Hurricane Sandy

October 26, 2012 10:50 PM

"So, when we first started talking about the idea of this storm which will have far reaching effects for many along the eastern seaboard later this weekend and early next week, we were somewhat skeptical as to whether such an event could happen. It truly is an unusual occurrence – most hurricanes taking the path Sandy is currently on are whisked out to sea, with only rough surf and maybe some clouds along the majority of the east coast; but not this one – not Sandy."

Twenty-one years ago was the "Perfect Storm". Last year was Irene. This year, whether you call it Sandy or "Frankenstorm", the northeastern United States appears to be in the path of a dangerous Halloween storm once again.

The different models don't agree on the exact track, but the closer we get to the storm, the more it looks like one for the history books. Meteorologists are taking this one seriously. Basically, hurricane + nor'easter + full moon = lots of wind and water. Here are some resources that may help you track the storm, and what is going on in your area.

Weather Info: National Hurricane Center | Wunderground | Weather Channel | AccuWeather

State OEM offices: CT | DE | MA | MD | NH | NJ | NY | PA | RI | VA | VT | WV

State OEM Twitter accounts: CT | DE | MA | MD | NH | NJ | NY |RI | VA | VT | WV

City OEM Twitter accounts: NYC | Philadelphia | DC | Baltimore

Please prepare and stay safe.

posted by booksherpa (3938 comments total)

I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 11:00 PM on October 26, 2012 [60 favorites]

Thanks for putting this together.
posted by mwhybark at 11:01 PM on October 26, 2012 [3 favorites]

Immediately panic please. Buy milk, batteries, bread and gas. Maybe a generator and a chain saw. Or book a week's stay in Cleveland.

But do enjoy the hundreds of weather people explaining how you should stay inside, while standing outside. After all, everyone knows you aren't really reporting a storm unless you're out in it.
posted by Marky at 11:01 PM on October 26, 2012 [24 favorites]

If you lose net or other comms, your local public library may have such services that you can use post-storm.

Politico have a section of news and speculation on how Hurricane Sandy may affect the elections.

Wondering what the odds are on some elderly Conservative male politician shuffling onto TV and saying the hurricane is "The Wrath of God over Gay Marriage", or something similar.
posted by Wordshore at 11:01 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've been following this through the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang - e.g. Capital Weather Gang on the most recent models/scenarios as of Fri afternoon.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:02 PM on October 26, 2012

So how will this effect The Weather Channel's overpublicized plan to name Winter Storms. Will the nor'easter colliding with Sandy still be named Athena? And will this then be headlined as "The Great Atmospheric Bitch Fight"?
posted by oneswellfoop at 11:06 PM on October 26, 2012 [8 favorites]

I got some groceries
Some peanut butter
To last a couple of days
But I ain't got no speakers
Ain't got no headphones
Ain't got no records to play.
posted by Nomyte at 11:07 PM on October 26, 2012 [46 favorites]

Insert Scorpions song here.
posted by blaneyphoto at 11:12 PM on October 26, 2012 [4 favorites]

This is God's way of saying we should reduce our carbon emmisions.
posted by humanfont at 11:16 PM on October 26, 2012 [59 favorites]

The only thing I'm worried about is my neighbor's dead ass tree falling on my house. I don't know how that thing is still standing.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 11:20 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

ooh I've been waiting for this post. very well done.
Humans Built a Frankenstorm Factory, and Now We've Got to Live in It
posted by ninjew at 11:23 PM on October 26, 2012 [3 favorites]

Interesting that this could in fact affect the elections, though the states likely to be hit {sorry in advance for anyone there that I'm being analytical} are generally so blue that it isn't likely to affect the electoral college. Still, if urban port-city TURNOUT is held down, as it may well be in at least one major metro, that raises the slight possibility of an upside-down election -- you know, that thing that happened in 2000 where the popular vote and the electoral college disagreed. This is a possibility already mooted by Andrew Tanenbaum (electoral-vote.com), Ezra Klein, Pat Buchanan, and even in a guarded fashion by Nate Silver (with Romney winning the popular vote, but losing electorally, being the more likely scenario). In other words, this was being discussed BEFORE the aspect of hurricane complicity in voter-suppression efforts came up.
posted by dhartung at 11:23 PM on October 26, 2012 [3 favorites]

FWIW - The NWS is only predicting a 40% chance of tropical force (45 mph) winds along the NJ-Ny coast this Tue and Wed and only predicting about 3-7 inches of TOTAL rainfall for the same time period in the same area. You can see that for yourself by going to the NWS link that booksherpa provided.

A far less scientific approach might be to look at the headlines regarding the weather on the HuffPo. Per Irene last year I have found that the severity of the actual weather is often inversely proportional to the amount of headline space that the HuffPo is using to describe it.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 11:26 PM on October 26, 2012 [4 favorites]

[Life During Wartime (SMS YT)] [Burning Down the House (same)]

Because after that lyric snippet you know, you KNOW, it's what is called for here.
posted by mwhybark at 11:33 PM on October 26, 2012 [2 favorites]

Probability of impact in Canada: brown
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 11:34 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

I have found that the severity of the actual weather is often inversely proportional to the amount of headline space that the HuffPo is using to describe it.

Well, let's fervently hope (in a spiritual manner if you are so inclined) that's the case.
posted by mwhybark at 11:36 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

The NWS is only predicting a 40% chance of tropical force (45 mph) winds along the NJ-Ny coast this Tue and Wed and only predicting about 3-7 inches of TOTAL rainfall for the same time period in the same area.

....and depending upon where one might live in that region, flooding could still be a huge issue even if the general destructive force of a hurricane doesn't happen. Even though it may not be the APOCALYPSE STORM some think it may be, it's got a solid potential to disrupt plenty of lives for a couple days at least.
posted by blaneyphoto at 11:40 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

Go to your pile.*

What to do when all hell is breaking lose and nature is threatening to hurt you.

The 'pile' in emergency crisis speak consists of supplies and food and batteries and a radio, medicine, tools... and fresh water and some other stuff I'm forgetting right now, although a stuffed animal to hold on to is a good idea I think...
posted by Skygazer at 11:42 PM on October 26, 2012 [3 favorites]

Here is Environment Canada's latest "information statements". It's a page on the Canadian Hurricane Centre, which until now I didn't know existed.
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 11:44 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

Frankenstein makes a Sandwich
posted by Confess, Fletch at 11:48 PM on October 26, 2012 [5 favorites]

I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

I wonder if doing LSD during a 'Frankenstorm', might be an interesting experience.

Who's with me? Acid Frankenstormers unite.
posted by Skygazer at 11:48 PM on October 26, 2012 [6 favorites]

Protip: stock up on cheap votive candles and get a few mason jars or whiskey tumblers, etc. Putting a candle in a vessel forces them to burn up the wax that would normally spill, making them last longer. You can get almost a full 24 hours out of them that way. You can also carry them around more easily.
posted by clarknova at 11:49 PM on October 26, 2012 [13 favorites]

Acid Frankenstormers Unite, is definitely going to be the name of my next psychedelic jazz combo.
posted by Skygazer at 11:50 PM on October 26, 2012 [4 favorites]

The 'pile' in emergency crisis speak consists of supplies and food and batteries and a radio, medicine, tools... and fresh water and some other stuff I'm forgetting right now, although a stuffed animal to hold on to is a good idea I think...

MetaFilter User One will be okay, then.
posted by Wordshore at 11:51 PM on October 26, 2012

Here's hoping y'all on the east coast at least get some cool rainbows out of this.
posted by philip-random at 11:54 PM on October 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

FWIW - The NWS is only predicting a 40% chance of tropical force (45 mph) winds along the NJ-Ny coast this Tue and Wed and only predicting about 3-7 inches of TOTAL rainfall for the same time period in the same area.

Yeah I was watching the news today at a public venue and people were all agog thinking the east coast was going to be wiped out until they mentioned that little detail. 45mph winds and a couple inches of rain is what we call Tuesday around here.
posted by fshgrl at 11:57 PM on October 26, 2012 [13 favorites]

Damage predicted by 'the media' vs actual damage.
posted by Wordshore at 12:07 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

"One for the history books"? You think maybe a four foot blizzard, two heat waves, a "skipped" winter, derecho, and october hurricane over the course of a few years in one city might be enough to get the "climate change" concept across...
posted by eurypteris at 12:17 AM on October 27, 2012 [22 favorites]

Wondering what the odds are on some elderly Conservative male politician shuffling onto TV and saying the hurricane is "The Wrath of God over Gay Marriage", or something similar.

Hey, don't be ageist! Plenty of young Conservative male politicians saying stuff like that, you know. A few females, too.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:55 AM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

Frankenstorm or Hello Kitty Storm or whatever it turns out to be, all you coastal Bluvians take care.
posted by Purposeful Grimace at 12:58 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

Frankie's advice on the Frankensturm und drang. Hatches all battened here in Hell's Kitchen near the Hudson River.
posted by nickyskye at 12:59 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

45mph winds and a couple inches of rain is what we call Tuesday around here.

In my best Billie Holiday voice:

They call it Stormy Monday on the east coast,
but where fshgrl lives, Tuesday's just as bad
posted by flapjax at midnite at 1:00 AM on October 27, 2012 [9 favorites]

Interesting that this could in fact affect the elections, though the states likely to be hit {sorry in advance for anyone there that I'm being analytical} are generally so blue that it isn't likely to affect the electoral college.

I'll be the second person being analytical, then. Your assumption is a little too strong. Virginia is one of the key swing states (it has the closest race in the most recent 538 post - 54.1% Obama). But VA isn't a homogeneous mix; the part that Obama is strongest in are the DC suburbs in Northern VA, which are also the most likely to be hit by Sandy. Obama's other strong points are mostly on the east coast of the state, also more likely to get hurricane damage.

Further north, Pennsylvania is a former swing state and a current pretty safe Democratic state; 538 has it going 52% Obama, 47% Romney. But the key to Obama's strength here is in Philly; 3 of the 4 strongest counties for Obama in 2004 were in the Philadelphia metro (the fourth is Joe Biden's home of Scranton). I did a little quick math, and if the only effect was to reduce voter turnout in the Philadelphia metro area, there would need to be a 50% reduction to put the state back to Romney. So this is an unlikely scenario.

The third electoral-vote scenario is if Sandy pushes westward hard, into Ohio. At that point, it would hit all of PA, so it would be back in the safe D column, but Ohio is the biggest battleground; about half of the simulations on 538 have it as the pivotal state. The southeastern corner of Ohio is stronger Republican territory, so the net effect would increase Obama's chances, but the odds of the storm getting there are much lower.

I think these latter two are less significant than the overall effect. Disasters are something a President (or someone who wants to "look Presidential") responds to, and a particularly good or bad response could change the perception of the candidate nationwide. Of course, touring hurricane damage in New Jersey or whereever means a candidate isn't attending last-minute rallies in Colorado or Florida, so there's a risk-reward thing.

But just because much of the mid-Atlantic is blue doesn't mean a hurricane won't have an effect - Katrina hit nothing but solid red states, but had it been in 2004 instead of 2005, Bush would almost certainly have been a one-term President.

Anyway, enough wonkery. Hopefully this storm passes with no significant impact for you folks out on the East Coast. Batten thy hatches!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:09 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

45mph winds and a couple inches of rain is what we call Tuesday around here.

I read this in Raul Julia's voice
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:09 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

Protip: stock up on cheap votive candles and get a few mason jars or whiskey tumblers, etc. Putting a candle in a vessel forces them to burn up the wax that would normally spill, making them last longer. You can get almost a full 24 hours out of them that way. You can also carry them around more easily.

and if you're on lsd, it's easier to swing them around, making pretty trails...
posted by ennui.bz at 1:11 AM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

That "trough" in the article blew through Illinois last night. There was intense rain, and the temperature dropped about 35 degrees in two hours. So even without the hurricane, you East Coasters have a mess headed your way. Combined, they'll be like some kind of nasty weather pliers.
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 1:43 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

As someone who's been through a terrible hurricane, just leave.

If you're not going to leave, then please buy gasoline (lots of it), non-perishable foods that do not require heating, oil lanterns/flashlights/batteries or oil, and more cases of water than you can imagine you'll ever need.

Because I will tell you, if the storm is as bad as they say, and you stay behind and somehow manage to survive it, you won't have gasoline, fresh water, or food.

But really, just leave.
posted by Malice at 1:47 AM on October 27, 2012 [8 favorites]

And for god's sake, place Instagramming low on your list of priorities.
posted by Wordshore at 1:48 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

The only thing I'm worried about is my neighbor's dead ass tree falling on my house. I don't know how that thing is still standing.




I didn't know ass trees grew that far north.





(please be safe.)
posted by louche mustachio at 1:59 AM on October 27, 2012 [9 favorites]

And a protip if you're in NY and a dead ass tree does fall across the powerlines: ConEd will NOT know about it until you call them. Even if you see ConEd people walking around, they will NOT call it in. I had many an in depth conversation about this after a rather large and live-assed tree destroyed a nest of power lines, which proceeded to kill raccoons night after night with its live wires for nearly a week.
posted by digitalprimate at 2:09 AM on October 27, 2012

Also, lots of good tips and comments in last year's Hurricane Irene MeTa.
posted by digitalprimate at 2:12 AM on October 27, 2012

Wondering what the odds are on some elderly Conservative male politician shuffling onto TV and saying the hurricane is "The Wrath of God over Gay Marriage", or something similar.

If the storm is big enough to keep the elderly conservative male politicians at home, that might indeed affect the election.
posted by chavenet at 2:33 AM on October 27, 2012

My workplace is along the Hudson in NYC in an area where flooding happens. My workplace is a garden. I'm sort of terrified of the entire place getting flooded with brackish water and killing all the plants.

I think we'll do some focused grocery shopping this weekend, fill some containers with water, and so on.
posted by sciencegeek at 2:58 AM on October 27, 2012

So, will this be one of those storms where tv stations from unaffected states 500 miles away send an Action News truck and one of their StormTeam6 meteorologists to do on-location reports for their local news?
posted by Thorzdad at 3:52 AM on October 27, 2012

It feels ironic, but is probably only Alanis Morisette ironic, that this hurricane is likely going to fuck up my flight from NYC to New Orleans for Halloween.
posted by Diablevert at 4:12 AM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

Maybe if we all dress in our costumes early we can scare the storm away.

I would avoid sexy costumes, though. As that will attract the storm system, you see.
posted by mccarty.tim at 4:46 AM on October 27, 2012 [6 favorites]

During the October storm in New England last year, NStar was completely unprepared for the damage and a good chunk of the area lost power for weeks. They also munged up their communications efforts, and affected residents had no idea what was going on or how long they had to wait to get power back. There was a huge backlash against the utility, government investigations, etc. This time around, our governor is putting NStar's feet to the fire and making sure they have a plan in place and a way of coordinating with residents.

I've already gotten an e-mail from NStar with emergency contact information if we lose power. They're asking everyone to call in outages, even if you think your neighbor already has, so they can get a clear picture of the affected areas. My workplace sent out several memos yesterday with emergency procedures and phone numbers to call in. I even got an e-mail from the FAA yesterday warning about the impact of the storm ("Don't fly in it!" - gee, thanks.)
posted by backseatpilot at 4:52 AM on October 27, 2012

Luckily I know my power goes out whenever someone so much as sneezes by the lines, and my basement floods consistently if it rains for more than an hour. So I know what's coming!
posted by OmieWise at 4:58 AM on October 27, 2012

This former New Yorker (and Bostonian before that) wishes all of you east coasters the best of luck with this storm. Here's a little tune I just wrote for all of you, based entirely on comments from this thread:

Sandy's Coming

I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue
now it's focused grocery shopping that I gotta do
heard the wind's gonna move 'bout 45 mile
but I'll be OK, I've got my pile
got my pile
got my pile

got my votive candles ready, you see
and I haven't forgotten the LSD
got guns for the looters and the zombies, too
cause a week in Cleveland's more than I can do
more than I can do
more than I can do

I won't be doing no Instagram
or wearing no sexy costume, ma'am
I'm mostly worried 'bout one thing, see
my neighbor's dead ass tree might fall on me
fall on me
fall on me
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:00 AM on October 27, 2012 [127 favorites]

I went through Hurricane Andrew with about a half dozen 10-12 year olds. In the middle of the night, we can hear my mom trying to get my father to go outside and move our car, which was naturally parked a foot away from the largest tree in the neighborhood.

As my father heads down the stairs in his robe, my friends and I collectively gather at the window on the second floor. IT IS POURING. IT IS WINDY. As my father opens the front door and takes four steps outside, his robe flies completely up and above his body. His head and arms are holding on, while the flannel flaps in the wind, and his nearly-naked body dances in the rain.

He did not move the car and the tree did not crash down onto it, but it took a while to live that one down.

For your kids, people, stay inside during a hurricane. Stay safe, everyone!
posted by AloneOssifer at 5:15 AM on October 27, 2012 [13 favorites]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene. I get it, you weren't prepared for it so it was a huge surprise.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing if this really will be a thing or not. My biggest worry is that I have a basement apartment,but I live on the side of a hill, and my front door is at the bottom of a "well"; the worry is that the water will wash down the road, up over the curb and down the stairs through my front door.
posted by Severian at 5:52 AM on October 27, 2012

Just checking the storm track - it looks like the eye is currently expected to hit land somewhere southern New jersey/Delaware.

