Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sandy: A Hurricane of Epic Proportions



 Photo Source: Good Morning America Facebook page--a morning after the storm rainbow
A quick post to let you all know we survived Hurricane Sandy!  We were very fortunate that our neighborhood in Brooklyn suffered very little damage and that we still have electrical power. My brother and sister-in-law, and my three nephews that live in communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island are among the 90% of Long Islanders left without electrical power.
 Photo Source: The Atlantic

Much of New York City has lost electrical power...

Photo Source: The Atlantic
 ...as the storm surge poured into all the Boroughs of New York City last night it left a path of destruction.
Photo Source: The Atlantic

Do you remember my blog post (click here to read) about the charming Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park?  Last evening the East River overflowed its banks and it was almost submerged.  Sadly, the beautiful little neighborhood of Gerritsen Beach, that I blogged about on this post, was almost entirely destroyed by flood waters.

Photo Source: The Atlantic

The seaside communities of Breezy Point, and Rockaway, Queens (see this post) were severely flooded and suffered many fires. The community of Long Beach, Long Island, and City Island were left almost unlivable without electricity, water, and sewer service. I heard that communities in Staten Island had Katrina like rescues last night, as houses became submerged to the roofs by flood waters.  If there was one lesson learned by all with this storm is that orders of an evacuation of low lying coastal areas is important and not something to be ignored in future storms.
Except for minor basement flooding, roof and siding damage, broken tree limbs, and spotty power outages, my Brooklyn neighborhood did OK. We were so very fortunate!

My heart goes out to those whose families suffered the loss of life and property and business damage. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere thanks go out to the first responders who worked tirelessly through the storm, risking their own lives to help others.

Thank you to all who e-mailed, called, and left messages on facebook to see how we were doing! I really appreciate your love, concern, and friendship!
Bookmark and Share

70 comments:

Donnie said...

You all were in my thoughts and prayers last night too. We lived in Pt Pleasant Beach for a while so were interested in how they fared. It is still hard to watch the pictures on TV. Take care.

Vee said...

So good to know that you are well. (Not sure that your brother is going to like how you refer to him. ☺)

My sister on Long Island says that the generators are humming, the fireplace is crackling, and the sirens are blaring from her home.

Hope that services will be restored as soon as possible to those without power and that the city can be righted again. The loss of life is the saddest of all, of course.

Yes, God bless those who worked through the night as first responders. A community couldn't do it without them.

Stay safe now...don't get venturing too far just yet. Don't I sound like an old Mother Hen? Well I am!

Vee said...

And I'm not sure that my English teacher is going to appreciate my misplace modifiers, but I'll not fix them.

Nellie said...

I am so glad to know that you are well today, Pat. So sorry to see all the devastation caused by Sandy, and sending prayers for everyone who is so deeply affected by this storm.

Hugs,
Nellie

Sweet Woodruff said...

Thank you for sharing your news. It's good for us to know what is going on. Thinking of you. (thanks for a wonderful blog too).

Pamela Gordon said...

I am so glad to hear that you are safe from this terrible storm. I was thinking of you and praying for your safety as well as that of the whole city. I don't have a satellite dish so don't get any American news shows and there is only limited coverage on our local networks so we don't know how really bad it is. My prayers continue for all involved and affected. God bless!

Lacey R said...

Glad to hear you are safe. I watched all the coverage on TV last night and couldn't believe how bad the storm was!

Snap said...

I've been thinking about you and am delighted to see your post and know all is well with you. One thing I've learned living on the Gulf Coast -- if you are told to leave ... LEAVE! Hugs----

Sheila said...

Good to hear that your neighbourhood was spared! I was wondering if some of the lovely parks that you've shared with us were damaged and thought of you as we were watching the news last night and this morning. Thanks for letting us know that you are fine.

Barbara F. said...

Pat, I was shocked to see Gerritsen Beach. My little development here was spared, but just a few miles away houses are underwater and half a million residents are without power. My power went out around 9:45 PM but came back up at 6 AM. Phone service is out pretty much. Small price compared to some. Sending prayers out to all affected. xo

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Thank you, Pat, for letting us know you are fine. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered such tragic damage throughout the region...my prayers too.

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Evening Pat, I am so pleased to hear you are safe and well and that you suffered very little damage in your area. We saw it on the tv here in England and we felt desperately sorry for everyone involved. For those who lost their lives, for those who lost their homes and livlihood, it's so very sad. We are thinking of you and sending our prayers to you all. Take care, Daphne

Tanna said...

