<p>Here’s a really interesting page about Sandy’s size and power: [Hurricane</a> Sandy’s huge size: freak of nature or climate change?](<a href=“http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=2293]Hurricane”>http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=2293)</p>
<p>garland is correct, my knowledge of how far inland flooding on South shore of LI occurred, was predicted in 2009 to occur with a category 4 storm and the resulting surge from the ocean. Those areas inland with 5-6 feet of water from Sandy are about 10 miles from the ocean front.</p>
<p>Re/ cat 4 storm: the weather channel was clear before the storm that hurricane categorization would not accurately predict the damage level of this storm for a few reasons. First, the storm hit on a full moon as others have pointed out so tide levels were predicted to be at the highest high level of the year. High high tides are typically much higher than average high tides. Most folks don’t know that high tide level varies with the phase of the moon and I think seasons, also tho I don’t recall the logic or mechanism - there are spring and neap tides or something - anyone know the drill on them? So the storm hit at the highest high tide time. The storm also did a grind up the coast thing instead of hitting and flowing inland. The dome of water at the center of the hurricane (nice image Garland) occurs because the low pressure at the eye sucks the water up. Yes it’s like a tsunami at the hurricane eye. And the “dirty” side of the storm is north and east of the storm as wind also pushes water up ahead of it. This storm was far enough out to sea so that when it turned and came inland it pushed an especially large amount of water ahead of it. </p>
<p>Weather watchers noticed the very low pressure at the eye and the predicted high high tide. Then in addition to these dire factors they also noticed the cold air offshore that would feed into this storm like a Nor’easter - a cold rotation. So boom you had a hurricane hitting at the highest high tide tucked inside a Nor’easter.</p>
<p>Hurricane force level is measured by wind speed. This thing’s damage wasn’t going to be about wind speed. It was going to be about tide levels and water. Coupled with sea level rise.</p>
<p>Tides are really important in this storm. Another thing to understand is that high tide doesn’t hit at the same time all up and down the coast. The shape of the shoreline is important and the tide rises at different times as you go up the coast. Hence complex tide tables to read for boaters. It’s very not simple stuff. My understanding is Sandy hit at the highest high tide in NY harbor and then when it hit Long Island north shore it did it at that high high tide, too. </p>
<p>A hurricane in a Nor’easter at high high tide with sea level rise and dense development on the barrier islands and estuarine coasts. River water hit that dome of water when the tides were very high. That’s a lot of water as so many folks found out. And that’s why it wasn’t the force of the winds that would predict the amount of damage this storm would do.</p>
<p>Don’t minimize the wind damage however. In our little part of the world – west central Fairfield County – the damage that kept roads shut for days and the power out for more than a week was all trees toppling in the high winds. More than one person has told me that this was the first time they ever felt scared in a storm – and with good reason. There are trees on top of houses (and everything else) the likes of which we have never seen in our memory …</p>
<p>First time unemployment claims were way up this morning - Sandy blamed. Number was +78,000</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>Yes, here in Westchester it was primarily tree damage also. It seems like at least once a year we have at least one big storm, it’s a wonder any trees are left. There are a few streets I’ve seen were 4 or 5 huge trees that were probably planted in the 1920 are toppled. The amazing thing is how few actually have fallen on houses. And the good thing about 1920s houses is that they are so sturdily built that the damage is usually minimal.</p>
<p>Anyone post this yet? Its a hoot
[‘LIPA</a> Style’ Video Chides Company’s Storm Response - Great Neck, NY Patch](<a href=“http://greatneck.patch.com/articles/lipa-style-video-chides-slow-company-s-response-time-after-sandy#youtube_video-12129762]'LIPA”>http://greatneck.patch.com/articles/lipa-style-video-chides-slow-company-s-response-time-after-sandy#youtube_video-12129762)</p>
<p>Here the NYTimes editorial board explains how a big government is necessary to fix all the problems. Unfortunately, people are still without power and food. But I’m sure the government will get there shortly.</p>
<p>Outstanding, Jym!</p>
<p>anyone in NJ care to volunteer for shore cleanup next weekend?</p>
<p>[Jersey</a> Cares](<a href=“http://www.jerseycares.org/JC_Sandy_Relief]Jersey”>http://www.jerseycares.org/JC_Sandy_Relief)</p>
<p>I was planning to head to Keansburg this morning to do rip-outs, but a friend drafted me to drive a van to pick up some furniture from retired couple who’s giving up their NJ apartment and wanted to donate it to Sandy victim. Not quite as physically rewarding as ripping out waterlogged drywall & insulation, but will benefit a single mom who lost everything in Manasquan.</p>
<p>Looks like I’ll be doing similar on LI this week. With some turkey in between.</p>
<p>We have been helping with clean up and supplies on LBI.<br>
On an easier “way to get involved”, a local business woman on LBI (think a multi generational business that is alway supportive of community efforts and hires many of our teens for summer jobs) has had significant damage to their home as well as their business. </p>
<p>When far flung friends have expressed concern, one regret she voiced was that she has lost to wet/mold a significant post card collection from many countries & US states that she had gathered over many years. Many friends have responded and passed along her loss, so that now going to her (temporarily relocated post office) mail brings a ray of happiness into her day. </p>
<p>Anyone wishing to add to send a postcard, please PM me for details!</p>
<p>Reporting in from our severely damaged house. Even the insurance guy was surprised we’re still living here. Roofs still need repair. One is up, at least to keep out the rain, but without insulation and drywall, it doesn’t keep out the cold. Missing a few windows too. Three other parts of the house still need major roof repair.</p>
<p>No one is running over to our house to do any clean up or ripping out broken drywall. We pay builders to do that. It’s just not the photo-op like some places where whole communities were flooded or damaged. Already I’m sick of living with this dust and clutter and cold. Terrible for me to say, but I’d feel better if someone else had this happen to them too. Anyone out there get a 250 year old oak tree, diameter 42", land diagonally on top of their house?</p>
<p>limabeans, I’ll let you know if my husband sees anything like that when he’s inspecting houses in New York the week after Thanksgiving! He has five inspections lined up for now and will probably be doing more. He does like the fact that what he does will help people get money quicker. It’s hard work, though, so I don’t envy him.</p>
<p>limabeans, I’m sorry.</p>
<p>Limabeans, my house is ok but one of my Co workers had her roof blow off and she said one of her walls blew away afterward. All of her stuff was ruined and she rents instead of owns.she also works from home so has had to work in the office the past few weeks. I’m not site where her and her kids are living. Single mom.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using CC</p>
<p>Thank you for listening to me vent yesterday. I was reading the paper today about all the homes that have to be demolished. <a href=“In New York, Hundreds of Storm-Battered Homes Face the Bulldozer - The New York Times”>In New York, Hundreds of Storm-Battered Homes Face the Bulldozer - The New York Times; I, at least, have a few walls still standing. They’ve got it much worse.</p>
<p>Just heard that a young man who saved six people in Hurricane Sandy died in a surfing accident yesterday. How tragic [Lifeguard</a> who saved six from Sandy dead in surfing accident - UPI.com](<a href=“Lifeguard who saved six from Sandy dead in surfing accident - UPI.com”>Lifeguard who saved six from Sandy dead in surfing accident - UPI.com)</p>
<p><a href=“HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost;
<p>As an aside, the name “Sandy” has had a rough time of it this year, with the frankenstorm and the elementary school shooting.</p>