My workplace is a big corporate thing, and they are GOING NUTS. I work for a couple of the department head muckitymucks and they're having a big conference call on the weekend to figure out the official plan of attack/contingency for the storm.

I actually live about 500 feet from the highest of the storm surge zones; I've told my bosses that right now, I plan to come in on Monday morning, but may want to leave in a hurry sometime Monday afternoon.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:55 AM on October 27, 2012

Prepping here in Pa.: Extra food for livestock; baking and laundering in advance; cleanout of flood-prone basement (decommissioning basement freezer, just in case); battery consolidation; flashlights/lanterns in most-used rooms; outdoor clean-up of items that could fly through the air; buckets under leaky spots in barn roof; drainage hoses unrolled; generator tested; spare propane bottle found; vehicles being parked as intelligently as possible, given the limitations. For once, I'm hoping that all this work will turn out to have been unnecessary...
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:58 AM on October 27, 2012

Sandy was just upgraded to hurricane status again.
posted by futz at 6:04 AM on October 27, 2012

I just moved to Boston a few months ago from the Midwest and have no conception of whether or not I should be concerned (sounds like it'll just be a lot of rain up here?) or what to do to prepare except buy groceries and beer and continue to study for my midterm on Monday. Welp.
posted by dismas at 6:10 AM on October 27, 2012

Sandy, the angels have lost their desire for us.
I spoke to 'em just last night and they said they won't
set themselves on fire for us anymore.
Every summer when the weather gets hot they ride that road
down from heaven on their Harleys. They come and they go.
And you can see 'em dressed like stars in all the cheap
little seashore bars, making love with their
babies, out on the Kokomo.
Well, the cops finally busted Michael Mann for tellin'
fortunes better than they do. This boardwalk life for me is through.
You ought to quit this scene too...
posted by gerryblog at 6:17 AM on October 27, 2012 [6 favorites]

Liquor, candles, and boardgames are all you need for the inevitable blackout, my friends
posted by Renoroc at 6:17 AM on October 27, 2012

Because I will tell you, if the storm is as bad as they say, and you stay behind and somehow manage to survive it, you won't have gasoline, fresh water, or food.

Eh, this is a New England hurricane, not a Gulf Coast one. Bad if you live on the coast, bad if trees falls on your house or powerlines, but not anything to do with survivability and not something that people will even think of evacuating from. If this same hurricane hit Florida, people would barely care.
posted by smackfu at 6:27 AM on October 27, 2012 [8 favorites]

The NWS is only predicting a 40% chance of tropical force (45 mph) winds along the NJ-Ny coast this Tue and Wed and only predicting about 3-7 inches of TOTAL rainfall for the same time period in the same area.

I don't think that percentage is very meaningful since it's all about the track of the storm. If NY/NJ doesn't get it, then CT or DE will. At this point, it's not like 40% chance of storm, 60% chance of nothing.
posted by smackfu at 6:30 AM on October 27, 2012

"One for the history books"? You think maybe a four foot blizzard, two heat waves, a "skipped" winter, derecho, and october hurricane over the course of a few years in one city that has legalized gay marriage might be enough to get the "climate change" concept across...

Fixerated for our current political reality, sadly.

If you're not going to leave, then please buy gasoline (lots of it), non-perishable foods that do not require heating, oil lanterns/flashlights/batteries or oil, and more cases of water than you can imagine you'll ever need.

It's a lot cheaper to just pick up a cheap used 12-gauge down at the pawn shop and use that to harvest food, fuel, and other supplies from your well-stocked neighbors. Don't be the hard-working ant, be the happy wasp and live off of the fat of the land.

More seriously, I'm struck by how poorly our brains and/or our society handles intermittent threats, like these storms in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. They come just often enough for people to talk about them and agree that they are a Big Deal, but not often enough to force serious changes in things like building codes or shoreline development regulations.

I also suspect that the super prevalent mythology of "we are tough, independent, flinty people living in a tough, flinty land" doesn't help -- it was perhaps somewhat applicable when that region's population lived mostly on small farms and in tiny towns; but now almost the entire eastern seaboard is functionally a single urbanized conglomeration and the majority of people live much more suburbanized lives.

Best wishes, hugs, and candles to all the Metafilter people over there!
posted by Forktine at 6:32 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Please record that, flapjax, that's awesome.

I'm in the South of France now, which is expecting its own storm. Nothing like Sandy, but wind of 45-50 mph, and gusts up to 75-80 mph expected tomorrow. Today it's more like 25-30 mph
winds. I ran around yesterday getting everything outside that could get blown around indoors or, if it was too big, somewhere safer.

I have lots of American friends who happen to be traveling into or through the worst-hit areas, so I'm paying extra attention to this one.

I don't have much in the way of non-obvious advice, except that if you're traveling and might run into delays, pack things with you that will make it easy for you to rest and relax. A couple of hours of napping in situations like that can really make it a lot more bearable.
posted by Kattullus at 6:34 AM on October 27, 2012

QUICK THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENGAGE IN HEDONISTIC HALLOWEEN EXCESS
posted by The Whelk at 6:35 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

I first heard about this storm from my brother, who lives in Kuala Lumpur. This New Yorker plans to be stocked up on beer, bourbon, and cake. Unfortunately, this New Yorker's office floods very easily, so we will probably have to spend Monday moving computers and getting crap off the floor.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:46 AM on October 27, 2012

This is a very odd storm. Look at this. This is a water vapor image from satellite. You can see the core of Sandy, bu all that red/orange? That's very *dry* air -- so dry that there aren't any clouds.

Basically, 40 miles SE of the center of this storm, you're in clear blue skies. Well, clear blue skies with 50kt winds.

Normally, this much dry air kills hurricanes fast. And yet, we're showing 962mb central pressure -- acutally, a dropsonde at at 1317Z 27-Oct (0917EDT) reported 944mb. Sandy's not only not dying, it's getting stronger.
posted by eriko at 6:50 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hmm. Looking at that data again, it appears the dropsonde may not have made it to the surface. So, I'm discounting that 944mb. 962mb is *still* a very low pressure.
posted by eriko at 6:55 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I need a PR person. How did "Frankenstorm" and "Snowpocalypse" get so big?

When Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath screwed over black people so directly, I dubbed it "Storm Thurmond." That never quite caught on, and I am bitter.
posted by flarbuse at 6:57 AM on October 27, 2012 [27 favorites]

Why do I feel like after 9/11 anything even slightly out of the ordinary is a major emergency? Not to downplay a real and present danger, but must we all live in a constant state of fear? Do we aleays need to be told by the state and the media to stay indoors for our own good, to say something if we see something? Is it possible there's something else going on here?
posted by nowhere man at 7:01 AM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

Fear sells.
posted by The Whelk at 7:01 AM on October 27, 2012 [16 favorites]

When Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath screwed over black people so directly, I dubbed it "Storm Thurmond." That never quite caught on, and I am bitter.

I'm sure in about eighty years or so, folk will acknowledge that to be its rightful name.
posted by Jehan at 7:02 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

I'm actually reasonably concerned about street flooding in my area because of all the dead leaves that are prepared to block storm drains. On the other hand, I live on the third floor.
posted by maryr at 7:02 AM on October 27, 2012

Drama sells. Fear controls.
posted by nowhere man at 7:10 AM on October 27, 2012 [12 favorites]

We have a nice dead tree leaning towards our house. It doesn't have any leaves on it so it won't catch the wind too badly, and it survived last year's Octoberstormapocalypsaggedeon and Irene, so here's hoping it'll survive this one. The tree guys are supposed to remove it this winter. Maybe it'll fall and save me some money.

Sounds like this one won't be too bad, but there seems to be a lot of unknowns. One thing I do know is that if it's over-hyped people will complain, and if it's under-hyped people will also complain. Best just to pay attention to the reports, be prepared, and hope for the best. I lost power for five days after Irene and three days after the October storm.

Hope it's a dud, everyone. Be safe.
posted by bondcliff at 7:11 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Greetings from New Orleans. Forgive me for laughing hysterically as I feel your pain.

Seriously, take this storm seriously. Do not be fooled by winds of "only" 45 kt. We recently greeted a fellow named Isaac down here. Pissant little category one storm, we laugh at those, right? New levee system stood up great. Not so great for the folks outside of the new levee system who took the 15 foot storm surge. Flooded out thousands of people and even more amusingly a chemical storage depot none of which had ever flooded before.

Low pressure is bad because it pulls up that lens of water which creates the storm surge. High winds are also bad, but even modest winds spread out over a large area can be even worse. And Sandy is a very, very big storm. It is already pushing water. Katrina was only Cat 3 when it hit us, but the storm surge was more typical of a Cat 5 because the storm had been stronger offshore and it was so goddamn big. And Sandy is a very, very big storm, which will get even bigger as it goes extratropical.

When Katrina hit NOLA we were #3 on that list of most-at-risk cities. Miami was #1.

And New York City was #2.

If you can get away from this thing, please do so while you can.
posted by localroger at 7:20 AM on October 27, 2012 [18 favorites]

Eriko, I was thinking about that, too. I used to work for the Southern Regional Climate Center (NB: I am NOT a climatologist or hurricane expert, I was the database guy), and I have some dim recollection that it was Georges (maybe) that was looking really nasty until some dry air entrained the upper circulation, destabilized the eye wall, and pretty much broke-up the storm.
posted by wintermind at 7:22 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

FRANKENSTORM

Stay safe, everybody.
posted by mintcake! at 7:26 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Last year my emergency hurricane preparations involved getting two cupcakes and buying a rain poncho from the dollar store.

This year I will prolly get three cupcakes just to be safe. Maybe some of that seasonal cider.
posted by elizardbits at 7:28 AM on October 27, 2012 [17 favorites]

I'm going to blast You're The One That I Want from Grease out the window via boom box for the remainder of the storm.
posted by The Whelk at 7:30 AM on October 27, 2012 [10 favorites]

I'm going to blast You're The One That I Want from Grease out the window via boom box for the remainder of the storm.

Well, then, if the storm has any taste whatsoever it'll whisk your boom box straight out the window and send John and Olivia's hideous little number to the watery grave where it belongs.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:35 AM on October 27, 2012 [12 favorites]

I just moved to Boston a few months ago from the Midwest

The weather geek in me loves magenta. Still, the highest average wind speeds that are going to be kicked up in New England (not in the direct track) range around an average of 53 mph on Monday at Chatham, Massachusetts and 44 mph at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. All out of the northeast, a Nor'easter. Perhaps your first!

For contrast, the average wind speed on Mount Washington, New Hampshire was 24.1 mph this past August. Mount Washington has seen one 24 hour period where the average wind speed was 129 mph but, of course, that was not an average day.

A good kiteboarding breeze might run around 15 to 18 mph (depends on a few other factors, too) - although that would typically be steady and out of the southwest at Chatham. In my untrained opinion, hurricanes tend to be very gusty around New England - very large differences in wind speed in any given minute. The storm on Monday might gust up into the 70mph range at Chatham in any moment at it's currently predicted height at around 3 to 6 pm. A sudden jump of 20 mph of wind speed is not typical weather around here.

I believe the average wind speed in Boston is 15 mph; I think that is the same average as The Windy City. If you work downtown, you will find it very difficult to use an umbrella while trying to protect yourself from the rain as you leave work on Monday. Downtown works like a gusty wind tunnel and a hard rain makes things miserable. Your experiences may vary.
posted by relish at 7:36 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've only been in DC a year and didn't move here from a hurricaney area, so this is kind of new to me (I sure know how to prepare for blizzards, though!). I mean, they're apparently distributing Free Sandbags in town today, but I honestly don't know what I'd do with a sandbag if I had one.

I do have water, nonperishable food, cash, flashlight, that sort of stuff, but more importantly zombie repellent a jar of Nutella. Fingers crossed.
posted by theatro at 7:41 AM on October 27, 2012

I'VE GOT CHIIIIIILLLS
posted by elizardbits at 7:42 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

because of all the dead leaves that are prepared to block storm drains

The emergency management people were apparently telling people to get out today and clear storm drains, rake and bag leaves that could block storm drains, etc. Seems like a good common-sense precaution.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:46 AM on October 27, 2012

I thought this song was going to be like Katrina and ruin a pop song for me but apparently I thought this song was "Sandy" for YEARS. It's NOT it's DANDY.

We're safe.
posted by The Whelk at 7:46 AM on October 27, 2012

So, what are the odds of getting a Transbridge bus from western NJ to Port Authority to JFK for a flight on Tuesday night?
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:52 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

"We're not trying to hype it," National Weather Service meterologist Paul Kocin tells Bloomberg News. "What we're seeing in some of our models is a storm at an intensity that we have not seen in this part of the country in the past century."
...
Oh, and there's also a full moon on Monday. As that affects tides, the concern about storm surges along coastal areas grows.
...
"A very prominent and respected National Weather Service meteorologist wrote on Facebook last night, 'I've never seen anything like this and I'm at a loss for expletives to describe what this storm could do.' "

posted by futz at 7:59 AM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene. I get it, you weren't prepared for it so it was a huge surprise.

At least in Vermont it had little to do with being prepared and a lot to do with a storm that exceeded 100 year levels impacting 80+ year old infrastructure and historic settlement patterns within the floodway of extreme events. I don't know about NH, but in Vermont the damages well exceeded $1,000 per citizen of the state. That would be over an $8 Billion dollar storm proportionally in NYC. Except NYC has more money to deal with it. It is perfectly understandable that folks would talk about an event that happened just over a year ago and cost them that much.

And all of that is setting aside the loss of life and homes and the emotional toll in a pretty small place.

I honestly hope all the folks who are complaining that Irene didn't live up to the hype get to make the same complaint about Sandy. Because you'd rather be them than the folks who are still trying to figure out how to get past the aftermath.
posted by meinvt at 8:04 AM on October 27, 2012 [21 favorites]

nickyskye: Frankie's advice on the Frankensturm und drang. Hatches all battened here in Hell's Kitchen near the Hudson River.

Holy crap, Frankie's not only wise and concerned about the PEOPLE IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, but also a bit of a natural born clown.

This is good.
posted by Skygazer at 8:06 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene. I get it, you weren't prepared for it so it was a huge surprise.

It's not that.

I grew up in Vermont. Lived there for 20 years. Still live in New England, so I'm there quite a lot even if I don't have residence in the state anymore.

IRENE FUCKED SHIT UP.

I have never - and my parents have never - seen a storm do so much damage. Entire towns were cut off for days, sometimes weeks. Roads simply disappeared. Houses quite literally washed away. It was a huge mess. The state is still cleaning up and is barely back to normal a year later, and in a lot of cases, that's a new "normal."

So the reason people won't STFU isn't that they were surprised. It's that it was a big fucking deal.

Anyhow.

In Boston now - gonna stock up on some nonperishables and candles, but really what I fear is that if I'm stuck in an apartment without electricity for days on end with a toddler.... something something go crazy something something.
posted by sonika at 8:08 AM on October 27, 2012 [32 favorites]

And New York City was #2.

New York is a bit of an odd case. Manhattan itself is very susceptible to flooding since a lot of it is only a few feet above sea level, and there is an awful lot that would be fucked up by a flood like the subways. But the suburbs 20 minutes out have hills sufficient that there is no flood risk from the ocean.
posted by smackfu at 8:18 AM on October 27, 2012

smackfu, only parts of Manhattan are at sea level.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:27 AM on October 27, 2012

A meteorologist friend is freaking about the nature of this storm. It both fascinates and terrifies him. From his description it will have more of the character of an extreme Nor'easter once combined with strong sustained winds (rather than typical hurricane/tropical storm gusts) and lots of precip and storm surge. Batten down the hatches mateys.
posted by caddis at 8:37 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

"One for the history books"? You think maybe a four foot blizzard, two heat waves, a "skipped" winter, derecho, and october hurricane over the course of a few years in one city might be enough to get the "climate change" concept across...

Not a lot of people in power in that city stick around for more than a few years, though, and at least half of them are paid very well to specifically NOT get the point of climate change, so...
posted by Navelgazer at 8:40 AM on October 27, 2012

How Irene Lived Up to the Hype, Nate Silver's analysis last year
posted by argonauta at 8:40 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

So, what are the odds of getting a Transbridge bus from western NJ to Port Authority to JFK for a flight on Tuesday night?
Probably higher than the flight taking off on time.
posted by MtDewd at 8:49 AM on October 27, 2012

I love how hurricanes aren't a big deal when they hit Florida, but when a category 1 hurricane (or maximal tropical storm, depending on the forecast) is about to get anywhere near New York City, it's all of a sudden The Most Important Thing Ever.

All this while Toronto and Cleveland are supposed to get more rain from it than New York.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 8:50 AM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

Here is the latest possible landfall map from weather.com.
posted by futz at 8:51 AM on October 27, 2012

Chris Christie has asked people not to leave the house Monday or Tuesday, and be prepared for 7-10 days of power outages. That puts us past election day.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:57 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I love how hurricanes aren't a big deal when they hit Florida, but when a category 1 hurricane (or maximal tropical storm, depending on the forecast) is about to get anywhere near New York City, it's all of a sudden The Most Important Thing Ever.

Hey, that's New York, baby. In a nutshell.

"I've heard it said so often
that I almost do believe
that this town's the smack dab center of the world"
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:01 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene. I get it, you weren't prepared for it so it was a huge surprise.

How do you "prepare" for a storm that washed out hundreds of roads and dozens of bridges? Even tough Wisconsin can't "prepare" for something like that. You wouldn't shut up either if your town was one that was cut off for weeks because the roads were gone.

