Key Information for NYC Hurricane #Sandy

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LAST UPDATED:  Tuesday, October 30, 11:40 am Eastern Daylight Time. Here is some helpful information that I will be updating through out Hurricane #Sandy...

Highlights.

  • Over 80 homes destroyed/damaged with a fire in Queens
  • High rise crane collapsed on 57th and 6th Avenue in Manhattan.  FDNY is still trying to secure.  No significant damage yet.
  • NYU Langone Medical Center evacuated about 215 patients last night to area hospitals.  This was due to a failure of the power back-up systems.  Several other hospitals in NJ and out on Long Island had to evacuate as well.
  • Worst storm in the 108 year history of NYC transit. Many tunnels/stations still flooded and potentially affected by salt water.
  • Airports still closed.  Unknown timeframe for opening.
  • Power outages are widespread and the worst ever.  In some areas, expect outages from 3-7 days.
  • Official taxis can now pick up from anywhere in NYC and pick up multiple passengers on the way. 

A couple notes:

  • Use 911 ONLY for life-threatening emergencies.
  • If you see a wire down, don't go near it and don't touch it.  Call 1-800-75-CON-EDISON or 311.
  • If you see a tree down, text 311692.  Trees may still fall, please be careful!

Volunteering:

  • Many people want to do something.  I will work on this over the week.
  • NJ has opened up a volunteer hotline to register people willing to help.  They likely do not have assignments just yet.  I am unsure of NYC.

Social Media.  Here are some helpful social media accounts to follow during the storm:

Hashtags

  • #Sandy
  • #Frankenstorm

Local Social Media

Flooding.  Following the storm, flooding will likely be pervasive.  Do walk or drive into ANY area in which you can not see the surface!  Flash floods may also occur.

Shelters.  76 shelters are available all over the city and can be found using the evacuation zone finder.  They are wheelchair accessible and are pet-friendly.

Subway, Rail, and Bus Closures.  Restoration may take at least 3 days.  Buses may begin operating sooner.  For updates visit:http://www.mta.info.

NYC Schools.  Closed for Monday, October 29, Tuesday, October 30 and Wednesday, October 31.

Parking and Meters.  NYC Department of Transportation has suspended Alternate Side Parking Regulations and payment at meters citywide for Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30..

Tunnels and Bridges.  Nearly all bridges and tunnels are closed due to wind and water conditions as of 7pm on Monday, October 29.  Lincoln and Midtown Tunnels may be open.  All bridges, except for those in the Rockaways, will be open by Tuesday, October 30 at 12pm.

Parks and NYC Facilities.  The following are closed as of 5 p.m. Sunday, October 28.

  • All City Parks
  • All City Playgrounds
  • All City beaches - Surfing is prohibited at all beaches throughout the course of the storm.
  • All Recreation Centers
  • All Nature Centers in parks
  • Greenmarkets, citywide

Evacuation.  By order of Mayor Bloomberg, NYC has issued an evacuation order for all people in "Zone A."  To find out if you are in Zone A, please go here and input your address.  For your friends that are furry, all NYC shelters are pet-friendly!  PLEASE follow this order if you are in Zone A.   Ordered about 12pm on Sunday, October 28.

Tracking the Storm.  To track the storm, keep checking here and here.  The"eye" of the storm is not always most powerful, so expect severe weather regardless, including high winds and significant rain during the event along with flooding during and after the event.

Staying Prepared.  You should have the following at your home:

  • A few days worth of canned/non-perishable food
  • Bottled water
  • Flashlight(s) (no candles)
  • If you are in an evacuation zone AND the order has been given.  Please evacuate to family and friends or city shelters, which will be opened.
  • Keep someone informed of where you are at all times.
  • Things to do!

Life-Threatening Emergency?  Call 911.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know via email, text or phone and I will help as best as possible.

NYU is closed for Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30.