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PBS NOVA: Inside the Megastorm (November 2012)

New York Sea Grant・39 minutes read

Superstorm Sandy hits Northeast, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Residents face harrowing experiences as emergency services struggle to respond to overwhelming calls for help.

Insights

  • Mayor of New York orders mandatory evacuation due to superstorm Sandy hitting the Northeast, causing extensive damage, numerous fatalities, and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
  • Concerns arise about the increasing frequency and intensity of lethal storms like Hurricane Sandy, prompting discussions on the connection between global warming, rising sea levels, and the heightened destructiveness of such events.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the mandatory evacuation in New York?

    Superstorm Sandy hitting the Northeast.

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Summary

00:00

Superstorm Sandy: Northeast Evacuation and Devastation

  • Mayor of New York orders mandatory evacuation due to superstorm Sandy hitting the Northeast.
  • Storm causes extensive damage, with dozens dead, tens of thousands homeless, and entire communities destroyed.
  • Stormchasers provide detailed account of Hurricane Sandy's impact, including record storm surge and incredible winds.
  • Concerns arise about the increasing frequency and destructiveness of lethal storms.
  • Tropical storm Sandy forms in the Caribbean, becoming the 18th storm of the Atlantic season.
  • Predictions from European weather center indicate Sandy will deviate from the normal course, heading towards the Northeast.
  • Sandy intensifies into a category 2 hurricane with sustained wind speeds exceeding 110 mph.
  • Sandy's path towards the Northeast is influenced by unusual meteorological conditions, including warm Gulf Stream waters.
  • Sandy transforms into a hybrid superstorm, combining with a nor'easter to create a devastating impact.
  • New York City prepares for Sandy's arrival, with subway system shutdown and mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas.

18:15

"Sandy's Surge: Chaos and Resilience"

  • Sandy's storm surge intensifies as it absorbs energy from the jet stream, increasing wind speeds to 28-30 mph, leading to higher waves, wind, and inland progress.
  • In low-lying Queens, Scott witnesses the surge hitting Rockaway Beach, causing the boardwalk to shake and water levels to rise, alarming residents.
  • Despite warnings, some residents in evacuation zones like Breezy Point choose to stay, leading to flooding and damage as the storm intensifies.
  • Manhattan faces power outages as ConEd makes the tough decision to shut down lower Manhattan to prevent electrical fires due to saltwater infiltration.
  • Staten Island residents like John and his family face extreme conditions as the storm hits, with flooding and structural damage causing chaos.
  • Atlantic City experiences severe damage and record low pressure as the eye of the storm hits, leading to extreme flooding and destruction.
  • In the Rockaways, residents like Shatia and her children are trapped by floodwaters, resorting to social media like Twitter for help as emergency services are overwhelmed.
  • Lower Manhattan faces catastrophic power outages and flooding as the Hudson River breaches its banks, inundating critical infrastructure and leaving millions without power.
  • Breezy Point firefighters, despite their own challenges, manage to rescue trapped residents and make their way back to their flooded station to assist others.
  • Individuals like Guy Ferraro and Michael Clark face harrowing experiences, trapped in flooded cars and unable to reach loved ones, as emergency services struggle to respond to the overwhelming number of calls for help.

37:27

Superstorm Sandy: Devastation and Recovery Efforts

  • Brian and Linda, trapped in a dark attic during a storm, fear drowning as water rises.
  • Nearly 300 firefighters arrive at Breezy Point, finding chaos with ships on land and houses destroyed.
  • 8 million people lose power, the Jersey Shore is devastated, and 5,500 seek refuge in shelters.
  • Neil searches for his missing brother and nephew, finding their bodies holding onto each other.
  • Marsha learns her son Jake and his friend Jesse died during the storm, a tragic discovery by police.
  • ConEd crews work to restore power, facing challenges due to saltwater damage and hazardous conditions.
  • Life begins to return to normal in lower Manhattan after 4 days, but harder-hit areas face longer recovery.
  • Experts discuss the connection between global warming, rising sea levels, and the increased destructiveness of storms like Sandy.
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