Knock wood, everyone here who's snarking about weather overhype or about how super-prepared their home town is will be able to have the last laugh because the storm does a last-minute swing out to sea and the most damage anyone will see are soaked weather reporters.
posted by rtha at 9:22 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

and be prepared for 7-10 days of power outages. That puts us past election day.

Doesn't that just mean 7-10 days is the worst case?
posted by smackfu at 9:25 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I live directly on the water in Brooklyn. My roommate was here during Irene and he says we'll have to evacuate. Time to frantically text people and ask if they have free couches!

I love how hurricanes aren't a big deal when they hit Florida, but when a category 1 hurricane (or maximal tropical storm, depending on the forecast) is about to get anywhere near New York City, it's all of a sudden The Most Important Thing Ever.

Well, we're not set up to handle them! It's like when a couple inches of now shut down my North Carolina hometown when I was a kid. It's not because we're pussies- it's because the city of 500,000 people has two snow plows and none of the buses or cars have snow tires.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:25 AM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

Oh man, that one reporter last year, I think in Virginia Beach? Covered in gross foam? He was so grumpy and hated everyone around him, I felt we had a spiritual connection.
posted by elizardbits at 9:25 AM on October 27, 2012 [9 favorites]

Well, we're not set up to handle them!

Neither is Florida. There's no hurricane equivalent of snow plows and snow tires.

For reference, the check-in counter at Dulles Airport is higher above sea level than nearly all of Florida.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 9:35 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

lol forever
posted by ninjew at 9:35 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Parts of NYC really are very vulnerable to flooding, and the population is a lot more dense than in Florida; evacuation is more difficult, etc.

Irene really beat the crap out of VT and the Catskills. The Watershed Post - a news site for the small towns of the NYC watershed area, run by a friend of mine - covered the incredible damage in the Catskills from Irene, and they are getting ready to do the same for Sandy. If you are in a flood-prone area, the message from town officials up there goes, just get out now.

Even in areas that are not prone to flooding, lots of rain + wind means a lot of downed trees. Given events of the last few years in the mid-Atlantic, I think widespread week-long power outages are very possible.

Early voting opens Sunday in Maryland.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:36 AM on October 27, 2012

I live directly on the water in Brooklyn. My roommate was here during Irene and he says we'll have to evacuate. Time to frantically text people and ask if they have free couches!

Meanwhile I'm on a bus headed for Brooklyn right now (well, the bus is headed to Manhattan, then the subway takes me the rest of the way.) I'm supposed to return to DC on Monday. This should be an interesting week.
posted by Navelgazer at 9:38 AM on October 27, 2012

What the heck is the matter with you people? Sure, you're stocking up on supplies --- the board games, the food, the milk and batteries are all covered, but won't someone think of the toilet paper?!?

On the other hand, I voted early this last week, so that's taken care of. And who do we see to make sure this mess gets to keep the name 'Frankenstorm' permanently? 'Sandy' is okay, but it's hard to be scared of a Sandy.
posted by easily confused at 9:43 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

There's no better website for tracking U.S. weather than Crown Weather Services. Its tropical weather information is especially comprehensive and finely documented. Here is the page dedicated to Hurricane Sandy.
posted by swlabr at 9:45 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Just a reminder that there's a Baltimore meet-up scheduled for Tuesday!

Early voting opens Sunday in Maryland

Early voting opened today in Maryland (or at least in Baltimore. Surely it's the same state wide?)
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 9:47 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene.

Some of us won't STFU about the Blizzard of '78. When a storm fucks stuff up, people remember.
posted by bondcliff at 9:50 AM on October 27, 2012 [11 favorites]

Early voting opened today in Maryland

Quite right, I was wrong about Sunday.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:51 AM on October 27, 2012

How do you "prepare" for a storm that washed out hundreds of roads and dozens of bridges?

You prepare by building infrastructure sized and located appropriate to historical and predicted weather events. But that's not what we do. Where I live (and across much of the US), a bunch of undersized bridges were built over the last fifty years or so in open violation of engineering standards and local regulations -- they knowingly chose to save a few dollars by building bridges that were too low, too short, and with inadequate wing walls. (And I am talking undersized by historical standards -- relative to the predicted impacts of climate change, the bridges are even more inadequate.)

Similarly, pretty much everywhere in the US people have been allowed to build houses and businesses within historic floodways -- places that have flooded repeatedly within living memory, and again climate change makes this worse, not better. Levees have been used as bandaids, but they are often undersized, poorly maintained, and inadequate to withstand extreme events; worse, they increase downstream impacts because of reduced natural upstream flood attenuation.

Changing those things is how you prepare; telling people to buy candles and canned food is comparatively a total joke.
posted by Forktine at 10:01 AM on October 27, 2012 [29 favorites]

I am both glad that my trip to the East Coast was last weekend and reminded that the last time I visited New Orleans, I flew out on the last plane they let leave before Ivan hit. Maybe I should just stay put.

(Seriously, though, stay safe, folks. We've got a bunch of warning on this one and it doesn't make sense not to use it.)
posted by restless_nomad at 10:02 AM on October 27, 2012

I was going to go next week and upgrade my phone and get one with an internet package. Might be better if I went and did that today. Not saying cell service won't be affected by Sandy, but would probably be restored before any electricity if they're saying to prep for 7-10 days without power.

Looking on the bright side, the temperatures are currently mild here in the Philly burbs, not hot where you have to worry about your food spoiling real quick and not cold that you have to worry about not having heat.
posted by NoraCharles at 10:04 AM on October 27, 2012

That "trough" in the article blew through Illinois last night. There was intense rain, and the temperature dropped about 35 degrees in two hours.

Oh, so like Melbourne in the spring time then.
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 10:04 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Welp, I'm flying into Burlington, Vermont on wednesday night. Something tells me I may get stranded in Chicago.
posted by Hazelsmrf at 10:04 AM on October 27, 2012

There was no historical precedent for Irene in Vermont.

Likewise, there was no historical precedent (in human time) for the earthquake that cracked the Washington Monument and did other damage - should they have seismic building requirements that match California's? Perhaps. But in the real world, budgetary items have to be prioritized. If you live in a place that is a zillion times more likely to get blizzards and not hurricanes, you prioritize your infrastructure needs for blizzards.
posted by rtha at 10:06 AM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

And/or summer/winter/autumn.
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 10:06 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Some of us won't STFU about the Blizzard of '78. When a storm fucks stuff up, people remember.

kinda like last year when that massive blizzard hit Chicago at rush hour and basically entombed an entire traffic jam on Lake Shore Drive in an epic snowdrift. people just left their cars and the city spent days removing snow and abandoned cars and buses. and they LOVE their blizzards here. those guys camp out in the cabs of their plow trucks as soon as the radar starts picking up the precipitation.

Homer: Oh Lisa! There's no record of a hurricane ever hitting Springfield.
Lisa: Yes, but the records only go back to 1978 when the Hall of Records was mysteriously blown away.

Kent: ...and the weather service has warned us to brace ourselves for the onslaught of Hurricane Barbara. And if you think naming a destructive storm after a woman is sexist, you obviously have never seen the gals grabbing for items at a clearance sale.
Marge: [growls] That's true... but he shouldn't say it.
posted by ninjew at 10:21 AM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

> I'm going to blast You're The One That I Want from Grease out the window via boom box for the remainder of the storm.

Well, then, if the storm has any taste whatsoever it'll whisk your boom box straight out the window and send John and Olivia's hideous little number to the watery grave where it belongs.

And then Lloyd Dobler will emerge from the storm, wordlessly smack you up the back of the head, and then turn and walk back into the storm again.

(Unscathed. Because John Cusack is impervious to rain.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:29 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

NASA’s Time-Lapse Video of Hurricane Sandy is Terrifying, Beautiful
posted by homunculus at 10:30 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

There was no historical precedent for Irene in Vermont... Likewise, there was no historical precedent (in human time) for the earthquake that cracked the Washington Monument and did other damage

I don't think that's true. There have been repeated extreme storm events in Vermont, including hurricanes -- according to this, the hurricane in 1938 took down a third of all trees there, and the one in 1927 took out 1200 bridges. And the first result on google for "Maryland earthquake history" is this from the USGS and has a surprisingly long list; even if the 2010 quake may have been the strongest on record, it wasn't something totally foreign to the area.

Like I said, as both individuals and as a society we don't do a good job of thinking about and preparing for intermittent events, for whatever reason, and part of that is treating each one as far more unique than it actually is.
posted by Forktine at 10:37 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

Excellent comment by emergency specialist Herrdoktor from the Metatalk thread on Hurricane Irene has some great advice (and it's where I got the "Go to your pile" thing) on emergency planning and how to deal emotionally.

{Hurricane Irene got MeTa'd to keep the main thread on the blue, free of extraneous talk and commentary and for emergency updates and whatnot. Might be a good idea this time around as well, when the time comes...}
posted by Skygazer at 10:41 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

Thanks, Ollie.
posted by schmod at 10:47 AM on October 27, 2012

Does Sandy have nuts?

Be safe, guys.
posted by yoga at 10:53 AM on October 27, 2012

Maryland here. In the past 365 days I have been without power for about 30. The longest stretch about 8 days. So I expect be offline for multiple days, until a power crew from Georgia or Indiana shows up to clear the line. My solutions for living without power are simple and cheap:

1. Cook with a grain-alcohol fuel backpacking stove. Grain alcohol doesn't give off poisonous fumes and can be used indoors and fuel available anywhere anytime at the local store for cheap (and has many uses like antiseptic). I like the BrassLite stove.

2. Light with an Aladdin oil lamp. Use filtered clear oil to keep smell down. Gives off decent heat too.

3. Water will be offline (well pump) - Fill big pots in the kitchen with tap water for cleaning and flushing toilet (every 3 days - this is the worse part). Under-sink reverse-osmosis tank holds enough drinking water for 2+ weeks.

4. If it's deep winter and power is off long enough to threaten pipes freezing, I have a tiny portable Honda generator to power a wood pellet stove, but that's a rare case.

5. Entertainments = books (paper), Kindle loaded with books, audiobooks on MP3 player. These can all be re-charged using the computer UPS.

So.. I can last 2+ weeks without power. Probably forever assuming I can keep buying the fuel. It's break from modernity, I look forward to being offline, even though the first two days of no Internet suck.
posted by stbalbach at 10:54 AM on October 27, 2012 [21 favorites]

Take the amount of beer and liquor you're going to buy, and double it. (Most Washingtonians learned this one during the Absurd Winter of 2010)
posted by Hollywood Upstairs Medical College at 11:00 AM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

There have been repeated extreme storm events in Vermont, including hurricanes

Fair enough - I'd forgotten about '38.

And so did everyone in Vermont. This is human nature - see all the infrastructure in places that are vulnerable to tsunamis. But there is truly a need to weigh priorities when it comes to deciding what to spend your infrastructure dollars on. Do you spend them on preparing for the thing that might happen every 50-100 years, or do you spend them on preparing for stuff that happens every five? Sometimes you can do both, sort of. But you're always going to have people who live in tornado zones and hurricane zones and earthquake zones and flood zones. You can't force them all to move away from those places. You can educate them about how to be as prepared as possible for the most likely events and protect your critical stuff as best as possible, but there just isn't any way to plan for (and pay for) every possibility.

I remember in the Irene meTa, while the storm was still happening, there were a few mefites who were playing meteorologist and declaring (from looking at weather maps) that the effects couldn't possibly be as bad as people were saying they were - people who were actually in the places where bad things were happening. I get that we all want to act like we'd be ready for anything, from blizzards to zombie hordes, because feeling like you're in control and have thought of things that other people haven't is better than feeling like "oh fuck, I have no idea what I'd do if [thing] happened," but all too often it comes off in threads like this as "You weaklings, we over here in this place would do it so much better than you, you dummies!" and that's just really unattractive and gross. (I'm not saying, Forktine, that you do this, but too many people do and it's tiresome.)
posted by rtha at 11:47 AM on October 27, 2012 [10 favorites]

Low pressure is bad because it pulls up that lens of water which creates the storm surge. High winds are also bad, but even modest winds spread out over a large area can be even worse. And Sandy is a very, very big storm. It is already pushing water. Katrina was only Cat 3 when it hit us, but the storm surge was more typical of a Cat 5 because the storm had been stronger offshore and it was so goddamn big. And Sandy is a very, very big storm, which will get even bigger as it goes extratropical.

Yeah, that's where it gets scary. The full moon makes the tide higher, and if you multiply the extra couple of inches of water height across the area of the storm, that's a LOT of extra water being sloshed of onto the shore by the storm surge.
posted by gjc at 11:55 AM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

rtha, I remember that derail from the meta very clearly, watching the bridge near my house wash away and being told more or less that I'm a wuss and that we are making things up. Not helpful. Lets let Frankie handle the amateur meteorologist duties and the rest of us can speak to what's in front of us.
posted by Xurando at 11:59 AM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

U.S. Satellite Plans Falter, Imperiling Data on Storms

What If We Didn't Know Hurricane Sandy Was Coming? The New York Times reports that dying satellites threaten our ability to forecast storms in the years ahead.
posted by homunculus at 11:59 AM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

I get that we all want to act like we'd be ready for anything, from blizzards to zombie hordes, because feeling like you're in control and have thought of things that other people haven't is better than feeling like "oh fuck, I have no idea what I'd do if [thing] happened," but all too often it comes off in threads like this as "You weaklings, we over here in this place would do it so much better than you, you dummies!" and that's just really unattractive and gross. (I'm not saying, Forktine, that you do this, but too many people do and it's tiresome.)

I agree totally. I'm on the other side of the country, but it's not like I'm any better prepared -- I'd last about three days before needing to shoot the neighbor's dog for dinner, and about a week before I'd need to start thinking about doing the same to the neighbors.

That said, I disagree with this:

But you're always going to have people who live in tornado zones and hurricane zones and earthquake zones and flood zones.

Yes, all of us live in areas affected by natural disasters. But permitting people to put housing developments in historic floodways, or to continue building bridges that don't meet even minimal engineering standards, or to locate sewage plants in the path of predictable storm surges, turns a natural disaster into a man-made disaster, and yet we keep doing it. It's the backdrop to all of these big storm events, and it's the backdrop to all of the discussions about climate change and weather patterns.
posted by Forktine at 12:04 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Having just moved from WI to NH I was struck by the fact that these people won't STFU about Irene. I get it, you weren't prepared for it so it was a huge surprise.

What had happened was that even though the storm's track was basically a direct hit on NYC, all the rain was up in the clouds over the city and wafted over and around onto PA, western NY and New England. So the city didn't get hit all that badly. NYC was popping champagne and the media was breathing a sigh of relief while New England was getting washed out.

Ironically, a stronger hurricane might not have done as much (water) damage because some of the rain would have stayed up in the storm until it passed back out into the sea.
posted by gjc at 12:05 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

Oh, the failing satellites! I saw that yesterday. Infrastructure, yeah.
posted by rtha at 12:10 PM on October 27, 2012

Yes, all of us live in areas affected by natural disasters. But permitting people to put housing developments in historic floodways, or to continue building bridges that don't meet even minimal engineering standards, or to locate sewage plants in the path of predictable storm surges, turns a natural disaster into a man-made disaster, and yet we keep doing it. It's the backdrop to all of these big storm events, and it's the backdrop to all of the discussions about climate change and weather patterns.

That's an issue that came up in Illinois and Missouri last year or the year before. There was a bunch of farmland in MS that was in a "spill zone" where the river would historically flood every few years. The Army Corps of Engineers built levees around the river to protect that land, as well as many cities along the river(s). But the caveat was: farmers got the farmland very cheap because in the event of a 100 year storm, the Army would have to blow out some of the levees to reduce pressure and save cities. The farmers forgot, or never paid attention to, that caveat, maybe because it was their grandfather who signed the papers. So they were up in arms at the possibility. Yes, it would be bad for them. But they forgot that the this possibility was part of the bargain of making the land productive in the first place.

And I think that's the problem with some of this. We build sewage plants because we were getting sick with cholera every damned year. We have to put them lower than the cities because that's the reality of gravity. Maybe we planned to put in berms, or maybe we just took the bargain that 100 years of disease free living was worth the possibility of one really shitty storm.
posted by gjc at 12:20 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

one more dead town's last parade: Well, we're not set up to handle them!

Neither is Florida. There's no hurricane equivalent of snow plows and snow tires.

Well, speaking up from Florida here, yes we are. We know we're hurricane-prone, so our building codes are stringent. Houses built in my zone have to be able to withstand winds in excess of 120 mph, because I'm not on the coastline. If I were, those codes might require structural strength to withstand up to 150 mph winds, but living on the coastline is pretty much a damned irresponsible thing to do in a state that is mostly just as sea level. Insurance costs for those that do are sky-high for good reason.

Our house is brick over wood frame, and we have wood beams built in over our windows. We store plywood sheets, cut to fit each of our window frames and correspondingly numbered in case we have to board the windows up. Takes less time that way; time can be an important factor in storm preparation. We keep the sheets on a ventilated metal shelf hanging from the garage ceiling (wood's treated, but you don't want it getting damp or moldy) which doesn't impede the garage door from rising (though in a storm, you back your car wheels inside the garage against the garage door, to provide additional stability). Lots of folks have aluminum shutters to protect their windows instead. Windows are generally double insulated, too, against the wind.

