Frankenstorm Sandy

[Metro]

To offer some idea of the expanse of this storm...

Predictions tomorrow in Chicago for this "weather event" (so dubbed by local meteorologists) call for 20-25' waves at the shoreline of Lake Michigan along Lake Shore Drive (fueled by 60mph winds). As of this evening the lakefront trail has been closed to joggers, bikers, etc..

What I can't understand is why nobody is mentioning the possibility of a storm seiche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiche

I experienced a seiche firsthand in 1981 while on a large sailboat tied up to a dock (we purposefully tied it off to protect the boat, and it worked) -- the water rose and fell 7-10+ feet or so in 20 minutes due to the wind pushing water from E to W across the lake. Which is the sort of wind that is predicted from hurricane Sandy.

:blink:

[clay]

Clay, hundreds of thousands have lost power, so be patient, this is going to be a long night and even longer week. Have faith that your friend is alright.

hey my friend...yes, I do have faith. She has some health issues..so worry about her without power, etc.
I know it may be a day or so before I hear from her...:(. She will call me or text me just as soon as she is able to...thanks everyone..

[Trey339]

Wishing the best to anyone being effected by this,,,

[Ginger]

My neighbors were just over for a couple hours. We watched TV and snacked and they brought their white English bulldog, what a love. One of them is from North Carolina and knows hurricanes well. She said the loud gurgling of my kitchen sink pink is normal, as is the lapping of the water in the toilet, and how low that water level is. The subways are out tomorrow too, and I won't be going to work tomorrow. The wind is really, really loud. There's an occasional siren and unbelievable lightning, but I'm among the lucky ones who haven't lost power. The wind is so loud I can barely hear the TV at times.

[stargazingboi]

and there goes the power

[BrutalDaddy]

Power went out here for first time since I've been parked early this afternoon. Back on now though but lordy did it feel like a Green Lanten moment when sky went green from a transformer blowing. Lol.



Brute.

[Corkey]

Night line has a crew here and they will be reporting from the library.

[Hollylane]

After spending time with Gaige on the way to work, on her first break, and for her half hour lunch, I do feel better...Her excitement at every big gust is so fun to hear, that she may be wearing down my worries...I love her spirit, fearlessness, dedication, and the way she soothes me...I also love that she doesn't get annoyed with my worrying about her. :stillheart:

According to the forecast for her area, there are still some big gusts and sustained winds on the way, but I hope that they are no worse than those seen in Baltimore already. I also hope I can get some sleep and not be up and down all night looking at the news.

I hope that those bearing the worst of this storm are safe, warm, and in contact with loved ones.

[Kobi]

Has everyone checked in? I see Alex from RI hasnt been back yet. Hoping he isnt floating around in the Pawtuxet River again.

Seems there are others unaccounted for too but my brain cant find them. Anyone? Bueller?

[Martina]

God bless all the first responders and the people helping their neighbors and just all the people in the cold and the dark. I hope tomorrow doesn't reveal too bad a scene.

[Heavenleahangel]

Thank God we faired off well in the storm! We have power, cable and no damages so far. I havn't been out to the yard yet. The news is showing our school district is still open today! (That is a relief!!) I hope everyone is safe and damage-free.

[cinnamongrrl]

I came across one downed tree on the way home...with power lines etal attached..they had blocked off the road on the OTHER side of the downed tree... Once I got past it I had to go through cones to get to where I was going....brilliant....
When I got home we had no power....but Teddy and I were outside enjoying the moon coming through the clouds and talking about our days when the lights suddenly came on :) Our power guys didn't mess around this time. Last year at this time we went an entire week without lights. Fun times...it was like indoor camping...lol

[clay]

I heard from my Balto friend. She had fallen asleep for 4 hrs. and called me last night.
Around 130am the rains and winds were increasing and storm was nearing where she lives. So I am hoping that she still has power .There was a Level 2 ban for them until 1200noon today.
She is worried about her beach house, too!!
Anyway, was relieved to hear they were all okay as of oh dark thirty this am...:)
Thanks for all who check in...
I have an appt. here in about an hr. so I have to scoot...
Wishes for safety and power for everyone...

[Tommi]

nycbbwfemme & BB are in the midst of it.

Hope you all are well. CNN sights and sounds are of the superstorm hitting hardest ever in NYC.

Jersey too. . Power out allll over the coast with wind chills.


Must be a lot of east coasters not here. Members on line was at 24 last night.

[-Red-Flag-]

well, its a work from home day no power at the office ..just heavy rains and winds for me here.. kept power and cable all night.. I am currently watching the news of NY and NJ.. I hope everyone is safe and people keep checking in thru the day..

God bless all.

[RockOn]

Heads Up Everyone!

Hey Gang,
LeftWriteFemme is ok. I had contact with her a few minutes ago. Her power and Internet connection are both off. Sherrie asked me to post this message for her here at BFP to let everyone know she is alright.

THANK THE GOOD SPIRIT!
Brock

[-Red-Flag-]

Has anyone heard from ocean ..nyfemmbbw stargazing ??

Just worried about the peeps..

[JAGG]

I hope all our eastcoast friends and family have made it though the worst!!!!! Hang in there friends help is on the way!!!! I watched a news cast this morning showing Oklahoma is sending hundreds of trucks and equipment and volunteers to restore power and remove trees and debris, and help access the damage. It showed a big convoy of elec co. and gas and tree trimming trucks heading your way. It also showed trucks stocked with fresh water and donated non pershiable foods and clothes .The news clip said many other states not effected by the storms are doing the same.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

[~ocean]

HI EVERYONE >> i just got my electricity back .. only a few homes did .. I want to thank all of u for your concern and ((((((((((( strong )))))))))) ty for all your support ..... there r trees and live wires down everywhere where I am.. the storm whipped arpund Bostons Bay and it snacked us . w/ 82 mph wind gusts .. the beach below me haslost its walls and the ocean is pouring into teh streets .. again TY :))))) strong i adore u ..