So glad to know you are okay, Pat. My heart goes out to all those who have lost so much. blessings ~ tanna

Paula's Postings said...

Glad to hear you suffered little damage Pat. I have been following the storm on the tv and the devastation it has caused is huge. My thoughts are with you and the many people who were not as fortunate.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm so glad to see your post and know that you are safe. I am very sorry for all of those that have suffered damage and it is heartbreaking to see photos of the things you have shown us in your posts damaged now or ruined. Stay safe my friend. God bless. Hugs, Diane

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Pat, I am so glad to see this post. I have been thinking about you for the last couple of days.

I am happy to hear that you are ok and praying for those that have lost so much.
Hugs,
Penny

Old Kitty said...

Oh Pat!!! The updates here on the BBC are just so distressing! I am so so glad you and your neighbourhood are ok - oh but look at the carousel - I so remember your post about it. And also Breezy Point.. the nature reserve!!! Oh my goodness! :-(

I hope the worst is over now. I hope Sandy's wrath now subsides. Please continue to be safe!! Take care
x

Chatty Crone said...

Oh the devastation looks awful. It is hard to even imagine. I am so sorry. I am glad you survived safely. sandie

Arlenesfelt said...

Thanks, Pat for a timely and helpful post. We have family along the Eastern Coast . So glad that they, land you, are safe. Excellent photos.

diane b said...

I was worrying about you when I saw the TV footage, I am so glad to hear this morning that you are okay and not too much damage in your neighbourhood. I wonder how this will affect your house sale. My thoughts are now with all the poor people affected. I can't help thinking how cold they must be without power.

podso said...

Thankful to read that you are all fine where you live. What a blessing for you. Have thought of you often in that house that you want to sell soon. The devastation looks incredible. Love that rainbow photo. Thanks for sharing it all.

Susie said...

Pat, So glad to know you are safe. It breaks my heart for the loss of life ....and all the property damages. So sad. I felt like I wanted to cry all day. Blessings to all who need help. take care,xo, Susie

Sarah said...

Pat, so happy to see this post and know that you are safe with no damage. My heart goes out to all who have lost property to this storm. Beautiful photo of the rainbow!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Glad you all are okay, Pat... I remember those blog posts you did from so many of the damaged area. That is so very very sad... Makes me cry. Mother Nature can be so cruel...

Thanks for the update...
Hugs,
Betsy

Michelle said...

So very glad to hear that you survived in a positive light!!!

pam said...

Giving thanks....I kept wondering about you all day. I kept reading news stories and seeing so many pictures...I am stunned. I can not imagine the next few weeks and all the damage to public transportation for a city so reliant on it...STUNNING. And the MASSIVE trees that fell...WOW. Praying with you!

ellen b. said...

I just got back from 4 days away from tv and internet and was wondering about you in New York. I'm happy to hear you didn't suffer any damage. My niece and her husband and baby are without power or running water. Katie and Andrew were spared any problems with the storm in North Carolina. The photos are so devastating. I'm praying for everyone effected and for the first responders! Blessings...

GailO said...

I am so glad to read that you are safe and sound...the news coming from NY and NJ is simply heartbreaking! We have been lucky here too but all along the coast there is devastation:( The power of nature in wind and water is amazing.

The Gathering Place said...

What a scary time for all of you. I'm glad you were spared the damage and we pray for those who suffered. We seem to forget just how powerful nature can be. Your photos are amazing.

Betsy Brock said...

Glad you're ok! The stories on the news are heartbreaking!

Judy said...

So glad all is well with you and yours! WE watched covergae of the atorm for hours yesterday...and wondered how you were faring. Incredible...the devastation!
My heart goes out to all who are affected...and my prayers are with those who are working tirelessly to aide and assist. Blessings! Judy

Jenny said...

You have been in my mind all day!

I'm so glad you are okay.

My prayers for all of you continue.

Pondside said...

It's so good to know that you are alright and safe. The news from your part of the world is terrible - such destruction and loss. I hear that it will be in the billions of dollars to bring things back to normal.

steviewren said...

I'm happy to see that you escaped the worst of it. It's so sad to see the damage that nature can inflict. I hope everyone's life can begin to return to normal soon.

Lovella ♥ said...