Keep in mind, too, that we are a state formed on limestone, so we don't have any (or very few) basements to get flooded, and all of our streets are designed with water drainage in mind because we are the thunderstorm capital of the world. So, yes, we flood, but we are prepared for flooding as best we can be.

We have standing evacuation plans in effect; yesterday, the bridge to the beaches here closed down once winds reached 50 mph. In the event of a serious storm, both sides would be used to bring people from the coastlines back to the mainland. Hotels will offer residents a discounted rate if they have to put up somewhere because of storm evacuation. Schools were closed (though honestly the kids could have easily gone, as we've seen much worse rain and winds then the outer bands of Sandy caused and they've gone to school) because the buses are high-profile vehicles and they don't drive them over any of the bridges once winds are in excess of 35 mph, just to be extra safe (think of the children!). Schools also close first because they are designed to be shelters in the event of a serious storm hitting (which honestly is pretty rare).

Most of our new utilities are made to be underground, too; my neighborhood is old enough that ours aren't and it sucks, because FPL doesn't handle storms as well as TECO (Tampa Electric Company, near where I grew up). We're fine today, but despite the wimpiness of yesterday's storm action, which was just the outer rain bands of Sandy, I understand 1000 people were out of power. That's dismal performance, when winds only reached in the 50s, and the rainfall was pretty negligible. Still, we also know from experience that it happens, so we have a backup, gasoline powered generator which fortunately we haven't had to use yet. If we did, we'd run it out on the porch, which is half-covered with trussed and reinforced roofing, because you don't want to breathe in any fumes from that thing.

One thing I can tell Mefites up there in New York is certain is that the weather guys on television are going to hype the hell out of this, because that's what they always do. The National Weather Service is your true friend. Despite emergency round-the-clock television storm coverage, updates on positioning come from the NWS, and when a storm gets close enough, they update the positioning of the storm every 3 hours. Your news station may have Doppler weather coverage to let you know what's going on locally, I know we do here. They'll come in and tell us, often by street names, if a tornado's sighted nearby.

Lots of water is always good to have one hand, because of flooding and also because you could be under a boiled water contamination warning after the storm. If it looks like it will be bad, in addition to having a few gallons bottled water on hand, fill up the bathtub. That's the water you use for flushing your toilet in case that happens.

Charge up everything in case the power goes out. Someone upthread said they were stocking up on milk(?); drink it fast if the power goes out because sour milk sucks. You want things you don't have to refrigerate, like peanut butter, and other non-perishables. Get extra cash out of the ATM and if you have a car, gas it up now.

I doubt it will turn into the perfect storm everyone is dreading. Just prepare for the worst and hope for the best and you'll be fine.
posted by misha at 12:20 PM on October 27, 2012 [25 favorites]

I remember in the Irene meTa, while the storm was still happening, there were a few mefites who were playing meteorologist and declaring (from looking at weather maps) that the effects couldn't possibly be as bad as people were saying they were - people who were actually in the places where bad things were happening.

Oh my god that was so hilariously infuriating. The followup "lookit me lookit me lol i was rite" comments the next day were even worse.
posted by elizardbits at 12:30 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

That person has already posted in this thread. My hope is that the mods have requested that the individual refrains from any further engagement.
posted by vers at 12:40 PM on October 27, 2012

Big Deal, but not often enough to force serious changes in things like building codes or shoreline development regulations.

Not sure how true this really is. Since the 1990s most US communities have transitioned to the International Building Code^ (previous there were about three regional US models) and that includes requirements for handling wind load and uplift forces, which has been a moneymaker for companies like Simpson Strong-Tie. I'm currently trying to get a barn rebuilt in Wisconsin and my local authority wants me to anchor it to the non-existent foundation -- I may have to use ground anchors, like they use for trailer homes. Obviously the wind load here is nominal compared to a hurricane-strength area, but I do need to comply whereas 10-20 years ago I would not have.

Flood maps have also been enormously influential on where building takes place; even if there are grandfathered structures, you can't build new residential, for instance, on the bottomlands of most US rivers anymore.
posted by dhartung at 12:42 PM on October 27, 2012

One thing I can tell Mefites up there in New York is certain is that the weather guys on television are going to hype the hell out of this, because that's what they always do. The National Weather Service is your true friend. Despite emergency round-the-clock television storm coverage, updates on positioning come from the NWS, and when a storm gets close enough, they update the positioning of the storm every 3 hours.

There was so much maudlin, overdramatized bullshit in the NY/NJ metro-area during hurricane Irene with all those local news vans finding the most terrible spot they could and going into histrionics and hyperbole just to provide a sensationalized, ratings winning-spectacle for their viewers, even when most of the area really avoided the worst of it (Irene got way more serious as it traveled further into the Western facing states of New England IIRC).

Kinda reminds me of the presidential race and how overwrought, news organizations seems to be about making this whole thing a nail-biter down to the wire over-sensationalized hysterical fucking overblown SPECTACLE...

Man, fuck the over-sensationalizing news bastards...after the Irene circus the local commerical media here in NYC created, I told myself I'd take everything they said with a pound of salt.
Which is all to say, yeah, I'm sticking to the NWS more the closer Sandy moves to NY&NJ...

Maybe NPR, too. Maybe.

Definitely not any Fox news TEH FREAK STORMZ IZ COMING (!!!) Armageddon jive...
posted by Skygazer at 12:45 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Well, speaking up from Florida here, yes we are.

Speaking from experience: there's plenty you can wear, and plenty you can put on your car, to make winter storms bearable. You can't plow storm surge water off the roads.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 12:46 PM on October 27, 2012

Links that didn't make the final version of the post:
Hurricane Forecast Computer Models
ECMWF Wikipedia (Euro forecast model)
ECMWF site
Global Forecast System Wikipedia
GFS site
Twitter feeds: @twc_hurricane, @stormpulse, @NHC_Atlantic
communicating during an emergency
amateur radio station at NHC
rain totals
glossary of NHC terms
posted by booksherpa at 12:47 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

If I'm reading this NOAA map correctly is the tri-state of CT only going to get a maximum of 2"? That contradicts everything I've been reading about 15-20" possibilities.
posted by any major dude at 12:58 PM on October 27, 2012

If only we'd built the enourmous space mirrors we could blast away that troublesome high pressure system over Greenland.
posted by humanfont at 1:00 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Nothing, and I mean nothing, could possibly go wrong.
posted by Kattullus at 1:05 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

any major dude, I don't know about CT but apparently the NYC area could 15" rain + a big storm surge. You can look up expected storm surges for various spots in the tristate area on this tool from Stevens:

Urban Ocean Observatory at the Center for Maritime Systems Storm Surge Warning System

I made a trip to Target this morning to get a couple gallons of water, and it was like a scene out of Mad Max. Good times. The one thing that struck me was the number of families putting only 2 gallons of water in their cart. Hmm... I don't know, maybe they have more water stashed at home? Or they're smart & know it won't be so bad so they won't need to lug all this water home. I loaded up on 8 gallons for the two of us, figuring that if we're going more than 4 days without water in Jersey City we're in a bigger world of hurt than I can deal with here.
posted by lyra4 at 1:09 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

any major dude, I think the contradiction is mostly because we just don't know for sure where Sandy is going to go until it goes there. Right now it's on a course to make landfall around Delaware, but it's not impossible that it could turn up towards CT instead. And we don't know for sure how fast or slow it's going to be moving; there's a lot of water in the storm, so if it stalls out over the same area for days at a time, that's going to be much more rainfall than if it traveled inland relatively quickly.

So, 2" is probably much more likely than 15-20"... but if everything lines up just right, the higher figures are not impossible, and from both a media-sensationalism perspective and a "better safe than sorry" perspective, it's no wonder that they're emphasizing worst-case scenarios.
posted by Jeanne at 1:10 PM on October 27, 2012

if you have a car, gas it up now.

YES DO IT SERIOUSLY DO IT DO IT DO IT.

I was running near empty the day before the October snowstorm in Western MA last year that caused mass power outages. I didn't think much of the idea of a blizzard in OCTOBER, so I didn't worry about needing a full tank of gas - figured I'd just gas up the next time I went out. When we lost power and it was clear that with a small baby (my son was 7mos old) that I'd need to find a place with *heat* - I decided to head up to my parents' place in Vermont. Drove up to stop and fill up just off the next exit and wouldn't you know - still no power. Also, gas stations need power to work! Imagine that! I had 10 miles left on my tank. The nearest gas - according to some marginally helpful State Troopers who stopped by - was 18 miles away.

My baby and I paced the parking lot quite a bit while waiting for my mom to come down from Vermont to rescue us with a can of gas. The number of people I saw in the same situation was incredible. I don't know what they did as they all drove off, but I kept hearing it "I don't have enough gas to get [there]!" Yeah, well, me neither.

Had I a car, I'd be filling it up today - no question.

(Only two people that day asked if the baby and I were alright. Two. So, another reminder - when you're in a storm and freaking out about yourself remember that everyone else is in the same predicament and maybe lend a hand if you can.)
posted by sonika at 1:10 PM on October 27, 2012 [6 favorites]

Pages I'm following on Facebook (mostly NJ centered): NWS - Phila/Mt Holly, NJ OEM, Northeast Weather, NJ Weather Blogs, Eastern PA Weather Authority, Severe NJ Weather, Jersey Shore Hurricane News. Only the first two are from an official agency, the rest are amateur meteorologists and weather geeks, but they've been doing a decent job so far.

Also, here for river flood stage if you're somewhere prone to flooding.

I'm off to volunteer at a basket auction for a charity started by someone at my congregation in the aftermath of Floyd 13 years ago. I hope we raise a LOT of money tonight - they're going to need it in the days to come.
posted by booksherpa at 1:12 PM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

Some of us won't STFU about the Blizzard of '78. When a storm fucks stuff up, people remember.

I remember that. We lived on a lake and my brother and I had to walk across the frozen lake to get to the store. It got dark very quickly and I remember great relief when we saw our porch light on the hill above the lake coming home. I was 13 or 14.

This is surreal because right now it's so mild and clear here. We're not even sure if we will get anything here in the lakes region, but I feel for our shore brothers and sisters. Stay safe!
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 1:16 PM on October 27, 2012

Irene may have been overhyped in NYC but I can tell you that further south in Princeton, the after effects were horrific. It wasn't that bad--downed lines, lots of trees-- in the beginning, but then the water levels started to rise and rise, closing major roads and bridges. Many people in the Philly suburbs outside of the historic flood paths complained about the amount of money spent on rescue efforts and flood control and damage, just because they were lucky enough to not be directly affected. I am hoping this time people are more prepared and more charitable.

This time we're holing up in exurban Philly with three cakes, an emergency generator, a well, and an enormous puppy, which is frankly sounding way better than work on Monday...
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:22 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Won't a lot of the weaker trees already have been taken down by Irene?
posted by smackfu at 1:35 PM on October 27, 2012

“But here's the problem ... the computer forecast models that all the forecasters will lean on so heavily have no chance of getting this exactly right. Models are either configured (numerically, in terms of the mathematical equations that drive them), to handle either tropical system well, or what we call mid-latitude systems well, that is ones with warm and cold air clashing. There is no model that handles both well. If there were we would have one great model and my life would be far less stressful. The hurricane will merge with colder air and energy from the jet stream and transition from a tropical system into what we call an extratropical one. Historically the computer forecast models are not good when this happens.”

This is an excerpt from comment on Reddit quoting a “local meteorologist”. If you want to read the entire comment you can find it here.
posted by Huplescat at 1:35 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

The hurricane will merge with colder air and energy from the jet stream and transition from a tropical system into what we call an extratropical one. Historically the computer forecast models are not good when this happens.”

Screw the computer. All you have to look at is the examples we have of this happening in the past. You don't need a computer to see this will be a bad, bad thing.

I was born in New Orleans and generally treat hurricanes as a nuisance. In my entire life here I have only ever evacuated for Georges (which took a turn at the last minute and fucked up Alabama and Florida instead of us) and Katrina.

If Frankenstorm was headed even remotely my way I would be packing the car. Now. This thing is going to fuck up somebody's shit, and I say that as somebody whose shit got fucked up.

NOLA once got shut down for a couple of days by half an inch of snow. We simply don't have the infrastructure to deal with that, so all the bridges froze over (and you can't get from anywhere to anywhere else in southern Louisiana without crossing a bridge) and there was no salt or sand or equipment to spread same. East coasters, you don't have hurricane protection. We do, and we still get nailed, but you will get nailed by storms we would laugh at.

And I'm not even laughing at this storm.

If you are in the path of this storm please get out now. NOLA barely managed to pull off a contraflow evacuation before Katrina. Houston clusterfucked the attempted evacuation before Rita. And we expect this shit. If you can, GET OUT NOW.
posted by localroger at 1:59 PM on October 27, 2012 [6 favorites]

Sandy likely to be a multi-billion dollar disaster for the U.S., Dr. Jeff Masters, Weather Underground Wunderblog, 5:28 PM GMT on 27 October, 2012

I expect Sandy's impacts along the mid-Atlantic coast and New England coasts to cost at least $2 billion in insured damage and lost business, and there is a danger the storm could cost much more. Steve Bowen, meteorologist for insurance broker AON Benfield, put it this way for me this morning: "Given the level of losses associated with Irene last year and the current projections of extended high wind, heavy rainfall, coastal surge and an inland flooding threat for many of the same areas with Sandy, it would not come as a complete surprise to see a multi-billion dollar economic loss." Sandy should bring sustained winds of 50 - 70 mph with gusts over hurricane force to a large section of coast. With most of the trees still in leaf, there will be widespread power outages due to downed trees, and the potential for a billion dollars in wind damage.

cf. August, 2011 archive containing posts about Irene
posted by ob1quixote at 2:11 PM on October 27, 2012

localroger, I think (and hope) you are being a bit alarmist. There have been zero evacuations that have even been hinted at yet.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:17 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

This weekend I am visiting good friends here in Wilmington, VT which got walloped by Irene last year. Folks are rightfully 'jumpy.' I just hope that they don't get hit again, since much of the low-lying parts or town and many of the local farmsteads were devastated and are still under renovation ... with a lot more work to do.
posted by ericb at 2:27 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I think localroger is indeed being a bit alarmist. We'll see.
posted by Justinian at 2:28 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Have there been any Cantore sightings on the weather channel yet? Because that's when you know the hurricane means business.
posted by troika at 2:31 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

roomthreeseventeen, there are no hints at evacuations? Fire Island was evacuated already (because it's difficult to get to). Part of the problem is that every media outlet and meteorologist is saying "we're not sure where it's going to land and we're not sure exactly how bad it's going to be, but it could be bad".
posted by Brian Puccio at 2:34 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

There have been zero evacuations that have even been hinted at yet.

Wrong. More than 'hinted at' and climbing in number and scope.

As storm approaches NY, Fire Island evacuation ordered, transit shutdown contemplated.

Manasquan issues mandatory evacuation orders due to Hurricane Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy: State orders evacuation of prison inmates in Cumberland County.

Hurricane Sandy Update: Powerful Winds, Evacuation Recommended for Shoreline Towns.

Hurricane Sandy may force evacuations in NYC.

posted by ericb at 2:41 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Forecasters on Hurricane Sandy: 'One for the record books'.
posted by ericb at 2:45 PM on October 27, 2012

"May force evacuations" is not a Katrina-force evacuation. Come on.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:45 PM on October 27, 2012

Maryland is doing voluntary evacuations from Queen Anne's county and Harford County. Thus far they are planning to keep the bay bridge open.

New Jersey is evacuating Cape May with mandatory evacuations for all barrier islands.
posted by zia at 2:47 PM on October 27, 2012

I'm up here at the top of Manhattan, right on the western edge overlooking a steep drop down to the Hudson. No way it could flood up here, so looks like we'll be here for the storm. There is a building being demolished across the street (6 floors and they've only knocked down the top floor); hopefully there isn't too much debris flying around from the demolition site. Irene gave us a trial run on how to get things ready; here we go again! Stay safe, friends!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:52 PM on October 27, 2012

Localrogers is being alarmist. If you're on the coast, you should get out, but I'm just north of dc, and I'm just preparing to not have power or water for a few days.
posted by empath at 2:53 PM on October 27, 2012

If you live in NYC and you have family in Jersey or Connecticut, you might have a better time there than in the city. But maybe not. This seems like a storm where "shelter in place" will be reasonable for most affected people who aren't actively being evacuated by officials; but that doesn't mean it'll be a good time, especially if you haven't gotten water and good stored up.

Good luck East Coast. I miss you, but not as much as I usually do.
posted by gerryblog at 3:06 PM on October 27, 2012

Alarmist? Well OK. If you're well upslope and not in a place that will get flooded with DO NOT FORGET possibly historic rainfall upslope, then yeah just stock up on Doritos and bottled water.

I have now lived through several events where people who thought they were safe got flooded out. My wife was a tenant in the early 1980's when she was in college, and her elderly then-landlords died in Katrina because they thought they were safe. I no longer take anything for granted.
posted by localroger at 3:09 PM on October 27, 2012

Cheetos, Roger. Stock up on Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
posted by indubitable at 3:36 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I may be in Baltimore on Monday/Tuesday, if so I will send updates from the hotel bar.
posted by carter at 3:38 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

When such a large area is going globe hit, where would us East Coasters all GO - conceivably? I'm in Boston, planning for several days without power/water, but it's unclear where - within a day's drive - anything is gong to be BETTER. I'd say my parents' house in VT as it's inland... but Irene proved that's not a safe bet.

