Hurricane Sandy: The Anatomy of a Meteorological Behemoth

The Emergence of a Colossal Cyclone

Hurricane Sandy began as a tropical depression near Nicaragua on October 22, 2012, and quickly escalated into a tropical storm with winds reaching 44 MPH. As it swept through Jamaica and Cuba, it intensified, peaking at 110 MPH winds and achieving Category 2 status.

Classification and Intensity

Predominantly classified as a Category 1 hurricane, Sandy's strength fluctuated, with its most powerful phase occurring as it passed over the Caribbean islands.

A Destructive Journey

Sandy's path was notable for its trajectory along the U.S. East Coast, skirting Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. A cold front from the north forced the hurricane to veer northwest, leading to a catastrophic landfall. The storm's timing coincided with a full moon, exacerbating the tidal surge to 11-12 feet in New Jersey and New York. Sandy's remnants dissipated as they moved into Canada.

Unprecedented Scale

The storm's diameter exceeded 1,000 miles, astonishing meteorologists with its vast reach.

The Toll of the Tempest

• According to Eqecat, a forecasting firm, Sandy's damage in the U.S. was estimated at $50 billion, making it the second-costliest storm in the nation's history after Hurricane Katrina.
• The death toll surpassed 133, with the majority of fatalities in the U.S. and Haiti. In Breezy Point, Queens, NY, 100 homes were destroyed by fire in one of the hardest-hit areas.
• Power outages affected over 4.8 million U.S. customers. The New York Stock Exchange closed for two days, and some residents faced weeks without electricity.
• New York's subway system was inundated, paralyzing public transportation.
• New York City's costs exceeded $55 million, including recovery efforts and infrastructure repairs.
• Fuel shortages in New York and New Jersey led to gas rationing and long queues, reminiscent of the 1970s.
• Over 12,000 flights were canceled, and major New York airports shut down during the storm.
• The affected regions saw countless fallen trees.

For a more detailed account of Hurricane Sandy's impact, the National Hurricane Center provides comprehensive reports and statistics on the storm's path and aftermath. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers insights into the recovery efforts and assistance provided to the affected areas.

The National Hurricane Center and FEMA are valuable resources for understanding the scope of Hurricane Sandy's impact and the ongoing recovery process.