[~ocean]

((((((( island ))))))))) be safe grl .. i'm very worried about u . plz keep us updated if u can .. if u need help plz ask .. message me ..

[Parker]

I hope all our eastcoast friends and family have made it though the worst!!!!! Hang in there friends help is on the way!!!! I watched a news cast this morning showing Oklahoma is sending hundreds of trucks and equipment and volunteers to restore power and remove trees and debris, and help access the damage. It showed a big convoy of elec co. and gas and tree trimming trucks heading your way. It also showed trucks stocked with fresh water and donated non pershiable foods and clothes .The news clip said many other states not effected by the storms are doing the same.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

I also saw on the news here about help - not just with food and emergency supplies, but they mentioned how a lot of the big construction projects around Seattle have gone on hold as the crews head to the east coast to help with the clean up and repairs there.

It's incredible to watch the country pull together to help each other out when the shit hits the fan like this. :)

[Nomad]

hurricane sandy

great phenomenal power
itty bitty impact at my house

my sincere thanks to the powers that be for that fact - especially since there were storm surges to 9 ft just 90 minutes south of here.

[Sparkle]

All appears to be well in Western MA: isolated communities with power outages, but despite the high winds we never lost ours. Isolated trees down. No flash flooding here. **huge sigh of relief**

Sending lots of love to all those still battling through this; stay safe! Especially those of you on/near the shore and those in the lower east side -- wishing you all a speedy recovery, don't go out if you don't have to.

[-Red-Flag-]

All appears to be well in Western MA: isolated communities with power outages, but despite the high winds we never lost ours. Isolated trees down. No flash flooding here. **huge sigh of relief**

Sending lots of love to all those still battling through this; stay safe! Especially those of you on/near the shore and those in the lower east side -- wishing you all a speedy recovery, don't go out if you don't have to.

Glad to hear you are ok :)

[~ocean]

you know w. NY: s devastation there will be a movie ..

[alexri]

Has everyone checked in? I see Alex from RI hasnt been back yet. Hoping he isnt floating around in the Pawtuxet River again.


Thank you for asking.. I am here... and I am very lucky.

Just went outside to check out the damage. This summer I had a new fence installed around my pool; fortunately that is fine. The rest of the fence around my house is gone... I can see part of it on the ground and I can't figure out where part of it went. House is okay. I can see trees down in the street, dangling power lines.

Last year in Hurricane Irene, a cluster of my neighbors and I lost power for over a week. Everyone else got theirs back on 5 days before we did because we had a special transformer that blew and the power company couldn't get to it. Well, this time, the cluster and I barely lost power, and I can hear several generators running in the neighborhood around me. I really lucked out this time. Just checked on some neighbors and offered them all the extra ice I made and storage space in my fridge/freezer.

I am a mile from the ocean here, and I can walk to the beach. I know there are houses over there under water. If we hadn't lost so many trees already last year between Hurricane Irene and the Halloween snowstorm, this would have been way worse. And the electric companies here were under such scrutiny from last year's storms that there's no way they were going to drop the ball this time.

Coastal RI/MA is an absolute disaster. NY/NJ was nailed. I'm seeing the Facebook posts/photos from friends, not good.

It is going to continue to rain/thunderstorm here today but the worst regarding the winds is over. My work is open so I've gotta get up and get going.

I swear there was a note under my car windshield that said- "After what I did to you last year, I figured you deserved a break this year. -The Hurricane Guy"

[The_Lady_Snow]

((((((((((((((EAST COAST)))))))))))))))))

[Sachita]

I went to check on everyone (the dogs and structure) at 2:30am. The wind was unreal and I'm in southern VA. I can't even imagine how awful it was for my friends in Jersey. I have one friend who has horses right where there was impact and have not heard from her yet.

A lot of people don't have power and it may be days before we hear from them.

[alexri]

And don't think of me as shallow/single minded when I say this- it comes from being a part of the racing community and of course we are not overlooking the loss of life and property damage from this one--

The New York City Marathon is this coming Sunday. It goes through the 5 boroughs and ends in Central Park. It's one of the three most elite marathons in the nation (Boston and Chicago being the others). Between the damage, the canceled flights, the disruption of public transportation... if they pull this off it will be one of the crowning examples of recovery and I hope it will give a lot of NY residents a sense of hope and strength. Over 30,000 people would be traveling in for this race, and there are typically over a million spectators.

[stargazingboi]

In one piece and power has been restored..hope everyone else is ok

CT got hit hard and several lives lost..my thoughts are with all in the east coast and hoping safe.

I'll check back later

[Parker]

I heard from a few of my family in and around Reading, PA - some have power and some dont, but all are well, safe, and in good spirits.

I hope everyone else is the same or better. :)

[Ginger]

I'm okay and a lot luckier than other folks in the region in New Jersey and Staten Island and boroughs that have lost power. The elevator in my building is down and I'm in the 9th floor but I'm going down to the garage now to make sure it isn't flooded and check on my car.

The subways are flooded, up to the platform at many stops. All the tunnels except the Lincoln are closed, going in and out of the city. All the bridges are closed. Some roads have reopened but most aren't. Utility crews are coming in from Texas and California. Millions have no power. Schools are closed, of course. The city is really frozen.

[BrutalDaddy]

Woke up this morning and truck is still upright. Wind has died down a little but still rainy as hell here.

I sincerely hope everyone is okay out there.


Brute.

[LipstickLola]

Snowmegeddon :blink:

Glad to see folks checking in. Power is on/off in these parts.....way more fortunate than my friends up north.

[-Red-Flag-]

I am glad to see people sporadically checking in..