Just say in' when we're talking "The Entire Northeast" - "get out now" isn't really a viable option for everyone. Unless Iowa's prepared to put us all upon a futon or something.
posted by sonika at 3:45 PM on October 27, 2012 [8 favorites]

Hey, Here's one good thing about Sandy, @Elbloombito is back, and killing it!

Coño Edisono que might losero los poder. Fill los pots con agua y buy el flashlighto!
posted by Skygazer at 3:54 PM on October 27, 2012 [9 favorites]

More @Elbloombito:

Por favor to que stay insidero. El raiño esta weto y dangerouso! Vamos con su vamos bag to un sheltero!
posted by Skygazer at 4:02 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

I am so excited for the presumably upcoming bilingual mayoral speeches on NY1. His appalling gringo accent delights me beyond reason.

also i look forward to not going to work for as many days as possible next week, obviously.
posted by elizardbits at 4:06 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Just remotioning my favorite comment from zirene

REMEMBER IF ANY RAIN FROM THE HURRICANE TOUCHES YOUR SKIN YOU BECOME A HURRICANE STAY SAFE
posted by The Whelk at 4:06 PM on October 27, 2012 [22 favorites]

My favorite @Elbloombito: Por favor to not eato el junk food or drinko el soda. El stormo es coming y los fatties esta muy dificil to que evacuaté!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:07 PM on October 27, 2012 [8 favorites]

More from @Elbloombito, combining two critical situations:

Por favor to not eato el junk food or drinko el soda. El stormo es coming y los fatties esta muy dificil to que evacuaté!
posted by zia at 4:09 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

El preview, personas!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:10 PM on October 27, 2012

And on preview.... I see I'm not alone!
posted by zia at 4:10 PM on October 27, 2012

I think the best thing that'll come to me (southern NJ) from Sandy is that Elbloombito account!
posted by kimberussell at 4:11 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

*going globe hit = going to be hit.

Yes, yes, I know there's an edit button now but I had to retrieve a sodden toddler from the tub. He was doing hurricane evacuation drills.
posted by sonika at 4:14 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

Here in inland Maryland, I'm bracing for heavy rains and possible power outages. My biggest concern, actually, is the MARC train, which I take to work. I may be working from home for a few days, if even that can be managed.

Also, DC area Mefites may want to compare Sandy to last June's derecho:

Sandy is a slow-moving, large-scale storm capable of strong winds and heavy rain over an extended period. Whereas the derecho devastated locations across the D.C. area in a matter of minutes. Impact-wise, we’d recommend preparing for the same impacts as the derecho - downed trees and the potential for multiple days without power.

On the positive side, utilities and local governments and the public will have had several days warning this time versus several hours (if that) for the derecho. So, there’s a chance the impacts may not be quite as bad or last quite as long. But you should prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
posted by Cash4Lead at 4:20 PM on October 27, 2012

According the National Hurricane Center wind speed probabilities, New York City has a 66% chance of tropical storm force winds and a 7% chance of hurricane force winds.
As far away as Baltimore there is a 52% chance of tropical storm force winds.
(The numbers are in knots, multiply by 1.15.)
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 4:20 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

When such a large area is going globe hit, where would us East Coasters all GO - conceivably? I'm in Boston, planning for several days without power/water, but it's unclear where - within a day's drive - anything is gong to be BETTER. I'd say my parents' house in VT as it's inland... but Irene proved that's not a safe bet.

Just say in' when we're talking "The Entire Northeast" - "get out now" isn't really a viable option for everyone. Unless Iowa's prepared to put us all upon a futon or something.

The point isn't for everyone to go, it is about preparedness. Be ready to go if you have to. Be ready to stay put if you have to.

Nobody is saying the East coast is going to be uninhabitable and everyone's got to get out. They are saying that there are good chances that some people in some areas are going to have some trouble. Nobody knows exactly where. If are unlucky enough to be in an affected area, you should be prepared to react appropriately.
posted by gjc at 4:29 PM on October 27, 2012

Some good advice from user 7683.
posted by Danf at 4:31 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

A funny reaction: I went to pick up a couple of random grocery errands today and overheard a couple having a small debate in the aisle beside me as they were trying to select what was their best option for "emergency coffee". (Only in Brooklyn would you hear two people arguing about whether their emergency rations should or should not be fair trade organic.)

A more serious reaction: the city's announced that it will know by tomorrow afternoon whether they will start shutting down the subways, commuter trains, and buses starting at 7 pm tomorrow night.

...Whoashit.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:31 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

It's interesting that for most people, the hurricane's impact completely depends on whether we lose power.
posted by smackfu at 4:36 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

It's the "downed trees" part that worries me, we're on a hill backing up to some woods.
posted by kgasmart at 4:37 PM on October 27, 2012

And for people in NYC the real impact will be if the subway's running.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:47 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

the real impact will be whether or not i get punched in the face by a toddler at westside market again

that little fucker
posted by elizardbits at 4:56 PM on October 27, 2012 [14 favorites]

NWS does seem to now have upgraded it's wind predictions to a 70% chance of tropical storm winds along the Jersey coast now. Keep in mind that only means sustained winds of 39mph which isn't exactly Stormegeddon. Here in Tahoe we regularly get spring/summer thunderstorms with winds twice that for hours on end. 55 mph wind speeds along the coast are currently predicted to be less than a 20% probability. Rainfall potential for the full five day period in the Penn / NJ and NY areas is still predicted to be only from 1 to 6 inches (Seattleites call that a "drizzle").

On the other hand the HuffPo is now claiming the following:
Freak Storm Hurtles Towards East Coast

Meteorologist: 'Threat From This Situation Is Serious As A Heart Attack'

Why It's So Dangerous
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:05 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

WELP - FINE THEN I'm going to go out for some Halloween Hedonism. Line forms to the left dudes.
posted by The Whelk at 5:08 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

BESLEEVE YOURSELF, TROLLOP
posted by elizardbits at 5:09 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

I GOT SO MANY SLEEVES UP IN HERE.
posted by The Whelk at 5:12 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

ewww.
posted by futz at 5:15 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

They're talking about as much as 6" of snow down here in the mountains of western NC:
850MB TEMPS WILL DROP TO
AROUND FREEZING IN HIGHEST ELEVATIONS SUNDAY EVENING AND SNOW WILL
BEGIN AT THAT TIME FOR THE HIGHEST PEAKS. SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE
THROUGH MONDAY...BUT THE HIGHEST SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE MONDAY
NIGHT AND TUESDAY. TOTALS OVER 6 INCHES FOR THE TOTAL EVENT FOR
HIGHER ELEVATIONS.

My elevation isn't super high (3100 ft.) but we're in the area very prone to northwest flow snow events. The way this thing is supposed to move will probably give us a good bit of NW flow, but we'll see what really happens. I've got to split some wood in the morning, though.
posted by Red Loop at 5:16 PM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

y'all gon make me lose my sleeves

up in here up in here
posted by elizardbits at 5:18 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

I'm going to arrive in various bars around the city screaming WHERE THE HEDONISTIC HURRICANE PEOPLE AT?
posted by The Whelk at 5:19 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

I have a freezer full of caribou meat I'd hate to lose in a blackout and it's way too much to cook and eat now.

Meat-up!
posted by stargell at 5:23 PM on October 27, 2012 [8 favorites]

I got a freezer full of produce if y'all want to make that meat-up a well-rounded one.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:26 PM on October 27, 2012

Spitbull fill the freezer to the top with water jugs if you have now then don't open it! If its a decent one it'll be ok for 4 days at least.
posted by fshgrl at 5:28 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

The hurricane will merge with colder air and energy from the jet stream and transition from a tropical system into what we call an extratropical one. Historically the computer forecast models are not good when this happens.

“Screw the computer. All you have to look at is the examples we have of this happening in the past. You don't need a computer to see this will be a bad, bad thing.”

I appreciate your concerns, as a Nola veteran, but the problem with this storm is that we have no good examples of this odd congruence happening in the past. “The perfect storm” came close but it wreaked its havoc way offshore, and we only had a few ships, limited satellite data and, at best, some weather buoys out there to watch the thing unfold.

I have a bad feeling about this thing too, but I’m an alarmist by nature and it could just be another symptom of the general malaise I’m feeling as this awful election season approaches its climax.
posted by Huplescat at 5:35 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

podkanye, it would be great if you linked to the sites that are supporting what you are saying. The more informed we are, the more we all benefit.
posted by futz at 5:44 PM on October 27, 2012

The level of hedonistic hurriance people seems low
posted by The Whelk at 5:57 PM on October 27, 2012

flhurricane.com always has a good roundup of news, speculation, and links.
posted by carter at 5:58 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

All we're getting down in TX right now is a little rain, but I stocked up on the St. Arnold's Christmas Ale (which I would happily drink all year long) in solidarity. Those that keep their internet connection please keep the rest of us posted.
posted by emjaybee at 5:59 PM on October 27, 2012

Whelk, I think the real panic will hit tomorrow.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:59 PM on October 27, 2012

yes, everyone panics when the whelk is hungover

it is a cause for great alarm
posted by elizardbits at 6:02 PM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

How about you and whelk get a room?
posted by futz at 6:04 PM on October 27, 2012

How about you and whelk get a room?

And don't forget the flashlights and bottled water ...
posted by carter at 6:10 PM on October 27, 2012 [4 favorites]

Futz - I am getting all my info from the NOAA hurricane site.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:24 PM on October 27, 2012

My parents had people canoeing down the street in front of their house after Irene. They only just finished re-flooring their house after the flooding. I'm pretty worried for them -- not so much for their safety, as they've lived in New Orleans and know what to do and when it's time to go -- but to have to do all that work again? They've got neighbors who never moved back in at all.

The central NJ towns that were flooded so badly in Irene have been looking into infrastructure improvements to keep that from happening again, but it's only been a year, and nothing's changed. The only things I'm aware of that might help: it's been a dry year so far, so all the waterways aren't already high, and they've been draining water from the reservoirs and lakes in expectation of rainfall from Sandy. I hope it's enough.
posted by asperity at 6:24 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

I am getting all my info from the NOAA hurricane site.

We all know NOAA, and we really don't need this thread cluttered with links to, you know, the actual national weather site encumbered with useless, dismissive and wrong commentary.

Again.
posted by vers at 6:32 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Nobody knows exactly where.

No, that's not quite true. NOAA and the NWS give pretty accurate predictions of rainfall and windspeeds as well as warnings of possible floods 24 hours in advance. The only problem is that people insist on listening to things like Huffpo or Twitter or heaven help us most local TV news which generally give very little actual info and a whole lot lot of fear mongering.

Admittedly , good information is hard to come by in all the flood of content aggregates out there but we tend to know pretty well which areas are going to be worse and which areas are not going to be all that bad. You just have to go to a reliable source and frankly aside from government agencies like NOAA or NWS I don't know many (any) other reliable sources.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:33 PM on October 27, 2012

Asperity, I hope so. NJ has so many small municipalities it doesn't matter what one does if the neighboring ones don't follow suit. The state government tries to do what it can, but home rule makes it hard, even when there's a sympathetic governor.
posted by mollweide at 6:33 PM on October 27, 2012

Vers : You seem to be stating that something I said was wrong. Please point to what it was. Be specific. As for my commentary - it may surprise you to know that multiple points of view are actually allowed on this site.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:36 PM on October 27, 2012

Mod note: We are not having the Hurricane Irene ridiculousness again, period. Please do not go there.
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 6:38 PM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

We all know NOAA, and we really don't need this thread cluttered with links to, you know, the actual national weather site encumbered with useless, dismissive and wrong commentary.

Who is this "we" you're referring to? Because if you're referring to all of us, you're probably mistaken.
posted by bondcliff at 6:38 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

At this present moment in NoVa the air is warm and moist like a madeline dipped in hot tea. The wind is calm, too calm like the quiet of a man scheduled for execution who has made peace with his god and his fate. The sky is the color of a mostly dead CRT, a deep dark gray that only slightly reflects the ambient light. The streets are empty as a million government workers keep calm and try to carry on inthe face of certain doom. We knew it would come to this dreadful end. Some say it is the dark magic rebounding three fold from screaming souls of ten thousand children and innocents sacraficed in our war for vengeance. They have have gathered and made a maelstrom.
posted by humanfont at 6:39 PM on October 27, 2012 [17 favorites]

Regarding flooding and storm surge for those who are worried about such things . The NOAA storm surge map is currently listing predicted storm surges as being under 3 feet in most NJ and NY coastal areas - there are a few places significantly higher so it's best to check. These things change daily so it's a good idea to check regularly but for the vast majority of coastal regions above Maryland the current predictions for storm surge are minimal.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:43 PM on October 27, 2012

NJ has so many small municipalities it doesn't matter what one does if the neighboring ones don't follow suit.

Impressively, the towns are even trying to work together on this to do it faster! Not fast enough to beat this storm, though.
posted by asperity at 6:50 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

ALL WILL DIE!

I got so many flashlights y'all. I like flashlights and parachute cord and all that stuff anyway. So, one hand for yourself and one hand for the ship. Here's to the success of our hopeless task, etc. Be safe.
posted by Divine_Wino at 6:59 PM on October 27, 2012 [3 favorites]

I don't get all the "You're gonna be sorry Mr. Unprepared!" sentiment. Freaked out by Sandy? Fine, run for the hills. But don't tell me what I can and can't do based on some computer models. If I ran my life that way I'd never leave my house for one fear or another.

I'm concerned because I feel this is the direction our country is going. We now live in a constant state of "emergency" where we need to be told (and prescribed) what's good for us. This is a dangerous situation where our freedom is concerned. (See reproductive rights for example.)

Is there a good, non-hysterical chance NYC is going to be underwater? Fine, then I'll evacuate. Otherwise I choose to ride it out like REO. Stormpocalypse? Fine, I accept my fate. No need to come and save me, I played my own hand.

But reality check: We're all going down with the ship like Ishmael sooner or later.

Time for another drink.
posted by nowhere man at 7:34 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hey all, it's your resident Disaster Services volunteer checking in from Central MA with words of doomsday! :)

Just wanted to note a couple things:

-People should be very careful particularly with rainfall predictions, which are notoriously difficult to predict with tropically-originating storms like this one, especially as they break up and go extra-tropical. The flooding that devastated areas of New England during Irene came almost completely as a surprise to many, including forecasters.

-I've seen a few notes upthread about candle usage. As someone who gets called not only for the hurricane or Frankenstorm or whatever, but also for the structure fires, please try to avoid using candles and be vey careful if you must use them. Every time there's a mass power-outage event (and unfortunately we've had several in the last few years) we wind up responding to fires started by candles, even in homes where people were pretty careful with using them.

-Last, I'd like to repeat something I said during Irene: A robust disaster plan and response for a disaster that fizzles is not a failure. Personal preparation for even a low probability disaster is not something you should ever be ashamed of.
posted by rollbiz at 7:38 PM on October 27, 2012 [32 favorites]

No need to come and save me, I played my own hand.

Except that societally, we do not accept this, and I've yet to meet the person who was holed up in their attic or running out of food or freezing to death without heat who said "Nah, just leave me. I made my own bed".
posted by rollbiz at 7:40 PM on October 27, 2012 [17 favorites]

Rollbiz: Perhaps in a society that truly cared about the welfare of attic and freezing people such folks wouldn't be expected to fend for themselves in the event of an emergency?

FWIW, I personally don't have an attic, do have a nice coat, and am in possession of a moderately sane mind.
posted by nowhere man at 7:52 PM on October 27, 2012

I don't get all the "You're gonna be sorry Mr. Unprepared!" sentiment. Freaked out by Sandy? Fine, run for the hills. But don't tell me what I can and can't do based on some computer models. If I ran my life that way I'd never leave my house for one fear or another.

I'm concerned because I feel this is the direction our country is going. We now live in a constant state of "emergency" where we need to be told (and prescribed) what's good for us. This is a dangerous situation where our freedom is concerned. (See reproductive rights for example.)

Is there a good, non-hysterical chance NYC is going to be underwater? Fine, then I'll evacuate. Otherwise I choose to ride it out like REO. Stormpocalypse? Fine, I accept my fate. No need to come and save me, I played my own hand.

This is silly. The threats to NYC are localized flash flooding, power outages and people getting trapped in the subways. No amount of forecasting can tell people where this will occur, because these things are very local in nature. So they are telling people to be prepared for that, should it happen where they are.

This isn't about a constant state of emergency or the direction the country is going in. This is: hey, a storm is coming, it could be bad, here is what you need to do ahead of time IN CASE YOU ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.

A sane person heeds warnings and acts appropriately.
posted by gjc at 8:09 PM on October 27, 2012 [7 favorites]

If it is all a bunch of hype and this turns out to be just a big rainstorm, then at least I'm prepared for December 21st, so I guess there's that.
posted by NoraCharles at 8:14 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

Man, my problem is I'm already bored with the whole overblown production...

Yeah, yeah, Frankenwhatchamacallit etc...blah de bleeh da meh.

Get it over with already Sandy. I got things to do.
posted by Skygazer at 8:15 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

NBC News and Wired Services | 11:00 p.m. tonight: "Governors in states in the hurricane's path declared emergencies, announcing mandatory evacuations of vulnerable areas."
posted by ericb at 8:31 PM on October 27, 2012

Even if the minimum happens from this storm I'm sure it'll mean pain and suffering for at least a few. Good luck everyone.

