OCTOBER 26, 2012 12:32 PM
Hurricane Sandy Could Wreak Major Havoc On City and State: Top Official to Gov. Cuomo Warns
BY KEN LOVETT
Hurricane Sandy has the potential to be one of the worst storms in New York City history, with major flooding and sustained winds of up to 80 mph for at least 24 hours, says Jerome Hauer, Gov. Cuomo's Division of Homeland Security commissionerr..
New York could face even worse storm surge flooding than was anticipated during Hurricane Irene last year and the evacuation of parts of the city susceptible to flooding could be possible, Hauer said. Such decisions could be made by mid-day Saturday, he said.
“If we get the right-sided winds, that’s a worst case for New York City,” he said. “We’ll know more later in the afternoon.
Power outages are likely throughout the state as high winds cause tree limbs to topple, he further warned.
“Sustained, not gusts, sustained (winds). …for 24 hours will do extraordinary damage to trees because they’re like sails right now they still have their leaves on so they hold the wind and they snap easier,” he said.
The weather services are calling Sandy a “worst-case” storm, Hauer said.
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While FEMA is recommending people to load up on three to four days of supplies, Hauer said the state urges seven to 10 days instead. People should focus on perishable items, including water, he said. And he urged they start buying as soon as possible.