Sandy’s Devastation… an Overview
Damage assessed, rebuilding begins from Sandy
By Kara Jessup
CNO Teen Correspondent 

As the second costliest hurricane in recorded history, according to CBS News, wrapped up its damaging trek from the East Coast into the Midwest, people began assessing the damage and beginning the long road to recovery. 

On Oct. 22, Hurricane Sandy started in Jamaica developing from an elongated tropical wave near the Caribbean Sea. It traveled through Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and eventually hit the United States.  

Nearly $4 million is the estimated cost of damage between Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Con Edison of New York reported 827,622 power outages across the five boroughs, with more than 270,000 without power in Manhattan alone. Edison has estimated that the power will be restored by November 10th.   

More than 12,000 flights were canceled due to the hurricane and three main airports in New York City were shut down for two days. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey called Sandy’s damage “incalculable”. It is estimated to run into tens of billions of dollars but is still unknown.     

Eaton's Neck, New York was in the lead for the highest wind gust of 94 mph, followed my Montclair, New Jersey with gusts of 88 mph.  

Weather was not the only factor in this disaster. A fire destroyed between 80 and 100 houses in the New York City borough of Queens. More than 190 firefighters contained the six alarm blaze fire. A fire department spokesman says one firefighter suffered a minor injury and two civilians suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. 

Strong winds were not the only thing people were worried about. The highest snow amount was Redhouse, Md. with 26 inches followed by Bowden W.Va. with 24 inches. 

Some places were issued with a blizzard or flood warning. The death toll of this massive storm is currently up to 81. 

Ohioans were also some of the many affected by Sandy. The storm brought a winter blast through Central Ohio Monday night. Rain began turning to snow before midnight as cold air was drawn into the outer bands of the hurricane. Some places in Ohio experienced 40 to 50 mile an hour winds.   

According to Fox 8, Governor John Kasich urged people without power who need help to ask and for those who can help to step up. 

“You got grandma down the street. Move her in, move her in until her power comes on. If you don’t have a grandma here, adopt one!” Kasich said. 

Many public officials have said that this is a time for everyone to come together and help out.  

As some power came back on, additional problems arose. According to Public Safety Director, Marty Flask, twenty-three active power lines were down at 8:00 a.m. and had to be guarded until they were fixed. By 5 p.m., another 21 lines appeared. Despite the challenges faced, linemen, city crews and First Emergency are working well together.    

After this devastating disaster, the East coast is coming together for the long road of recovery for their hometown. Many emergency shelters are providing a place to live for those effected by Hurricane Sandy.