Forktine writes "
More seriously, I'm struck by how poorly our brains and/or our society handles intermittent threats, like these storms in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. They come just often enough for people to talk about them and agree that they are a Big Deal, but not often enough to force serious changes in things like building codes or shoreline development regulations. "

The horrifying thing is the vast majority of people shouldn't be needing to make runs for water and non perishables, they should just have that stuff on hand, and yet most people don't. Many of the disasters that can strike will strike without warning; we should be prepared for a lack of services at any time.

Somewhat disturbing to myself is I've fallen out of the habit of keeping my car half full of fuel. The bloody tank on my current car only holds 30 odd litres and stopping every 15l to fill up is both a pain in the ass and kind of a personally embarassing reminder of when I could only afford to put 15 litres of gas in my car at a time. So I let it fall to below E and then stuff 31 litres in to activate the loyalty program at what ever station I'm filling up at.

nowhere man writes "Otherwise I choose to ride it out like REO. Stormpocalypse? Fine, I accept my fate. No need to come and save me, I played my own hand. "

Lots of people say that but as a society we find it unethical to leave those who have accepted to their fate to that fate.
posted by Mitheral at 8:35 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Since this seems to be the disaster thread, there appears to be a real-deal tsunami warning from that 7.7 off the coast of British Columbia an hour or so ago.


Right now it's for Alaska and Coastal BC, but the buoys seem to be registering some motion.

posted by Lord_Pall at 9:08 PM on October 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

The bloody tank on my current car only holds 30 odd litres

Good god, I've owned motorcycles with larger fuel tanks. What are you driving, something like this?

The horrifying thing is the vast majority of people shouldn't be needing to make runs for water and non perishables, they should just have that stuff on hand, and yet most people don't. Many of the disasters that can strike will strike without warning; we should be prepared for a lack of services at any time.

You'd think at least a few people would still have their Y2K stockpiles on hand, but most people have what's in the fridge and that's it.
posted by Forktine at 9:26 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

If anybody reading this thread is an app builder, I've been thinking of making a weather app and website for NYC for some years now. If you're interested send a memail.

Will walk along the Hudson River tomorrow and Monday to note anything unusual before the storm hits, take pics of the sky and put them up on Flickr with a link in this thread.

Here is an excellent New York City Hurricane Evacuation Zone map.

There's a hush over NYC now that's unusual for the weekend before Halloween.
posted by nickyskye at 9:58 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Rollbiz: Perhaps in a society that truly cared about the welfare of attic and freezing people such folks wouldn't be expected to fend for themselves in the event of an emergency?

I'm not sure how to respond as to the general welfare of "attic and freezing people", but I'll just say I wish that people weren't ever left to fend for themselves, in general.

To the point, you originally seemed to be saying that folks should be able to decide to ride things out, and that you wouldn't expect anyone to come help them if they made the wrong choice and wound up actually being in serious trouble and really needing help.

I'm not sure how to balance the stuff you've said. I'd think it through more, but I'd like to ask you to think it through first.
posted by rollbiz at 10:15 PM on October 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just putting this here in the hopes that it will get stuck in some of your heads as the storm hits.
posted by MrVisible at 11:47 PM on October 27, 2012 [5 favorites]

Such a good song. Who did that?

Ah, I see it's Polaris, whoever they are, they sound great.
posted by Skygazer at 11:58 PM on October 27, 2012

Since this seems to be the disaster thread, there appears to be a real-deal tsunami warning from that 7.7 off the coast of British Columbia an hour or so ago.

The tsunami was all of 12cm in Tofina, BC and 4 inches high in SE Alaska (which could be the same thing for all I know). But the sirens are going off in Hawaii now, according to some friends who are there.
posted by fshgrl at 12:23 AM on October 28, 2012

I was just comparing Sandy's storm track with the storm track of Hurricane Agnes. That storm caused severe flooding and a number of deaths in my hometown back in 1972.
posted by DarkForest at 12:42 AM on October 28, 2012

STORM SURGE...THE COMBINATION OF AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STORM SURGE
AND THE TIDE WILL CAUSE NORMALLY DRY AREAS NEAR THE COAST TO BE
FLOODED BY RISING WATERS. THE WATER COULD REACH THE FOLLOWING
DEPTHS ABOVE GROUND IF THE PEAK SURGE OCCURS AT THE TIME OF HIGH
TIDE...

NC SOUTH OF SURF CITY...1 TO 3 FT
NC NORTH OF SURF CITY INCLUDING PAMLICO/ALBEMARLE SOUNDS...4 TO 6 FT
SE VA AND DELMARVA INCLUDING LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY...2 TO 4 FT
UPPER AND MIDDLE CHESAPEAKE BAY...1 TO 2 FT
LONG ISLAND SOUND AND RARITAN BAY INCLUDING NEW YORK HARBOR...6 TO
11 FT
ELSEWHERE FROM OCEAN CITY MD TO THE CT/RI BORDER...4 TO 8 FT
CT/RI BORDER TO THE SOUTH SHORE OF CAPE COD INCLUDING BUZZARDS
BAY...3 TO 5 FT
posted by futz at 5:59 AM on October 28, 2012

Cuomo has just announced - they will suspend subway, bus, Metro-North and LIRR service tonight; 7 pm is the last train for subways, 9 pm for the last Metro-North and LIRR service. If they evacuate areas of the city they'll bring them back up/keep them up until that's done.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:11 AM on October 28, 2012

Boston is overcast and windy. Made a run to the grocery store for granola bars and extra diapers... there is zero sense of panic and plenty of bread on the shelves. I dunno if this means that we're not expected to get the worst of it or if my fellow Bostonians are too focused on Halloween preparations to worry about a storm. Hard to say.

In any case - I thought of a useful tip to pass on! If you're in an area where you might lose power/water for a few days and are concerned about lack of showers: baby wipes! It's not a perfect solution, but lord knows I've done it out of exhaustion even when I *did* have running water. I recommend the unscented kind. Also, if you're feeling fancy, dry shampoo.
posted by sonika at 7:16 AM on October 28, 2012

Just got back from work (a park, where I work in the gardens) where I was moving computers to on top of desks and securing some random things outside so they don't blow too far away.

The wind is picking up and the parks employees have reached a point of giddiness. Everyone is a bit terrified, but madly preparing.

I took pictures of the gardens just in case they're all gone in a couple of days. A weird feeling.
posted by sciencegeek at 7:40 AM on October 28, 2012

If you're in an area where you might lose power/water for a few days and are concerned about lack of showers: baby wipes!

During Irene my hot water tank kept the water reasonably warm for a couple days. Not enough for a long shower but enough so I was able to sponge off and keep clean without power. Granted, I was home alone and my water tank (80 gal) is somewhat new, but I thought I'd throw that out there just so people know that once the power goes out a big tank of hot water is going to take a while to completely cool off. Save it for bathing and do your dishes with cold water.

Once I was out of warm water in the tank I would boil some water on the camp stove before bed, fill a couple of Nalgene bottles, and then store them in a cooler overnight. In the morning I'd have water hot enough to clean with before work.

And yeah, it helps to keep some baby wipes on hand. One thing though, they don't seem to keep long term. A few years ago, when my son was little, I put together an emergency kit. A couple years ago I was going though it and found the wipes were all moldy and gross inside.
posted by bondcliff at 7:47 AM on October 28, 2012

In Boston (well, Brookline-ish): windy, spitting a little maybe, but yeah, zero sense of panic. CVS is out of gallons of water but the convenience story across the street isn't. Plenty of batteries on the shelves but no flashlights.

Slightly concerned about the power/cable lines vis a vis trees in my neighborhood but what's a brother to do.
posted by dismas at 8:00 AM on October 28, 2012

Out the window here in Brooklyn is seeing occasional gusts, but I haven't seen rain yet. Am about to venture out to get a couple gallons of water, I think - and to take BACK the laundry from my drop-off laundromat who said they wouldn't be done with it until 8 tonight; I'll just do it myself now so it gets done.

I've got a lot of candles already, I may pick up matches as well. Maybe bread for sandwiches; I've also got a ton of apples (my CSA as been giving me 3 pounds a week for the past month) and I made cookies last night.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:07 AM on October 28, 2012

No rain yet in Harlem. I have made three trips to Fairway in the last 24 hours, and am going to be cooking all afternoon, partly to do something with all my fidgety energy, partly to have cooked food on hand. I have beer and bourbon.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 8:15 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Pre-Hurricane Sandy in Hell's Kitchen as of 10:30 this morning.
posted by nickyskye at 8:16 AM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

It's chilly, cloudy, and very windy here in southern NJ. I feel like there's a palpable tension in the air (I remember that feeling a few hours before Hurricane Irene. Of course, it could have just been me projecting my emotions on the weather, both then and now). I'm slowly packing to go stay with a friend 20 or so miles away because we live on a creek. (A beautiful and peaceful creek 364 days out of the year!) I'm not waiting to be told to leave and possibly have to drive in crap weather. I'll just take a hint and GTFO. I'm a little sad that everyone in my household is going to stay somewhere different; I'd rather we all be together, but it's not an option.

We've got sandbags for the doors, all windows checked and locked, valuables and electronics on the first floor off the floor. My handsome fella and I are taking gallon jugs of water, canned and baked goods (BRIBERY!!!) and flashlights to our respective storm destinations.

I'm really, really nervous.
posted by Aquifer at 8:21 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

El Bloombito is speaking on all the metro NYC stations. There's something funky going on with his PA, nd he sounds like Darth VADER.

(Luka, io sono yo padre! Vamanos with your vamanos bag...)

Or Robo-Mayor.....or FrankenMayor...lolz...
posted by Skygazer at 8:29 AM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Massive and dangerous Hurricane Sandy has grown to record size as it barrels northeastwards along the North Carolina coast at 10 mph. At 8 am EDT, Sandy's tropical storm-force winds extended northeastwards 520 miles from the center, and twelve-foot high seas covered a diameter of ocean 1,030 miles across. Since records of storm size began in 1988, no tropical storm or hurricane has been larger (though Hurricane Olga of 2001 had a larger 690 mile radius of tropical storm-force winds when it was a subtropical storm near Bermuda.) Sandy has put an colossal volume of ocean water in motion with its widespread and powerful winds, and the hurricane's massive storm surge is already impacting the coast. A 2' storm surge has been recorded at numerous locations this morning from Virginia to Connecticut, including a 3' surge at Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and Sewells Point at 9 am EDT. Huge, 10 - 15 foot-high battering waves on top of the storm surge have washed over Highway 12 connecting North Carolina's Outer Banks to the mainland at South Nags Head this morning. The highway is now impassable, and has been closed. The coast guard station on Cape Hatteras, NC, recorded sustained winds of 50 mph, gusting to 61 mph, at 5:53 am EDT this morning. In Delaware, the coastal highway Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach has been closed due to high water. Even though Sandy is a minimal Category 1 hurricane, its storm surge is extremely dangerous, and if you are in a low-lying area that is asked to evacuate, I strongly recommend that you leave.
posted by futz at 8:46 AM on October 28, 2012

Louis C.K. cancelled his show because of the storm.
posted by Obscure Reference at 8:50 AM on October 28, 2012

Sandy's central pressure is expected to drop from its current 951 mb to 945 - 950 mb at landfall Monday night. A pressure this low is extremely rare; according to wunderground weather historian Christopher C. Burt, the lowest pressure ever measured anywhere in the U.S. north of Cape Hatteras, NC, is 946 mb (27.94") measured at the Bellport Coast Guard Station on Long Island, NY on September 21, 1938 during the great "Long Island Express" hurricane.
posted by futz at 8:52 AM on October 28, 2012

City just txted me, Mandatory Evac, Zone A, Rockaways, Hamilton beach, City Island
posted by The Whelk at 8:57 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

What does Zone A Evac cover for NYC? I'm hearing ~375k people evaccing.
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:58 AM on October 28, 2012

JINX!

You in the zone?

Did they suggest where you should go, or just tell you to get out?
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:58 AM on October 28, 2012

I'm atop a lonely tower as Judge Of All Mankind, but here's the PDF NYC HURRICANE EVAC ZONES
posted by The Whelk at 9:03 AM on October 28, 2012

That map doesn't list the size of the surge, just the category of hurricane. This storm is potentially weird, so I'm not sure how it'll line up.

I guess if they evac zone b after the 7pm subway shutdown people can walk to the hurricane shelters..

Mostly depends on what this storm ends up doing..
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:06 AM on October 28, 2012

Some good info on potential storm impact from Boston dot com. Mainly focused on MA, but good maps of storm path that are generally pertinent.
posted by sonika at 9:06 AM on October 28, 2012

I figured a MeTa would be useful, like last year.
posted by griphus at 9:10 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Cuomo has just announced - they will suspend subway, bus, Metro-North and LIRR service tonight; 7 pm is the last train for subways, 9 pm for the last Metro-North and LIRR service. If they evacuate areas of the city they'll bring them back up/keep them up until that's done.

That probably means a day off from work for us. I'm actually close enough that I walk, but I can't imagine our office will be open if there's no subway and no LIRR.

I was amused yesterday when Mayor Bloomberg said he encouraged everyone to stay home Monday but said that all city workers were to report as usual.
posted by Jahaza at 9:10 AM on October 28, 2012

City just txted me, Mandatory Evac, Zone A, Rockaways, Hamilton beach, City Island


I didn't get the txt from El Bloombergo, yet.

Zone A appears to be the same as the Zone A for Irene. And actually should be bigger, so make sure you double check. Evacuation is mandatory for Zone A, and there's schools being set up to handle people, or the Mayor suggests staying with friends or family.

This city evac search thingy is broke at present: http://gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/search.htm


But, here's the entire Evacuation Map:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/downloads/pdf/hurricane_map_english.pdf

{CTRL + to enlarge}.
posted by Skygazer at 9:10 AM on October 28, 2012

My husband's company is preparing to leave for disaster response. I have to admit I'm relieved my husband is staying home for this one. Good luck and stay safe, everybody.
posted by MaritaCov at 9:12 AM on October 28, 2012

The department of education hasn't posted a cancellation yet, even though it's on the AP wire.
posted by Jahaza at 9:12 AM on October 28, 2012

Jeff Masters has a 50% chance of this storm flooding portions of the NYC subway. That's a tremendous cleanup job if it happens.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:14 AM on October 28, 2012

Wait, so is reatime discussion/update moving to MeTa now?

Perhaps we can just keep it all here? It seems confusing to split the thread.
posted by Jahaza at 9:17 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

They're predicting an 11ft storm surge at the Battery. Which is where the garden I work in is. My mind is boggling.
posted by sciencegeek at 9:19 AM on October 28, 2012

I think the meta may be more for "I need a place to stay?" Not news updates on the storm itself.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:20 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yeah, that was a stupid idea on my part. I think last time the MeTa came first and the regular thread after.
posted by griphus at 9:20 AM on October 28, 2012

Well I'm about 2 hours NW of Toronto and according to the predictions will be getting hit with the outer edges of the storm. Not a huge deal here just very windy and rainy. I expect my power will go out as it always does even in smaller wind storms but it probably won't be out any longer then a normal winter outage here.

Right now the weather here is what I call it's 'can't make up it's mind stage.' Just over and hour ago in was sunny and calm. Then woosh the clouds came in and the wind picked up with the trees going in several directions. This is pretty normal for where I am as live in this weird zone where different weather patterns regularly clash and do strange things. I can get different weather then a few kms south or north. Normally when this happens I know some sort of storm is coming from somewhere. It's eerie to think that without the internet I would have no idea just what sort of storm is approaching and think that it was just common fall weather.

Thinking of everyone farther south. Stay safe all.
posted by Jalliah at 9:21 AM on October 28, 2012

I think it's a good idea for MeTa to handle the off-topic, commentary, goofing around stuff etc...and so this thread doesn't become weighed down with noise and loads semi-quickly on mobile devices. It worked pretty well for Irene,and the two threads can support one another and be friends through this weird ass El Bloombergo-ed mandatory evac experience.
posted by Skygazer at 9:22 AM on October 28, 2012

(UK Daily Mail, contains pictures): "New York City shuts down for Hurricane Sandy: Subway will close tonight as storm is set to be the biggest EVER to hit United States"
posted by Wordshore at 9:29 AM on October 28, 2012

I've closed that Meta for now, let's just keep this thread clear for info. We have a while to go before the storm even arrives.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:30 AM on October 28, 2012

but i wanna start looting noooow
posted by elizardbits at 9:40 AM on October 28, 2012 [16 favorites]

Dudes in NYC, I love ya, but Philly has got this, gonna punch Sandy in its penis
posted by angrycat at 9:41 AM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

In its penis? where is that located?

Good luck everybody who is affected by this. It is eerie reading about it all from the safety of several thousand miles away.
posted by marienbad at 9:53 AM on October 28, 2012

Well, it's a metaphorical thing of Sandy being a dick in its entirety.
posted by angrycat at 9:59 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Anyone have a canonical list of bad action movies on NetFlix Instant? My grandmother will be staying with us, and the only thing that got us through Irene was bad action movies.
posted by griphus at 9:59 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Mod note: A couple of comments deleted. Questions about moderation go to contact form or MetaTalk, as always.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 10:09 AM on October 28, 2012

griphus: Anyone have a canonical list of bad action movies on NetFlix Instant? My grandmother will be staying with us, and the only thing that got us through Irene was bad action movies.