[DapperButch]

We slid right under the radar on this thing. We didn't lose our power and no trees came down. Per my neighbors, my weeping willow "made a mess with many branches down, but nothing hit the house".

Very lucky. Some friends have no power, but no one we know had any serious, serious damage, fortunately.

We are also down to a Level 1 driving ban, which means you can drive, but with caution.

Thanks for the support and concern from everyone. :)

-Dapper in Delaware

[Tommi]

Has anyone heard from ocean ..nyfemmbbw stargazing ??

Just worried about the peeps..


Couldn't reach nyfemmbbw by phone.

[nycfem]

Just a quick note to say BB and I are safe and sound. Thanks for some of the check-ins that I missed. Luckily BB is out of town for work in Michigan and I am uptown on second floor apt. with my kitty cats.

[JAGG]

And don't think of me as shallow/single minded when I say this- it comes from being a part of the racing community and of course we are not overlooking the loss of life and property damage from this one--

The New York City Marathon is this coming Sunday. It goes through the 5 boroughs and ends in Central Park. It's one of the three most elite marathons in the nation (Boston and Chicago being the others). Between the damage, the canceled flights, the disruption of public transportation... if they pull this off it will be one of the crowning examples of recovery and I hope it will give a lot of NY residents a sense of hope and strength. Over 30,000 people would be traveling in for this race, and there are typically over a million spectators.

Don't get your hopes up friend. I think that will be the least of their worries.

[Tommi]

Just a quick note to say BB and I are safe and sound. Thanks for some of the check-ins that I missed. Luckily BB is out of town for work in Michigan and I am uptown on second floor apt. with my kitty cats.
Thanx..phew

[Jess]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?

[Tommi]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?
or feminineallure? or AbbyCrabby, MissEntycing, ?

[Ginger]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?

I know that Cheryl lives in a low-lying part of zone A in Brooklyn. I'm pretty sure she would have had to evacuate but maybe she will check in when she has power and confirm. I have a feeling Maryoosa lost power, but I don't know b/c we aren't in touch but I do know where she lives and it is a place that is out of power pretty much.

[Dance-with-me]

I'm still in Baltimore and things are great here - didn't lose power and no damage - but when they open the bridge I'll be going home to Delaware where my house is without power, many large branches are down in my yard, and my garage and basement are flooded. I have no idea of the extent of the damage yet.

[Parker]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?

I know that Cheryl lives in a low-lying part of zone A in Brooklyn. I'm pretty sure she would have had to evacuate but maybe she will check in when she has power and confirm. I have a feeling Maryoosa lost power, but I don't know b/c we aren't in touch but I do know where she lives and it is a place that is out of power pretty much.

Cheryl popped up on my "latest rep rec'd" list about an hour ago, so she was at least on-line for a while this morning. :)

[Kobi]

Has anyone heard from Semantics?

[Dance-with-me]

Just found out that my house has power back, the garage and basement did NOT flood, and there was minimal if any damage. YAY!!!!!

[-Red-Flag-]

If anyone with driving distance of me needs anything.. Please give a shout.. I will do what I can..

[-Red-Flag-]

If anyone with driving distance of me needs anything.. Please give a shout.. I will do what I can..

Nomad, you so funny .. No I wont bring you a cup of sugar for your pie..


:D

[Chancie]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?


Has anyone heard from Semantics?


Or Turino?

[Sparkle]

Or Turino?

I've seen him on facebook, he's home and it seems he and his family are safe and well (or as well as one can be if you're there right now).

[MissItalianDiva]

Really hope everyone is ok. My hometown did not fair well and there was a couple folks who lost their lives. Looking at these pictures being sent to my cell and I am completely in awe. Luckily my mother and family are fine just upset and tired. Hope everyone is able to stay warm and safe

[MsMerrick]

I am fine, have power even :)

[MsMerrick]

Following people that I know about are good :)
Turino, KnightAngel, Heart, ..
Although I haven't spoken to BB and NYCFemBBW, but since they are only blocks from me I am sure are fine..
Jarmitz is good..in Connecticut . I am on Facebook more than the planet tis true :) Ask and if I know, will tell you what I know about people in thgis area...
Upper part of Manhattan did not lose power, nor were. at least nor was I, in a flood zone, so the flooding you all saw, was lower Manhattan..but also some parts of Queens and Brooklyn :(
Anyone who lives below 35th street in Manhattan, is without power :(
The eastern part of Manhattan sustained the most flooding, far as I can tell.
I would worry about Maryoosa.. ;( hope she checks in soon.. They live in Staten Island and that was hard hit. Cheryl, I sent a text.. no idea if she is ok or not :(
Do check this link for photos that are photoshopped...
http://www.snopes.com/photos/natural/sandy.asp


Ok, just heard from Cheryl, she is without power, 6 " water in house..cats and cycle ok.. but she is ok, otherwise

[JoSchmooze]

or feminineallure? or AbbyCrabby, MissEntycing, ?


I saw that AbbyCrabby posted on the zombie thread this morning....
I believe that she's ok - she had some Excel class to go to this
morning at the crack of 8 am........

[Glenn]

Well Folks, I am here in my shack, on a dune, near the beach, at the tip of Lake Michigan. The northwest wind just clocked in at 45 mi.per hr., and wave height is currently pushing in here at 25 ft. My goofy cat daughter Baby is swaying about twenty five feet in the air, in the crook of a tree. If these waves get any higher here, I will be joining her.

[stargazingboi]

Well Folks, I am here in my shack, on a dune, near the beach, at the tip of Lake Michigan. The northwest wind just clocked in at 45 mi.per hr., and wave height is currently pushing in here at 25 ft. My goofy cat daughter Baby is swaying about twenty five feet in the air, in the crook of a tree. If these waves get any higher here, I will be joining her.