I ever so thankful that you are okay and can now begin to look forward to clean up. I was glued to CNN watching all the coverage. Having been there a few summers ago I feel so entwined with your beautiful city.
Thinking of those who did not fare so well. Devastating.

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

I'm so thankful you're safe and sound. Such devastation to your beautiful area.

Ola said...

good to hear that you are ok! I saw it on TV and it looked horrible!

Blog about life and travelling
Blog about cooking

Marina in Blue said...

I'm happy you are safe, I hope your neighbors can recover their normal life I've thinking of all of you and I've worried a lot. Hugs from Spain

Marina

Catherine said...

Glad to hear you are OK. I was concerned and thinking about you. Thank you for the pictures.

eileeninmd said...

Pat, I am so glad you and your family made it thru the storm safely. My heart goes out to all those who have lost so much due to SANDY. The photos are just amazing. Take care and I am sending my prayers.

Tracy said...

You were in my thoughts & prayers yesterday, Pat...and I am relieved to see you posting here. I hope your brother and family will get their power back soon. I was so worried yesterday. My own family in PA technically in the danger zone. They are OK. It is a relief. My heart breaks for all the loss and damage this terrible storm has cause. Look at that rainbow though... have to keep love and hope alive. :o) ((HUGS))

My name is Riet said...

Thank goodness you all are alright. You were in my thoughts all the time Pat. WE have seen it all on TV and I have been worrying so much. I feel so sorry for all the people that were not so lucky and have all that loss and damage.
Have a good day my friend.
Riet

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Dear Pat, my heart aches for all the people in New York, and the poor people in New Jersey. They are saying the Jersey shore will never be the same. My daughters boyfriends family live 3 1/2 miles from Point Pleasant Beach. So devastating. Right now on the news are gas fires popping up from the round where houses use to be. Prayers to all.

Sue said...

Pat, I'm glad to hear that you made it through this storm with just a hiccup. I am in awe of the devastation that Sandy left along her path. I hope that recovery will be swift and that people will be able to get their lives back together soon. Keep safe, my friend~ Sue

Anonymous said...

My cousin and his wife living in NJ are still without electricity and cold, but they're fine Thank God. Glad to know you're fine too. Take care.

La Petite Gallery said...

Renee and I were watching TV and were lucky it passed Midcoast Maine. This is awful. I have called my cousins in Bayside
and Hamptons and center Moriches.
Everyone is OK.
Glad all is safe with you.
yvonne

Jeanne said...


Good morning Pat, I saw your message on FB and I was so relieved you are ok and that you still have power. With the pending sale of your home I am thankful 'especially' that damage is minor. It is still upsetting just the same.

I too am so sad to hear about all the surrounding areas with devastating damage and destruction. We are still in Florida and our daughter and I were talking about people not leaving when they should. A tragic mistake re: Kristina.

I pray that you are able to get the cleanup done soon as well as for so many who are in dire need.

Take care Pat,
xo, Jeanne

Beverly said...

I am so thankful to find this post here. My prayers continue. Take care, Pat.

Yvette said...

Terrible, terrible losses for so many, Pat. Luckily all I had to deal with was the loss of electrical power which went out Monday evening and just came back on this morning. Hardly worth noting compared to others.

I'm so glad you and your family are safe and sound, Pat.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I am SO relieved you are okay!!!

I can't believe all that has happened. My best friend from high school lives in Queens, and she has been keeping me posted. She has power thankfully.

My heart goes out to those who got slammed. I'm just so thankful you are okay, my friend.

Love to you and yours...

XO,

Sheila

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I'm so glad you are okay Pat. I kept up with you on Facebook. Those photos of the city are just amazing. Sandy's eye went over our old houses in the Bahamas before she headed your way. We are very familiar with power outages and hope everyone's life will be back to normal very soon. The wait for the power to come on is awful. I bet you are looking forward to your new home out west about now :)
Sam

Esther Joy said...

I thought about you as I prayed for all of you in the path of the storm. I am so glad to hear you are okay.

Mary said...

Pat~ The rainbow was such a beautiful symbol and welcome sign to see. I'm so glad to hear you had minimal damage and didn't lose power. My heart goes out to those who have been displaced and suffered loss.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You are so fortunate, Pat! I'm so glad you are okay because I heard parts of Brooklyn weren't. Devastating photos! So sad for so many. My heart goes out to all who lost so much.

Rettabug said...