Have you tried Instant Watcher? They list 828 Action & Adventure movies currently on NetFlix Instant Watch, 191 of which have a rating less than three stars. Then again, Fist 2 Fist has a three star rating…

Still haunted by his failure to prevent the murder of a young couple years earlier, a mixed martial arts teacher must confront the skeleton in his closet when the boy who was orphaned by the killing shows up at his door.

posted by ob1quixote at 10:28 AM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

I'm in Norfolk, in a flood-prone area. Heavy rain hasn't come yet, just a constant light rain, and already it's not good. The flood gates are up all over the city, and in most places it's just damp, only a few puddles. But in other areas, like the block behind me, there's a lake where the street used to be. [local media photo] High tide tonight is going to be interesting.
posted by sephira at 10:31 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Anyone have a canonical list of bad action movies on NetFlix Instant? My grandmother will be staying with us, and the only thing that got us through Irene was bad action movies.

Arctic Blast
Category 7: The End Of The World
The Day After Tomorrow
The Final Storm
Killer Flood
Planet Of The Apes
Superstorm
Tidal Wave
Waterworld
posted by Wordshore at 10:32 AM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Washington Post is reporting DC public schools closed tomorrow.
posted by TurkishGolds at 10:32 AM on October 28, 2012

Threads is on google video. It's a feel-good romp! Not really.
posted by angrycat at 10:35 AM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Bad Action Movies you say, Mr/Mrs/Ms Griphus? THIS IS THE SUCKER YOU WANT. It is the only film I have seen where the protagonists real actor name is better than the character name.

"A painful test of endurance, but surely a badmovie monger's dream, Ultra Warrior is a must-see-to-believe experience. You will *never* mock another movie again." - IMDB Review by EveAskance.
posted by marienbad at 10:48 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm about a block from the evac zone in NYC. Is there some place i can follow the storm or at least the predictions of what it's going to do in real time? Apologies if this has been covered already-It just took me 15 minutes to figure out if I'm in the the evacuation zone; my brain is still fuzzy from big halloween party last night.

My apt, is on the roof of a building with a row of windows-should I be taping them? I'm kinda exposed up here and even relatively mild storms tend to rattle the place but they are newish windows so I don't know if the taping thing still applies.
posted by newpotato at 10:51 AM on October 28, 2012

They're predicting an 11ft storm surge at the Battery. Which is where the garden I work in is. My mind is boggling.

I believe it. I'm across the river in JC waterfront, and at high tide this morning the water was already almost level with the walkway. I am fully expecting flooding on the ground floor our apartment building at some point.

So... anyone have suggestions for how to brew coffee in an apartment with no power?

I have an 8 cup french press and ground coffee - does it actually brew drinkable coffee if you use cold water? I also have a pour over filter, but I can't imagine that working with cold water. The other option is instant espresso- I have several bottles of Medaglia D' Oro Instant Espresso Coffee, since I use it for baking. Again, though, not sure that it works with cold water.

I might end up brewing a few pots when the power is still on and then filling up Nalgene bottles with it & stashing it in the fridge.
posted by lyra4 at 10:51 AM on October 28, 2012

No work tomorrow! Unless I'm more "essential" then I think, which I highly doubt.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:52 AM on October 28, 2012

I'm in evacuation zone C. Fingers crossed I can stay home tonight. I just came back from the UES Fairway which was a zoo but still had lots of food and bottled water.

How are people getting updates texted to them?
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 10:58 AM on October 28, 2012

Hurricane forecast humour

HURRICANE FABIAN DISCUSSION NUMBER 15
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
5 AM EDT SUN AUG 31 2003

FORECASTER AVILA CONTINUES TO INSIST...DESPITE ALL RECON
EVIDENCE...THAT IT WAS NOT HE WHO TOOK MY SANDWICH FROM THE
NHC FRIDGE. THIS ASSERTION IS NOT SUPPORTED BY FORECASTER
STEWART OR MY STATISTICAL MODELS...AND BASED ON THE TIGHT
CLUSTERING OF GUIDANCE...I AM ISSUING A WARNING FOR FORECASTER
AVILA...THAT HE HAD BETTER BRING HIS OWN LUNCH TOMORROW. THIS
WILL BE THE LAST WARNING ISSUED FOR FORECASTER AVILA.

posted by saturday_morning at 10:58 AM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

For coffee, I'm thinking about doing some cold brew.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:58 AM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

hmm. Chris Christie has interrupted the Jets game to give a press conference. Interesting that schools closing is up to individual towns but he recommends it for tomorrow.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 11:02 AM on October 28, 2012

So... anyone have suggestions for how to brew coffee in an apartment with no power?

Start some cold-brew coffee now - it takes 12 hours, but it's ideal for iced coffee so even if you don't lose power you're stocked up for iced coffee. Just put 2/3 cup coffee grounds and 3 cups water in a jug and leave it for 8-12 hours, then strain. Cut the brew half-and-half with water when you serve unless you like it especially high-test.

I spent all summer canning things like peaches and pickles and what-not, and I have about five pounds of apples in a basket taunting me for not doing anything with them yet, so I will be set for vegetables; I also have a fairly well-stocked bar (I went on a "stock the bar" run last week). I also have a shitload of candles (hey - I'm a chick, I like atmosphere). Just picked up a couple of last-minute things to round it out - matches, a couple extra gallons of water, bread and some devilled ham and canned tuna and canned salmon. I was very tempted to get caviar, but I'll content myself with making a series of cocktails (I have homemade tomato juice, homemade cranberry juice, and a little unopened bottle of lime juice). I'm also just outside all of the storm surge zones, but even if something wild happens, I'm on the 4th floor. My roommate also has some big picture frames that I can wedge into place over the windows, so I may use those and bedsheets to "board" up the windows if need be.

It was fascinating watching what people were stocking up on as "emergency rations" at the supermarket just now - some people were getting lots of water and canned food, but there was a guy who had nothing but beer and potato chips.

Subways shut down, and I heard they may even shut some of the bridges. All my bosses also live in Long Island and Connecticut so even if we all WANTED to come to work tomorrow....
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:06 AM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

How is Planet of the Apes a bad action movie?
posted by PHINC at 11:18 AM on October 28, 2012

I figure I can probably live off the cheeses and antipasti and crackers, chips and dips leftover from the pre-party party I had here last night. Not the healthiest, but the most food my apt. has seen in weeks, and so very festive for storm watching.
Plus plenty of wine and a ton of different IPAs I've been meaning to taste test sitting in the fridge.
Assuming the electricity holds, I think my roku and I will have a fairly decent time of it. If only there were a debate on tonight....now THAT truly would have been a perfect storm...
posted by newpotato at 11:19 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wow, the red-tailed hawks nesting across the street are going completely fucking insane right now, all KEEEEE KEEEEEEE KEEEEE KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE argh make it stop. I love those little pigeon-menacing bastards but this is getting out of hand.
posted by elizardbits at 11:21 AM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

I went to the grocery store to get lox because EMERGENCY and there was a really cute guy I kept bumping into in the aisles and I managed to get in the insane line right behind him and we chatted a little about BBQ sauce and then I said if we survive the hurricane we should celebrate and then he gave me his number AND IT'S LIKE I AM A CRAZY SUPERHERO I LOVE NATURE!!!!!!!!!! This is the best hurricane ever.
posted by prefpara at 11:28 AM on October 28, 2012 [97 favorites]

HURRICANE HOOKUPS FUCK YEAH
posted by elizardbits at 11:29 AM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

My cats are mewing and hiding in strange places they haven't hidden in since they were first brought to this apartment. Feline hurricane prediction, or general insanity? Probably just general insanity.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:29 AM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

hello ladies would you like to get your hands on my... EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
posted by elizardbits at 11:30 AM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

The Weather Channel:

Where Will Terrifying Monster Storm Hit?


jesus fucking christ. try harder to display a smidgen of journalistic integrity.
posted by futz at 11:39 AM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

This accomplishes precisely nothing. Don't bother.

I thought it cut down on flying glass if the window gets broken? That it doesn't stop anything, just cuts down chances of bad situations getting worse.
posted by gjc at 11:45 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

It's looking ominous but dry in Baltimore at the moment. I feel as though the lead-up to Irene has a lot of people feeling blase about this storm (not to mention the ridiculous Frankenstorm moniker).
posted by codacorolla at 11:46 AM on October 28, 2012

I have never been more glad to have purchased three completely unneeded (at the time) flats of bottled water for my pre-wedding cookout.

Granted, that is a highly specific thing to be glad about.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 11:47 AM on October 28, 2012

My cat hasn't gone nuts yet. He's asleep in a box but generally i think he can predict storms because when they come he goes inside the sofa.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 11:47 AM on October 28, 2012

Plus plenty of wine and a ton of different IPAs I've been meaning to taste test sitting in the fridge.

THE STORES ARE OUT OF TONIC. I HAVE GIN BUT NO TONIC

THIS IS A CRISIS
posted by The Whelk at 11:47 AM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

POUR THE GIN INTO YOUR MOUTH

CRISES AVERTED
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:49 AM on October 28, 2012 [12 favorites]

Crisis 2: Now you have no gin.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 11:49 AM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Sit on my knee boy, and let me tell you about the time I had to travel through 75 mph winds to find tonic...
posted by zerobyproxy at 11:50 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Where Will Terrifying Monster Storm Hit?

I want to turn on the weather channel and see utter screaming mayhem in the studio. I want trash fires burning in the background while the anchor sobs uncontrollably. Human sacrifice to nameless horrors! Condiments being used inappropriately!
posted by elizardbits at 11:50 AM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

Chew up some juniper berries and baby aspirin (as a quinine substitute) in your mouth, a swig of sprite and then a swig of gin. Almost identical to good tonic water.
posted by Lord_Pall at 11:51 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

OH MY GOD I HAVE SO MUCH TONIC LEFT OVER FROM LAST NIGHT AND ALMOST NO GIN
posted by newpotato at 11:51 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

eat ye of these twigs and remember my sacrifice
posted by elizardbits at 11:51 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

...and halloween candy. I will be sick on halloween candy before this is over.
posted by newpotato at 11:53 AM on October 28, 2012

at the closest Rite Aide, no C and D batteries, no flashlights. Now the candles are the major targets
posted by angrycat at 11:54 AM on October 28, 2012

I made many special brownies last night and if the power goes will need to consume them. Luckily for you all, I won't have access to metafilter in such a circumstance.
posted by angrycat at 11:55 AM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

NOAA is now predicting higher probability of tropical storm force winds winds (42 mph + ) and increased 5 day rainfall totals of up to 10 inches in the Delaware area and storm surge probabilities of more than 5 feet as being 50% in the New York area. so it looks like a pretty nasty storm. Stormageddon ? Not so much.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2012

I'm pretty sure I'm safe where I am, but I'll be drinking about all of you.
posted by villanelles at dawn at 11:57 AM on October 28, 2012 [10 favorites]

Heh, the local witchy shop has been posting on their FB that they still have plenty of candles.

"I don't care how badly we need light, I'm not lighting the Hanged Man's Fat Candle."
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

This is a very very big storm.

To put it into perspective, both Bermuda and North Carolina are experiencing tropical storm force winds from the same storm at the same time. That's about 800 miles of 42+mph winds
posted by Lord_Pall at 12:01 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm happily ensconced in my Brooklyn basement apartment, with lots of water, brownies, and Breaking Bad episodes. As long as they don't force evacuate Zone B, I'm good to go.
posted by silverstatue at 12:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

"...and then he gave me his number AND IT'S LIKE I AM A CRAZY SUPERHERO I LOVE NATURE!!!!!!!!!! This is the best hurricane ever."

Well done. And, I'm envious (or previous me is/was). You Americans have the advantage of all these super-disaster hookup opportunities. Us English people - less so. I've had to use a combination of Twitter, Skype and attending librarian conferences. No hurricane, tornado, superstorm or other hookup opportunities for your cousins over here.
posted by Wordshore at 12:07 PM on October 28, 2012

It does seem (from my very safe distance) like NYC's disaster plans and notification system are working very smoothly and well. News and warnings have been clear and obviously widely received. It's pretty reassuring to see the pre-storm work so well. The money and effort the city's put into disaster preparedness since 9/11 seems well-spent.

The cold front coming from the west is a heck of a front; we had a 24*F temperature drop in a two-hour period when it came through. It was 77 when I left the house to run a couple errands and 53 when I got back, my toddler complaining bitterly that I "let" him wear the sandals he demanded to wear because now his toes were freezing.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:07 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

No hurricane, tornado, superstorm or other hookup opportunities for your cousins over here.

just tell people you've run out of tea
posted by elizardbits at 12:12 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

If anyone's curious about how things will be looking in NY tomorrow - here is a page full of live webcams that you can observe the storm through . I like the Statue of Liberty Torchcam for some reason (probably the name)
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 12:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

The last time I was in England, we enjoyed the Great Storm of 1987. So there are hurricane or hurricane-like storms in your area occasionally. We'd just gotten there and had no idea what was going on. Woke up in the morning to trees down and much destruction. My excitement - there was mistletoe on some of those downed trees and it was the first time I'd seen it other than in plastic form hanging from door frames in December.

Updates from the Bronx: the local bodega still has beer.
posted by sciencegeek at 12:16 PM on October 28, 2012

Just started sprinkling here in Philly. Ran to the store for milk and eggs, and was surprised (though maybe I shouldn't have been) to see that there were plenty of both, but that the mixers and potato chips were almost entirely picked over.
posted by coppermoss at 12:16 PM on October 28, 2012

Trenton, NJ schools are closed Monday and Tuesday. I have a happy teacher here. Now to keep checking my work mail...
posted by kimberussell at 12:24 PM on October 28, 2012

My cat Lloyd was very jumpy and doing much "yawring" last night. Now, he is being needy and doing the thing where he taps me on the shoulder with his paw, which means "Feed me now, servant!"

After the subway closing was announced, I got an email from my boss saying that the office (in W'burg) will be open tomorrow, but that we can work from home if need be. Right.

And now I realize I am almost out of cheese? This is serious.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 12:24 PM on October 28, 2012

Christie had to call a press conference to remind voters that no matter how big Sabdy gets he will remain the biggest windbag in New Jersey. Meanwhile Joe Biden was cited by the beach patrol for trying to surf near Rehobath beach to the relief of his security detail.
posted by humanfont at 12:26 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

The latest bulletin from my local branch of the NWS basically boiled down to, "EVACUATE, IF YOU'RE TOLD TO. IF YOU DON'T, THINK OF HOW TRAUMATIZED RESCUE WORKERS WILL BE BY YOUR DEAD BODY."

...Damn.
posted by Aquifer at 12:27 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

Cold brew coffee started. Thank you to LobsterMitten and EmpressCallipygos for the instructions!
posted by lyra4 at 12:27 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Ohhh... Here is a Brooklyn Bridge live cam with an awesome view.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 12:31 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

That Brooklyn Bridge live cam is so wobbly already it's making my inner ears unhappy. The rest of me is in sunny California but if I watch that thing too long I get queasy.

Stay safe, everyone.
posted by ambrosia at 12:39 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

How windy is it right now in Manhattan? If the cam's wobbling that much now, I can't imagine it will stand up to serious storm winds.
posted by restless_nomad at 12:40 PM on October 28, 2012

First World Problem filter: I have NPR on for the weather updates, but what's on is the Sunday Progam with Jonathan Schwartz who is telling listeners in between each and every song that "this is the kind of music I'd be playing for you if they'd let me stay here overnight and keep broadcasting but they won't let me," and and OH MY GOD SCHWARTZ NOBODY CARES SHUT UP
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

My generally evil cat is acting as sweet as pie, so clearly we are fucked here.
posted by angrycat at 12:45 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Another list of webcams to watch the storm, including New York, New Jersey, Long Island and Virginia Beach.
posted by ambrosia at 12:46 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

While you're waiting and worrying: ITS THE HAARPS FAULT!!!11!
posted by marienbad at 12:47 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

You Americans have the advantage of all these super-disaster hookup opportunities. Us English people - less so.

Umm, the area where I live in right now in England looked like this after the storms of 2007.

I believe it's just that English people don't make such a fuss.
posted by vacapinta at 12:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Picture of WTC site during Hurricane Donna in 1960
posted by The Whelk at 12:52 PM on October 28, 2012

restless_nomad: Out here on Long Island, it was pretty damn windy even this morning when we were doing the last of hatch-battening.
posted by Andrhia at 12:52 PM on October 28, 2012

Hurricane Sandy intensifies as it grows
posted by homunculus at 12:53 PM on October 28, 2012

(Also, Sandy, Donna, Irene, man NYC all your hurricanes sound like spunky best friend characters.)
posted by The Whelk at 12:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Empress, when I got into my car and Jonathan Schwartz was playing the goddamn theme to "E.T.," I did my own yelling at the radio.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 12:57 PM on October 28, 2012

they have now switched to a rerun of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me." Amen!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:01 PM on October 28, 2012

Went out to lunch and can report that it's drizzly and pretty windy in Boston (otherwise known as "October" - certainly much more typical than the 65F we've had all month) and still zero sense of panic. Hipsters still wearing Toms, have not upgraded to ironic workboots for heavy rains.
posted by sonika at 1:09 PM on October 28, 2012

Is there anything people on the West Coast can / should do to help?
posted by insectosaurus at 1:09 PM on October 28, 2012

Southeast Mass checking in...I also have a psycho cat today. I mean, he's generally a nut, but today he is upping his game. He is clearly in tune with nature. And nature makes him eat cardboard boxes and leap at unsuspecting people from behind the couch.