I heard it was effecting many people out that way. Stay safe!

[Corkey]

I'm up, cat is being a clingon, large branch in the yard, did not loose power, needs coffee. Still coldnrainy. Glad to hear folks checkin' in, really need coffee.

[starryeyes]

Thinking of you all! Be safe! Hugs!

[~ocean]

SGPcDiiFhRs as I lye in your arms .. it was a bumpy ride my love ......

[Mr. Moon]

Northern MD here. Eye of the storm went over us. Power went out but came back late evening, miracle.
Parents out of power still and it's cold so took them my electric ceramic heater, they have a big generator but no heat.
Trees in the neighborhood down, one house got hit and she evacuated.
I did well, considering, and much better than the last two storms left me.

Glad to hear from everyone! Still worried about the mountain snows and people getting snowed in.

xo, ya'll!
-Mr. Moon

[clay]

Now my friend IS without power and the latest news says her area 8 miles or so from Balto....the next 12 hrs. will be critical . 28,000 are without power where she is. And apparently she can't get texts either...:(
My sibling and his Cat Team is on the ground in Raleigh... heading into NYC and NJ...ohhh boy....stay safe, please...
Vigilant prayers ...:vigil: for everyone still getting this storm....and all those affected.....:praying:

[DapperButch]

Road past my house since tantalizing had to head up to work (kind of an emergency thing), and I wanted to go with her in case she had any trouble getting up there driving wise. Anyway, on the way back we checked on my house. Lots and lots of branches down, but nothing I can't cut up and pile into the back of my SUV to take to our community yard waste drop-off site. Fortunately the site is close by, as it will be a few trips.

[chai~]

hoping everyone is safe and sound~

[Canela]

I'm glad to hear and see many check in here...the tv shows all the broken, flooded and damaged. I'm so glad to hear our friends are alive, faring well and with power, even. So glad for all of you in the hurricanes path, outer bands and others, all survivors! I'd been praying and believing....yay!

[alexri]

Semantics posted on Facebook that she is okay, no house damage or flooding, but power outage and spotty cell service.

[Kobi]

What about desd and Bard? She prompted me to buy all this junk food. LOL.

[Corkey]

I'm eating the stuff, personally, nutin' goes to waste!! :) Off to empty the tub...

[WingsOnFire]

Unkle Bard and Desd were ok last night DamonK said... I just texted them both to see how they are tonight. Anyone hear from NYFemme and BB?

lol.. update already.. Bard and Desd are fine.. just rain and wind..

[-Red-Flag-]

I'm eating the stuff, personally, nutin' goes to waste!! :) Off to empty the tub...

Me too, I ate my hurricane meal tonight.. PB&J on wonder bread !!

[ruthie14]

Checking in.... Mom and I miraculously had power with two on/0ff losses, no tree damage, no flooded basement like Irene, just branches in the back yard and 2 full days of quality time. lol Bella was nervous for about an hour just about when the eye was about to pass. Pretty much stayed on or beside one of us during the whole business. We are very, very lucky! Some neighborhoods near me have trees down, electric out, etc. One friend and her two young adult children, will have now power till Sunday. Her neighbors in back of her have power so they have run an extension cord about 100' so she can keep her fridge up and running. They have a fire place to help keep warm. I offered for them to come sleep here, but they would rather be home. Her two children are special needs and don't do well away from home.

Hope is all well with everyone! Glad to hear from so many that they are ok!! This storm was something else. Sandy is a angry, bad tempered thing!!!

Keeping all the people near the great lakes in my thoughts and prayers.:praying: Sandy is a coming and she is NOT a nice young lady!!!

Hugs to all,
Ruthie

[JoSchmooze]

Well Folks, I am here in my shack, on a dune, near the beach, at the tip of Lake Michigan. The northwest wind just clocked in at 45 mi.per hr., and wave height is currently pushing in here at 25 ft. My goofy cat daughter Baby is swaying about twenty five feet in the air, in the crook of a tree. If these waves get any higher here, I will be joining her.


I could have sworn I checked in here about an hour ago......chicago area is clocking winds 40 - 60 mph......
and it's cold too...Only about 29 degrees which feels like
9 degrees to me!
Rumor has it that there may be snow by Thursday ......
But it damned well better wait until after 5 pm so I can get back home to
Arizona and my critters for a couple days......

:cigar2:

[Ginger]

I feel so lucky to have been spared the power outage and flooding and destruction of the storm.

Last night my next-door neighbors and their English Bull Terrier came to visit and watch cable. The wind was so loud we couldn't hear the TV. I feel like I'm repeating myself. If I am, I apologize.

Tomorrow I'm venturing out. No real plans. Thursday and Friday I might try to get to work, if it's expected of me—the busses will be sort of running, and I went online to see how I could patch together a bus ride to work. It would take about an hour and fifteen minutes, including a 22-minute walk between busses.

Of course, every day more bus lines go back up and in a few days the subway might be running.

This is boring, so I'll stop.

I'm watching Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The lights in the windows of the building across the street are sort of comforting, they're already familiar.

[Bard]

we are all good here in Syracuse we had a day of rain and some pretty good winds never lost power and I did not get called into work Desd and I spent the evening with our pups by the fire a good cuddle night with the sound of the rain. our thoughts and prayers are with htos who are and were effected by the storm

[Girl_On_Fire]

Here in Connecticut, we never lost power or Internet in the area where my family and I live. We're lucky the only thing that happened was a tree fell down in our backyard. Other parts of the Northeast are faring much worse. :(

[aishah]

i'm really grateful folks are checking in. thinking of you all. <3

i have some friends who are trapped in lower manhattan without power, water, and with intermittent cell service. one of them is on a ventilator and can't be moved, and people are taking shifts to try and charge his ventilator battery across the street at the fire department. but it's a pretty scary situation and they could use your prayers. their names are nick and alejandra.