You've been on my mind, Pat, as you're one of the very few people that I know who live in NY! I am SO glad to hear you & your home were spared.
I'm worried about Cuisine Kathleen, as she lives out on Long Island. I'm not on FB so if you get word via that site that she is okay, will you let me know, please?

Hugs & Prayers for all involved,
Rett

annie said...

Hi Pat,
I hope things in NY get back to normal soon.
I live on the Jersey shore and things here are very bad right now.
We will all make it through somehow.
Hugs

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm so happy to hear your good news that you are okay! My prayers continue to be with those affected by the storm. Stay safe!

Betty said...

Yes, I've been thinking about you the last few days. I'm so glad you were able to post and let us know what's going on. You're so fortunate that your neighborhood did well. Yes, it's the people in low areas along the coast lines that need to get out. We learned with Rita that the rest of the people need to stay put and let the ones in mandatory evacuation areas get out. It's the storm surge that does the most damage and takes the most lives. Although things look bleak right now in New York and New Jersey I have no doubt that those areas will come back. It will take time, but a visit to other areas that have been hit in the past will show what can be done. After Ike I thought Galveston was finished, but I was so wrong. It just takes time.

They've been showing a caravan of trucks from our electric company that left on Monday for Virginia, but were told to head for NJ instead. They're only getting there today, so it does take time to get everyone in place so the work can begin. Hopefully, the lights will start coming on soon. It breaks my heart to see the Jersey Shore on television. I had so many good times there growing up.

Unknown said...

Hi Pat,

I am so glad that you are okay. I have been watching the news and so many of the towns that are destroyed make for a heavy heart. I grew up in Long Island and lived in New Jersey. So many beautiful memories and so much heartache for the people going through this. I worked downtown for four years, I can't even imagine what it was like to endure this storm.

We have been fortunate here in this part of Massachusetts. I have family and friends in some of the regions hit hard.

You have been on my mind, and I am so glad that you are okay.

Karen

Unknown said...

Pat,

I just linked to the posts that you wrote about today. I always have admired the work you have put into this blog. When the aftermath of this storm has settled, perhaps you might entertain the idea of writing a book about I remember before Sandy. You have a keepsake here that would be priceless to so many people.

I can't tell you how happy I am that you are okay.

Karen

From the Kitchen said...

It is so very sad to see the devastation. One can only imagine what those involved are going through. It is good to hear that you have sustained minimal damages but I know you have family and loved ones who are in the worst of it all. It makes me feel good to see so much help on the way and such a focus on doing what needs to be done. I know the comeback will be long and arduous but Americans are so resilient! Take care and keep letting us know how it all is going.

Best,
Bonnie

Cucina49 said...

So glad to hear that you're well and the damage is minimal. Hopefully your Long Island family now has their power back.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Great post, I think Sandy surprised many people. I hope that the recovery proceeds quickly.

Lea Ann said...

So glad to hear from you. I can't imagine what you've been through.

Anonymous said...

Happy to know that you didn't sustain much damage in the terrible storm that hit your area. I lived through Hurricane Andrew when it hit Florida and the distraction that it left behind. I feel for everyone that is having to deal the the aftermath of Sandy. Take care.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Shocking photos but relieved to know you are OK. I sent you a twitter message earlier in the week to ask how you all were but maybe you didn't get it with all the power problems and so on. My heart goes out to you and everyone there. IT must have been terrifying. xx

Jocelyne said...

This is so sad. I hate those storms, they destroy everything ! You must have been so scared during the storm, I'm glad to hear you did ok and have electricity.
I don't comment very often but I love your blog, it's very interesting and your photos are always beautiful !
Take care !

Annesphamily said...

My prayers continue to be sent for all involved in this terrible tragedy! We are so happy you are safe but it is a bittersweet happiness because of so much loss of life and the terrible destruction. I am praying for your family too that are without the basic needs most everyone takes for granted. God Bless each one of you.

Linnea said...

I'm so sorry to see so much destruction that this storm left behind. Your photos really get the message across very well: you can't stop the powers of Mother Nature. Thank you for visiting my blog and leading me here!

Just a little something from Judy said...

I am so thankful that you and your husband were spared excessive damage and like you, I hurt so much for all those I see daily on the news reports, that were not. I appreciate all of your many pictures and the ability to go back and read your past posts of all the many places that were affected. I also learned from your report of what you learned from Sandy, after going through a storm of such magnitude. Thank you so much Pat for sharing. This was another one of those most informative posts that you share frequently on your blog.