.
Prayers to all those who have lost power and are struggling, and kudos to the networks for interrupting their pointless poll-obsessed gabfests to let us know how we can help.
Ditto. I held my breath until late, because as New York City was cast in darkness, once again the wind started whipping up even more fierce than during the day.
Glad to hear both of you dodged a big bullet. I finally got threw to friends and family in NYC all came threw unscathed, very happy about that. They have no power but cell phones seem to be working, and now the cleanup begins.
Good to hear about your family, angles81.
Being without power is such a burden. We were SHOCKED, just like jjamele, that we made it through without losing it. It’s the first time a big storm hit & we’ve retained power since we moved here.
I heard a larger number yesterday. Haiti, Cuba, and USA were the three places I remember reporting deaths. I imagine that the toll is going to be much higher.
A late October Hurricane turns into the mother of all Nor’easters and it is the fault of the Gay– riiiiiight. I know this kind of thing is inevitable, but that does not make it any less stupid.
“I know this kind of thing is inevitable, but that does not make it any less stupid.”
Instead of a “divine punishment” weather disasters are punishing people for driving to work each day, If we only listened to Al Gore.
DAMN! You finally said something from the world of reality based information!!!!!
This is why Al Gore should have challenged Obama in the primary. big Al cares places the future of this planet and the survival of man above balancing the budget and corporate lies.
Meanwhile, in Haiti:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/10/2012103075846181519.html
Food crops destroyed and cholera on the way.
Something has to be done about Haiti. I met a Red Cross execd who said he will no longer go to that area of the World because of the abject poverty. What can we do?
To bad Mitt da Twit and Lyin Ryan and the rest of the repugnantklan/teabagger/UBERChristian counter universe don’t agree with you.