[pynkkameleon]

I am so in awe of the incredible force of nature. I feel so far away and helpless here in Alaska and am quickly reminded that we are all subject to facing our own disasters at any time.

I am beyond thankful to hear word that all of you who have checked in and our own families and friends have come through this and are at least safe. The destruction will take so long to rebuild. Many years in some places but seeing so many people come forth to render aid to strangers, some of whom have have faced their own tremendous property loss yet are setting aside their own personal grief at those losses, is a reminder of how we can all come together in times of need. Aid is coming from all parts of the world, caravans of helping hands and supplies are making their way there to you all, even from here in Alaska.

I have been sitting here all night and day, as I also awaited word from loved ones, wondering what I can do to help. It's a helpless feeling.Giving blood if needed and donating money, clothes and goods are the most obvious things but I also realized that being there to lend an ear and reach out to give emotional support is so important as well. In the days to come, the shock of what has happened will hit many. Within our community, I see you all coming together together to give this support and love to one another and it reminds me of how blessed we all are to have the Planet to bring us together. It's a beautiful thing to me and makes me so proud to be a part of such an incredible community that is filled with so very many amazing people.

I appreciate you all so much. I am thankful to know that you are each okay and safe. My heart goes out to you.

I am here should any of you need anything that I am able to give.

Love, hugs and many good thoughts,

Vonni

[Martina]

Like everyone, I am concerned about folks left stranded, especially in places like Hoboken.

Scary thought -- all the people whose cell phones have no charge who might need to call 911.

Not scary -- wonder what all those formerly plugged in people are doing? Playing cards, talking to each other, partying in stairwells? I bet there will be a bunch of babies born 9 months from now.

Edited to add -- Oops -- can't remove the don't flame me -- I was gonna post a few more suppositions about what people might be up to and thought better of it.

[Martina]

http://images.politico.com/global/2012/10/121030_sandy_satellite_reu_605.jpg

[SmoothButch]

Laerkin & I are safe.

The lights flickered a couple of times but we kept our power throughout. I am grateful because this could've easily been a hundred times worse.

My thoughts are with those and their pets that have been negatively affected by this storm.

[Martina]

Yeah, the pets. Been thinking of them too. :(

Did you see all the people commuting into the city this morning?

The complaints about the commute made me realize what hell I went through last year, commuting across the Bay Bridge after coming down from the north on I-80, the fourth worst commute in the United States. What some of them went through would have been a daily thing for me had I not left the house by 6:15AM.

Still it looks like it was a rough morning for folks. Hoboken still has water in the streets -- from the pictures. Man. Hoboken. Not the city you want without power for a week.

http://media.al.com/wire/photo/11786498-large.jpg

[MissItalianDiva]

Geez....thought I clicked Frankenstorm Sandy thread a min ago but was reading something completely non related so I scrolled up and realized it was "ask a trans person" thread...well after trying to piece the puzzle together I am awake.

Really glad everyone here seems to be safe ...hope everyone has power and is able to stay warm.

[aishah]

nick and aleja are doing so-so, they've gotten some extra batteries i think so his ventilator is lasting longer, and they have people planning to cover shifts to charge the batteries for the next few days. they're working on getting some pca care for aleja since all of their resources have been taken up trying to keep nick's ventilator on. fdny tried to force them to evacuate but it seems like they have been able to stay where they are since nick can't be moved (thankfully the paramedics agree and did not try to evacuate them). thanks to paypal and a LOT of driving back and forth, they now have 36 hours of battery time instead of 3!

still waiting to hear from a few other friends - hoping it's just that their power/internet is out and nothing is seriously wrong.

i'm so grateful my partner (in virginia) is okay - they only got some rain and wind where he is, nothing too serious.

thinking of you all with love.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Safe and sound in western Jersey. No power, heat or internet, but they say we may have them back in 7 to 10 days......I'm hoping sooner! Thanks for all the support everyone! I don't know when I will be able to get back online, but I will be thinking about all of you!

[firegal]

Glad to hear so many folks are ok...thoughts and prayers to all those affected by Sandy.

[LipstickLola]

It may only be Oct. 31 (a lil while longer anyway) but it's ok with me if it doesn't snow anymore this fall/winter!! :blush: Was without power/internet etc for a short amount of time, my parents are without now, 400,000+ homes affected still but hope to be restored by Sunday. Schools are closed in various areas state wide still, and more remote areas have yet to be visited by National Guard/EMS/other emergency workers.

So thankful to be warm and dry this Halloween night. Trick or treating was cancelled til tomorrow.

Been catching up on photos from NJ, NYC, and it's so heartbreaking, almost incomprehensible the shear devestation. I'm also very thankful for the storm warnings and preparations, thus giving us time to gather the things we needed and for those who needed to get out of town.
I will never ever be complacent again.

Happy to read of those checking in and glad you are all ok!
Lola

[MsMerrick]

Heard from Maryoosa ... They are ok. power just came back on...

[LeftWriteFemme]

The world is a warmer, brighter place. I was really worried, it's gotten quite cold out, happily I came home to lights and heat! My prayers and thoughts are with everyone who is in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of this storm!

[Ginger]

Uneasy tonight, sad for the people without power, as the night gets colder. My friends in Manhattan and Queens are fine. We can't get to each other, though. The days alone without contact except my new next door neighbors are starting to get to me but I have power, lights and cable, I have no legitimate complaints.

Still, this uneasy feeling.

[ruffryder]

News is a Nor'easter will be there next week! I hope they get things stable and electricity and heat to these people soon.

Thanks everybody for checking in and thanks to everybody offering support and help in this tragedy, first responders, medical workers, national guard, firefighters, law enforcement and all the people coming from miles away and across country to help get things back in order. Be patient NY and NJ; help is coming. I hate to see the looting happening in NY. It pisses me off. . and people being rude and inconsiderate about trying to get some transportation, pushing and shoving. Please people be patient and love your neighbor.


you know w. NY: s devastation there will be a movie ..

I think there are several of them already. :(

[alexri]

And the New York City Marathon is still on this Sunday.

And I have very mixed emotions about this. And ultimately I think it should have been postponed or cancelled.

My friends will be running a mile away from where bodies were just found. They will have food and water handed to them miles away from where people have no heat, electricity, food or water. There is a pasta party in a heated tent tomorrow night, powered by rented generators that could provide electricity to 400 homes.

I know many, many people who have deferred to next year and are not going. They heard how people who had no homes left were being asked to leave hotels because of marathon reservations and they couldn't fathom it. One friend was on the phone with her airline, who canceled and refunded her flight, and mentioned how many people had been stuck in DC or elsewhere and were just trying to get home.

But I also have friends who live in the area, who still today have no power in their homes, no water, no heat, even one that had a tree fall on her car. And she is running because it is for her own sanity. It is her way to tell this storm that it didn't get the best of her or her city. She has never missed her race and she said that going is the one thing that has kept her hopes up. Another friend fundraised in memory of her husband who was killed in Iraq, they were supposed to do the race together when he returned from duty.

Some friends are taking the race transportation to key points, taking the free water/food they get from their race fees, and are going to bail from the race and hand the food to people who need it.

Sadly there have been threats made against the runners; people threatening to throw rocks at them during the race.

I know the argument from the mayor's office and from some officials is that this would bring unity to NYC and inspire people; that it would show NYers are resilient, but... it seems foolish when there are so many people in need of shelter and food. Some also said this would raise the city's hopes like it did after 9/11. Only thing is, that was 7 weeks later, not in the same week.

The argument has also been raised about the amount of money this race brings into the city ever year-- 350 million dollars. While it would help the economy, I think it's a slap in the face to all those are waiting for help. I do have other friends who said they would still go to NYC, whether the race was held or not, so they could support the city financially and volunteer where they could.

There will always be another race. I wish all the energy people are spending online in fighting over this was spent helping those that need assistance. NYC needs to heal and this does not seem to be the appropriate way to do it.

[easygoingfemme]

Alexri,
I completely agree. I can't imagine how much money is going into just the things like security to close off streets, not to mention the blatant disregard for what is happening all around them. Kicking folks out of the hotels because runners have the rooms booked? Unreal. I know people train for years to get to the point of running the NYC marathon and it would be a disappointment to them if they called it off/postponed it but seriously? Like you said, there will always be another race. If they're all going to descend on NYC, descend on it to lend a hand. However, I'm going to be equally disappointed if rocks are thrown at runners or other forms of revolt against them. When does action like that ever improve a situation?

[easygoingfemme]

Here's a local news piece on those who are not evicting evacuees for runners:

http://statenisland.ny1.com/content/top_stories/171675/si-hotel-owner-refuses-to-evict-evacuees-to-honor-marathon-runners--reservations

[Kobi]

News is a Nor'easter will be there next week! I hope they get things stable and electricity and heat to these people soon.


Another one? Seriously? Better turn off The Wild Wild West, watch the news, and hold on to the hurricane food.

Its frustrating to watch what is happening in all affected areas. For all our supposed nationwide disaster readiness, we just really suck at providing people with the basics of what they need, when they need it.

[alexri]

Finally, they postponed/canceled the freggin marathon.

Now divert all the cops, volunteers and resources back to people who need help.

[easygoingfemme]

Yep. Good call.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/NYC-Marathon-canceled-4004345.php

[Stitch]

Hoping everything gets worked out soon and the people who need help can get it as soon as they can. I am actually headed to NYC next weekend.

[girl_dee]

my thoughts are with everyone here who is experiencing the aftermath.

Being from New Orleans we know all to well what it's like.

Also lots of thoughts and pain are with those in Haitii and everywhere who had so little to begin with.

[Ginger]

Alex, Thank you for organizing the arguments around this. I posted on FB that maybe since the marathon brings over $300 million in revenue it is a good thing, but soon two friends got my ear and one was upset that I was supporting it and the other, just pissed off. Now I understand the issue a little more deeply. Scout



And the New York City Marathon is still on this Sunday.

And I have very mixed emotions about this. And ultimately I think it should have been postponed or cancelled.

My friends will be running a mile away from where bodies were just found. They will have food and water handed to them miles away from where people have no heat, electricity, food or water. There is a pasta party in a heated tent tomorrow night, powered by rented generators that could provide electricity to 400 homes.

I know many, many people who have deferred to next year and are not going. They heard how people who had no homes left were being asked to leave hotels because of marathon reservations and they couldn't fathom it. One friend was on the phone with her airline, who canceled and refunded her flight, and mentioned how many people had been stuck in DC or elsewhere and were just trying to get home.

But I also have friends who live in the area, who still today have no power in their homes, no water, no heat, even one that had a tree fall on her car. And she is running because it is for her own sanity. It is her way to tell this storm that it didn't get the best of her or her city. She has never missed her race and she said that going is the one thing that has kept her hopes up. Another friend fundraised in memory of her husband who was killed in Iraq, they were supposed to do the race together when he returned from duty.

Some friends are taking the race transportation to key points, taking the free water/food they get from their race fees, and are going to bail from the race and hand the food to people who need it.

Sadly there have been threats made against the runners; people threatening to throw rocks at them during the race.

I know the argument from the mayor's office and from some officials is that this would bring unity to NYC and inspire people; that it would show NYers are resilient, but... it seems foolish when there are so many people in need of shelter and food. Some also said this would raise the city's hopes like it did after 9/11. Only thing is, that was 7 weeks later, not in the same week.

The argument has also been raised about the amount of money this race brings into the city ever year-- 350 million dollars. While it would help the economy, I think it's a slap in the face to all those are waiting for help. I do have other friends who said they would still go to NYC, whether the race was held or not, so they could support the city financially and volunteer where they could.

There will always be another race. I wish all the energy people are spending online in fighting over this was spent helping those that need assistance. NYC needs to heal and this does not seem to be the appropriate way to do it.

[Ginger]

Finally, they postponed/canceled the freggin marathon.

Now divert all the cops, volunteers and resources back to people who need help.


I am relieved.

[alexri]

I am relieved.

So am I. And I can feel a little for the people who are on flights right now from the west coast and around the world to find it canceled and they came for nothing. But it is way worse for those who don't have homes to go back to anymore, or who lost family members.

I hope you are doing okay tonight Scout.

And I'm hoping that storm on Tuesday/Wednesday turns out to be much of nothing...

[kittygrrl]

a Brother and a Sister-Donate during the Telethon

1-800-HELP NOW

or at

www.redcross.org

[Martina]

I heard the last half an hour of the telethon on the radio. They all played so well. I hope there were a lot of donations.

[Tommi]

HAs anyone heard from CherylNYC or maryoosa?

or feminineallure? or AbbyCrabby, MissEntycing, ?

FeminineAllure was in the dark and cold and has relocated temporarily.

I know Abby and Miss E are okay as they have posted, so, the lights are on. and I think Cheryl and maryoosa are noted as present in the rollcall.
and now my 2 cents....
Yes, I am all for canceling the NYC Marathon. Had they said the Marathon would be postponed versus canceled the rile and vile may have been less.

Some say it's time to rally and recover. The time for coming together for athletes to race or to help those who are suffering.47,000 athletes running, foot traffic while people are wet, cold, suffering and mourning is not going to help them get back to normal. The neighborhoods hit so hard close to the starting line and handing out bottled water to runners. Absurd, to heat the marathoners tents in Central Park while Staten Island shivers and is thirsty.

Wondering if anyone has a new project in the wings?. If one is in the clouds, in the dreams and the near future Verrazano bridge , where rescuers are still going door to door, when the police and generators are needed for rescue to those without heat and water.

[dykeumentary]

I feel bad for these people too. But here's the thing, if the asshole mayor had taken on look at damage on Tuesday, like the rest of us did when we awoke from the storm, he'd have cancelled it then. It was politics and greed that kept him from making an appropriate decision. He continually harkened back to Giuliani's decision to run the marathon after 9/11 but that was seven weeks after that horrid event. This wasn't even a week later. King Bloomberg is an asshole.

It's about capitalism, not personality.
If someone believes that "the market" is the solution, the decision to have the race makes sense.

The problem is that people only reconsider "resource distribution" during times of crisis. I hate capitalism every day.

[aishah]

nick and aleja's power is back on!

was reading an article about folks who use ebt not being able to buy food because of the lack of power in many areas...saying a prayer for them and everyone in shelters and elsewhere who are unable to buy or cook food during the aftermath of the storm. and for all our queer/trans* family who may not be able to find safe space in shelters.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Thanks to this huge storm, I was able to vote today! So there it is the only up side to this whole nightmare.....

[stargazingboi]

My thoughts go out to everyone still effected by the power outages. As New England prepares to get hit again with another storm, which promises to set delays on the recovery efforts because of the expected snow and ice.

Stay safe

[NJFemmie]

JUST got my power back after 6 days.
Our area was hit with a lot of wind damage, downed trees and power lines.
We drove around the day after and found that just about every block around us sustained some sort of damage. We were lucky. No flooding, no house damage - just lost our power.

We were fortunate than most - we had gas and hot water, and our gas lines are not as outrageous as it is up north. Anyone needing gas for their cars and generators should consider driving south if they can.

http://bit.ly/U1XsuO

The above link is for anyone needing to know PSE&G's work schedule for their town.

I hope everyone affected is okay and safe.

[*Anya*]

Please, if you can, donate to the Red Cross to help the victims of the devastation of Hurricaine Sandy.

It is so simple: either Tweet #SandyHelp; text Redcross 90999; 800-435-7669 or go to www.RedCross.org.

Any amount, no matter how small, helps.

Your money provides water, hot meals and shelter for those that have lost everything.

My tweet to donate took less than one minute.

[ruffryder]

City was handing out emergency food stamps today.



Food and fuel are scarce. I hope people are able to get what they need. I know others from around the country are still coming out to assist in what they can.

People needing assistance and those wanting to help should check out the FEMA (http://www.fema.gov/) website.

Sending light and hope to all those still affected and recoving.

http://www.yearsoftears.org/images/301_candles_for_1985.jpg

[CherylNYC]

Thanks to everyone who asked about us. I don't know why I avoided looking at this thread until now. Hurricane Sandy wasn't particularly kind to me, but she was far more destructive to some of my neighbours. I live in Red Hook, Brooklyn, which is very much in the A flood zone. I evacuated with my vehicles. My electricity was restored a few days ago, but some of the other houses on my block are still dark. My boiler, which is as old as I am, was fully submerged. I have a few electric radiators running in the house, but it will be quite awhile before I have proper heat again.

I feel quite fortunate. Having lost bikes and a car in a Noreaster that flooded my Manhattan neighbourhood in '92, I'm particularly sensitive about the possibility that any vehicle of mine might become submerged in salt water. I had the foresight to move three bikes to higher ground, (FZ1, R6 track bike, and EX500), but the rest of the disreputable bikes in my backyard which were in various stages of disrepair will never run again. They were submerged under 5-6 feet of salt water.

Goodbye to Gertie, the '82 650 Seca which I bought for more than she was worth from Byron and Alan before they succumbed to AIDS at a time when there was no treatment and no hope of long term survival.

Goodbye to the adorable little 250 Yamaha of unknown provenance which my late gf Caren bobbed. I thought it was the most ridiculous project she could have undertaken until I saw it. SO CUTE!

Goodbye to the engines on the FZ1 parts bikes that I thought would keep my current FZ1 running forever.

Goodbye to a large box of parts for the R6. Most are simply unsalvageable.

I'm feeling particularly lucky to not be saying goodbye to all the sculptures that were stored in a structure at the back of my property. A fast moving, 5 foot wall of water washed through that house, knocking the boxes full of my life's work over willy-nilly off the milk crates which I thought might keep them safe from a flood, onto their heads and fronts before they were completely submerged. I was sure they must be utterly destroyed, and I couldn't make myself open the crates until today. It seems to me that I really can save some of them.

New Yorkers are the most wonderful and amazing people on earth. I was surprised by volounteers who knocked on my door to offer their help today. They're just regular folks who mobilised to bring water and supplies to people who needed the help. They also were offering basement clearing help to people in my particularly hard-hit neighbourhood. I felt strange and guilty to be using the resource since I'm always the one who rescues other people. It took me a moment and some hard swallowing before I could say yes to the offer. My house took 8 inches of water and the crawlspace was pretty grisly, so the help was very welcome. And I would have had a lot of trouble making myself open those crates if my new friends hadn't been there to mobilise me. New Yorkers really do shine in a crisis.

I'm not complaining because I feel so lucky compared to some of my neighbours who lost everything. I'm glad everyone here seems to have weathered the storm safely.

[Tommi]

Thanks for posting the positive side of New Yorkers pitching in.
Unreal, some of it must be surreal, and so very real . Best wishes on a speedy disaster recovery

[NJFemmie]

https://www.facebook.com/sandynjrelief

The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization chaired by First Lady Mary Pat Christie to help New Jersey communities rebuild and aide in the relief effort. Thank you for your support. We are strong and resilient. We are proud New Jerseyans.

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/nj1015.com/files/2012/11/etsy-630x467.jpeg

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/nj1015.com/files/2012/11/funtown-jai-agnish-flickr.jpeg

http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://e.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/seaside-heights-destroyed__oPt.jpg&sa=X&ei=aLSXUPf7EdDI0AGgiYH4BQ&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHQZKogd9aJNg5wKvIKm2qXbc2fOg
http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/US/abc_seaside_heights_roller_coasters_sandy_thg_1210 30_wmain.jpg&sa=X&ei=m7SXUIqdGKSI0QGMt4DgDQ&ved=0CAsQ8wc4GQ&usg=AFQjCNFkQUh7PEj-0chQtNLgwTtKsOXwyw

[NJFemmie]

Staten Island NY is devastated.

http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://media.salon.com/2012/11/superstorm-sandy.jpeg7-460x307.jpg&sa=X&ei=QLWXULOJPPHV0gHe_YHwCA&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHaMjq2w5zuTu3i0XoDSIthjP5jrA

http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://c498390.r90.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/StatenIslandPic3-920x517.jpg&sa=X&ei=orWXUJ-1McXF0AGtz4DQBA&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNEo3cPlskxE-stS1TeSUPHJDjvfBw

[NJFemmie]

Long Island, NY devastation

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8142100008_b2db1864ac.jpg

http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/article_slideshow_slide/public/2012/10/31/new-york-flooding-hurricane-sandy_4.jpg&sa=X&ei=ibaXUJmLHabp0gH_k4DwBA&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNGUIoIXB3ejTZ8a7HT4PTWkyx3hDw

[MsMerrick]

Fire Island.. Devastated. Rebuilding
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151230109412398&set=a.274867352397.144533.111471012397&type=1&relevant_count=1

Polling relocates in NY
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/171796/decision-2012--poll-sites-relocated-due-to-sandy-damage

[NJFemmie]

I've been out of power since the storm, so I am seeing the devastation for the first time. I am floored. In my area, we were spared considering the amount of damage elsewhere in the state and in New York. All of my family lives up north, and they are still out of power and struggle to get gas for their cars and generators. Some are having issues with water and general supplies. Some of Mare's family is still without power and something simple as food is hard to come by.

I bitched and moaned about not having power, which was a struggle in itself, but seeing the aftermath humbles me to no end. Now I see why utility resources were sent north at the onset of this storm. Hearing the news on a radio does not compare to actually seeing the images.

It is peaceful and quiet here. There is a constant sound of chain saws working around the clock - and obviously evidence of storm damage all around us, but we are not having the same issues as most. It's hard to come by certain supplies here, but for the most part, my area is up and running. There are no lines to get gas. Supermarkets, fast food chains and general stores are all open and operating. We have little or no flood damage in our area. Keeping all of that in mind, it's hard for me to imagine going through what a lot of people have experienced because of this storm, and for that, my heart cries for all those affected.

Earlier I posed a link that the Governor of this state created to help victims of the storm. Please repost wherever you can (Facebook pages, twitter, etc...) and please spread the word so that the little things - ice, dry ice, water, food, blankets, batteries, medical supplies - can be sent to those who need it most.

[ruffryder]

Now they are urging those without power to get out! There is a Noreaster coming in. There is still currently 900,000 people without power and it could be some time before it is restored and take more time with this storm coming in.

121 people dead from Sandy in 9 states. :(

Please everybody listen to the warnings and get out if need. Stay safe!

[Heavenleahangel]

I just heard about the storm heading our way this Thursday. I am upstate, just north of Albany. Being inland I am a little more shielded from the storms that come in from the east. I offer my home and any other help I can be to my fellow Planet peeps. I hope everyone is warm, fed and safe...