Otherwise things are pretty normal around here. Went to the store for last minute beef jerky and I was surprised how calm it was. Right now everything just seems gray and ominous. The neighbors seem to have finished putting in their lawn chairs and cleaning out gutters, as have we, so now we just wait.
posted by Biblio at 1:10 PM on October 28, 2012

ACTUAL SIGN SEEN AT LIQUOR STORE:

"ALCOHOL PANIC LINE STARTS HERE"
posted by The Whelk at 1:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [18 favorites]

marienbad: While you're waiting and worrying: ITS THE HAARPS FAULT!!!11!

Holy heck that sent me down a dark, damp hole full of crazelnuts. The Wikipedia page for HAARP has a good overview of both what it actually is and also what conspiracy theorists really think is going on.
posted by Kattullus at 1:11 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I am at the overlap of a Venn diagram of NYC and Philadelphia. I have been tracking the storm via NFL football, so Eagles game, rain but Jets game, dry. At my little crossroads, dry, quiet, dog sleeping at my feet,wind is picking up a bit. (Pats safe and dry in London)
posted by TWinbrook8 at 1:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I often wonder when the last person who listens to Jonathan Schwartz will finally die so they can put on something from the last century.

I truly love the idea of Jonathan Schwartz's show, and that there is still a place on the spectrum where some guy spins yarns about tunes recorded generations ago, and gives them the nostalgic attention they're due.

Like I said, I love the idea. But every goddamn time I turn on the shower radio and Schwartz is droning on about yet another tune he heard for the first time when he was five years old listening to an artist with his dad, and the *magnificent* pianist just blah blah blah, I want to add a clause to my annual WNYC donation that stipulates "Schwartz may be allowed to record his show into forever, provided that it's broadcast only into a hole in the ground and I never have to hear it ever again, amen."

Also, during Irene I had WNYC on in the background the whole time, and all it did was make me dyspeptic. This time, I'm gonna stick with Metafilter and avoid the nonstop freakout that is the media.
posted by Hadroed at 1:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

huh, my non-evil kitty started tearing up boxes too. evil kitty is still loving life, dreaming of the post-apocalyptic Philadelphia over which she shall rule
posted by angrycat at 1:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Hmm it feels kind of strange to be bookmarking cams to watch this storm. I'm feeling like a disaster voyeur.

Ah well, there won't be much else to do when it starts raining here. Netflix, weather cams and maybe a book. Sounds good to me.
posted by Jalliah at 1:17 PM on October 28, 2012

It is eerie reading about it all from the safety of several thousand miles away.

Double weird when "here" is New Orleans.
posted by localroger at 1:26 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I'm feeling like a disaster voyeur.

Welcome to this thread.

(and hopefully everyone will be safe and any disasters minimal)
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 1:27 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

My office (located in Philly) announced it's closed tomorrow. And my cat who usually sacks out on our sofa in the other room all day has not left my side.
posted by kimberussell at 1:32 PM on October 28, 2012

We have stocked up on liquor here on the West Coast, and are planning to drink heavily for all the poor people stuck in the storm without sufficient whiskey. We're doing it for you!
posted by gingerbeer at 1:34 PM on October 28, 2012 [8 favorites]

when I was 8, Hurricane Alicia roared through Houston. We lost power for six days I think. That was when I learned that the water can shut off if the power shuts off, and then you have no way to flush your toilets, unless you collect rain runoff and pour that into the back of the toilet after you flush. We had water back on after three days, though.

What we rapidly wished we had more of was batteries, ice, and food you could eat cold that wasn't sweet. My parents actually jury-rigged a cooking surface over the gas lighter for our wood fireplace to boil water to make tea; it took 20 minutes, but it did it. but oh dear lord I was so sick of Chef Boyardee ravioli eaten cold out of the can by the time our power came back on.
posted by KathrynT at 1:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

> We have stocked up on liquor here on the West Coast, and are planning to drink heavily for all the poor people stuck in the storm without sufficient whiskey. We're doing it for you!

Portland, OR sympathy drinking team checking in here. Bäranjäger + Bourbon hot toddy's are on the menu.
posted by mrzarquon at 1:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

and hopefully everyone will be safe and any disasters minimal

Seconded.

At the risk of sounding alarmist again, I would like to remind everyone that when Katrina hit we had neighborhoods in New Orleans that had never been flooded, on timescales of 50 to 90 years from their founding, where everybody who stayed either died or had to be rescued from their roofs. History is a poor guide in these times. Please be careful and prepare if you are in the path of this thing. If you are in the zone of possible storm surge get the hell out, either upslope or upstairs.

When Rita hit western LA we had a customer who left four million pound capacity drilling fluid tanks half-full to ballast them. After the storm they couldn't even find the foundations. This shit really happens.
posted by localroger at 1:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I highly recommend this recipe. We made them last night and they were so! Good! (Obvs don't make them and get all drunk if you might have to evacuate, blah, blah.)
posted by Aquifer at 1:38 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

It's not even sprinkling yet in DC, but I have already:

- wiped BEFORE peeing, explicable only as a major malfunction of my cat-like ESP barometer
- gotten an "Endless Love" earworm stuck in my head
- decided that abandoning my alcohol rationing plan in the only rational way to exorcise the earworm (not yet successfully, but I'm in it to win it now)
- laid out the brand-new Sharpies I will soon use to draw pretend tattoos all over myself, by headlamp if needed
- eaten the emergency box of Entenmann's mini chocolate cookies
- drafted a Craigslist Casual Encounter post and alternate wifi network name to see if any other people in my building think that Hurricane Hookup thing sounds like a fine idea but are as lazy/fraidy as me to go outside. I deleted the part that said I could offer Entenmann's.
- selected "U Arsy Hindrance" as my (current) favorite anagram for Hurricane Sandy

Be safe out there!
posted by argonauta at 1:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [25 favorites]

Let's just leave everyone to manage their own risk now, ok?
posted by kiltedtaco at 1:51 PM on October 28, 2012

That was when I learned that the water can shut off if the power shuts off, and then you have no way to flush your toilets

Having lived through last year's storms in Connecticut, my tip: fill your bathtub with water before the storm hits. We had a week of flushes on one tub. Stay safe everyone.
posted by Otherwise at 1:55 PM on October 28, 2012

For Jersey folk - I love Jersey Shore Hurricane News on Facebook - it's fun to follow even when there's not a hurricane, but obviously this is their moment.
posted by Miko at 1:58 PM on October 28, 2012

Garbage and recycling out - check
Frozen raw chicken breasts now cooked chicken breasts - check
2 pounds of pasta cooked to receive potentially defrosted tomato sauce from freezer - check
6 2-gallon pretzel jars rinsed and filled with water - check
Hard copy list of emergency and other contact numbers - starting after this comment
Move stuff away from windows - in progress
Pack go bags - not yet
Charge ALL the things! - in progress

Getting together with friends tonight for a little while. Afterwards, if time and weather allows, we may stop for things that are not necessities, but would make the next few days more pleasant.

Also, the fundraiser made over 15 thousand dollars, more than $1000 over last year's total, and about 3/4 of the organization's annual budget. It will be needed.

On preview: Seconded, Miko. I've been following JSHN for a while (they do traffic alerts and other updates too) but this is why they were created. I mention them and the other (mostly Jersey) Facebook people I'm following for weather info in this comment.
posted by booksherpa at 2:05 PM on October 28, 2012

NYC HURRICANE PREP DO TO LIST
posted by The Whelk at 2:05 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I'm in the Jersey City Heights. I just got back from a run down along the Weehawken, Hoboken, and Jersey City waterfront public access walkways and they're all still open. The rain hasn't started yet although there were some small squalls. I'm currently watching my neighbor across the street, who runs an events and movie trailor/bus company, unload a bunch of generators off the back of a tow truck and wheel them into his house. I know where the neighborhood party will be happening tomorrow even if he doesn't (yet).
posted by stagewhisper at 2:09 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

mayor Bloomberg sorta reminds me of the mayor from Ghostbusters
posted by ninjew at 2:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

THIS IS NOW A GENUINE EMERGENCY

I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A TEST

THE CAKE STORE CLOSED BEFORE I COULD GET CAKE

NEW YORKERS PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR DOOM
posted by elizardbits at 2:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [12 favorites]

From the JSHN linked by Miko:

#njsandy ***WATER RESCUE: SHARK RIVER INLET*** Emergency services have just removed two people from the Shark River Inlet due to an "unknown incident," the Breaking News Network reports. One is injured, the report states.

I would bet a bottle of bourbon (or a cake, whichever) that the "unknown incident" was two people who were all "Cool, a hurricane, let's go in the water!" Or, possibly, a news crew.
posted by rtha at 2:17 PM on October 28, 2012

Elizard, there will be cake at my house tonight. Bring cheese.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 2:18 PM on October 28, 2012

Packing up to head to my parents house now that we have a mandatory evacuation....if I run out of booze this will indeed be a disaster.
posted by inertia at 2:19 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

It seems that some here liken the current situation to 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Others seem to liken it to "The Ant and the Grasshopper."

In this situation I'd rather be prepared like an ant for what may come.

I do hope, however, that my, and my family and friends', preparations will end up being in vain.

Better to be safe than sorry.
posted by ericb at 2:20 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

After whatever transpires over the next 48 hours, I will be much happier to be called a 'prepared fool' rather than an 'unprepared idiot!'
posted by ericb at 2:24 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Oh yes, hard copy of phone numbers! Good one, I have still not memorized many numbers I should have bc they're in my cell's speed dial. (maybe I will also make myself some flashcards of my sister's new landline number and other numbers like that which I seriously should know by now. sigh.)

My husband is in the Coast Guard - just heard from him that they set up & are standing by for SAR missions in NY Harbor. All of you with your S.O.'s home with you, give them an extra hug!
posted by lyra4 at 2:26 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Last year, Hurricane Irene ravaged small towns in the Catskills, and the Watershed Post did an amazing job keeping the area informed.

These communities, not fully recovered from Irene, will again have the WP at their back.
posted by jgirl at 2:26 PM on October 28, 2012

not to my 4th floor apartment obviously

there is no cake here for them
posted by elizardbits at 2:28 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

ooooo precooking pasta is a great idea.
posted by angrycat at 2:29 PM on October 28, 2012

> Seriously, when NYC floods, think about where the rats are going to go.

*adds a joke about Jersey here*
posted by mrzarquon at 2:29 PM on October 28, 2012

Rats? I thought alligators were gonna be the problem when the sewers flood.
posted by marienbad at 2:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

think about where the rats are going to go.

It's never occurred to me to include toilet lids on the list of things to secure when battening down the hatches, but I guess maybe it should.
posted by ambrosia at 2:30 PM on October 28, 2012

HA, we already put out extra rat poison for when they try to come into the house! <--actual truth.

I guess I kind of made your point there, didn't I?
posted by Aquifer at 2:31 PM on October 28, 2012

BTW, instead of candles use an LED lantern - it lights up a whole room for 24 hours continuously on 4 D cells. Costs about 20-40 bucks tops.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 2:32 PM on October 28, 2012

Be like a some kind of ratadammerung
posted by The Whelk at 2:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Useful video which lists all the essentials you will need, pre-storm (and post-storm).

Biscuit is optional.
posted by Wordshore at 2:33 PM on October 28, 2012

instead of candles use an LED lantern

Or, you know - use whatever you already have handy instead of going out into a storm for new supplies.
posted by elizardbits at 2:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I am a bit worried. I see The Whelk and elizardbits winding each other up like grade schoolers gorging on too much Halloween candy. Soon there is going to be running, shouting, jumping on the couch, and yelling "YAAAAAAAAAH!"

Then mom's vase will get broken. You know, the one her grandmother brought from the Old Country? There will be no blaming it on Sandy, mom freakin' saw you guys.

There will be tears over this, mark my words.
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [16 favorites]

We brought our plants in -- I am kind of shocked by the amount of shit lying around in people's backyards right now. And front yards. Whatever, we're on the top floor -- seems like the biggest threat is if the roof leaks.

Was wondering whether to bring in the 50+-pound buckets in which we grew our tomatoes and sesame leaves this year -- BF says no, whereas I say yea. I feel like they will fly into our kitchen and smash our stove.

We finally took the AC units out of the windows and put them away. And we filled up a bunch of empty bottles with tap water -- cheaper and less of a pain than chasing down bodega water.

As for the rest, I dunno. The cat seems kind of freaked out. Does the air feel weird to you guys, or is it just me?
posted by brina at 2:38 PM on October 28, 2012

I have still not memorized many numbers I should have bc they're in my cell's speed dial.

Same here, lyra4. My list has the numbers for the local power and water companies, police, fire, doctor, dentist, numbers for mine and mr. booksherpa's families, my work, my boss, and my work colleague.
posted by booksherpa at 2:39 PM on October 28, 2012

Sandy Seen From Space
posted by The Whelk at 2:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I am kind of shocked by the amount of shit lying around in people's backyards right now

Yeah, all the idiots on my block still have a ton of elaborate halloween decorations outside. I look forward to seeing many 3-foot wide fake spiders flying through the air tomorrow.
posted by elizardbits at 2:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [11 favorites]

Amtrak NE corridor is closed tomorrow (October 29th).
posted by carter at 2:42 PM on October 28, 2012

Multiple EMS buses staging at NYU Hospital for evacuation
posted by The Whelk at 2:42 PM on October 28, 2012

OPM says that federal offices in the DC area are officially closed tomorrow.
posted by malthas at 2:45 PM on October 28, 2012

Sandy Seen From Space

Huh? {zooms in picture} Is that dot Felix Baumgartner jumping into the eye of the storm from 200,000 feet up?
posted by Wordshore at 2:45 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Amtrak NE corridor is closed tomorrow (October 29th).

I skipped out of a conference in DC yesterday on the last train out to Boston. I woke up in New Haven to hear workers talking about canceling the late trains tonight, too. I am glad I decided to flee when I did....
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:47 PM on October 28, 2012

elizardbits, people have refrigerator doors lying in their yards. Bicycles. Tables. Chairs. EVERY YARD has a barbecue just sitting there, waiting to become a projectile. And when I was out on the street earlier, there was randomly a half-torn apart bookcase lying on the sidewalk. Only one dude was bothering to tie his garbage cans to his fence rails. Things are going to fly everywhere.

Do you guys think I should bring those giant buckets inside?
posted by brina at 2:47 PM on October 28, 2012

Frankenstorm Bingo (Gothamist)
posted by davidjmcgee at 2:47 PM on October 28, 2012

Yeah, there are a lot of extremely nice-looking grills in my hood that will probably be flying into somebody's window
posted by angrycat at 2:48 PM on October 28, 2012

Email from Mayor Menino advising Bostonians to stay put and off the roads tomorrow. Husband asks: "What time? I need to go to work."

He is absolutely incapable of grasping that there are indeed scenarios where one does NOT go to the office. My brain is exploding trying to explain it to him.
posted by sonika at 2:49 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

DC mefites: Federal Govt closed
posted by troika at 2:49 PM on October 28, 2012

brina: "Do you guys think I should bring those giant buckets inside?"

Do it. Tell the BF it's good exercise. I'd rather have to take 'em back out, than not have them at all...
posted by notsnot at 2:49 PM on October 28, 2012

Also Philly has a 2-day state or emergency - so pretty much everything is closed there (all schools etc.).
posted by carter at 2:50 PM on October 28, 2012

Now I'm hearing that Tao Lin is live blogging the storm. As someone watching this from a distance, I ask only that he get as close as he can.
posted by octobersurprise at 2:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Ah, Malthas beat me to it. I even previewed!
posted by troika at 2:50 PM on October 28, 2012

Do you guys think I should bring those giant buckets inside?

My super and his super buddy from across the street are going up and down the block knocking on townhouse doors, telling people to take their decorations in. Dude is getting one hell of an xmas tip I tell you what.
posted by elizardbits at 2:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

brina, better to bring them in than have the hurricane bring them in.
posted by Solomon at 2:52 PM on October 28, 2012

Do you guys think I should bring those giant buckets inside?

Would you rather bring them inside and then wonder what would have happened, or leave them outside and find out? I'd bring them in.
posted by ambrosia at 2:53 PM on October 28, 2012

Done. Thanks, notsnot.

Oh, and guys. Shower now, or within the next few hours. You might not get a chance for a few days. And then clean out the tub and fill it with water before bedtime.
posted by brina at 2:53 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Is removing our AC something we really need to do? There's not really room anywhere in our house because of the number of pieces of deck furniture we brought inside.

I hope this storm is nothing, especially because there's at least one friend of mine in NYC who refuses to prepare. On the plus side, our living room has no windows--a fact which usually drives me nuts but is a comfort now, if we need to hide from the apocalypse and doom.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 2:53 PM on October 28, 2012

British Airways latest information:

"We have cancelled all flights from London to New York today Sunday 28 October, as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

We have also cancelled several flights from the US to London. If your flight has been cancelled please do not travel to the airport.

On Monday 29 October, we are also cancelling all flights to and from East Coast USA, this includes; New York, Baltimore, Washington, Boston and Philadelphia (with the exception of the BA238 from Boston)."
posted by Wordshore at 2:55 PM on October 28, 2012

Is removing our AC something we really need to do?

What did you do last year?
posted by elizardbits at 2:55 PM on October 28, 2012

Frankenstorm Bingo (Gothamist)

LOL - I especially liked the "Newscaster on the Scene" tile :) Much pity for the poor schmucks that get picked to do that.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 2:56 PM on October 28, 2012

PhoBWanKenobi, if they're like Fedders or other ACs that are meant to be in the slot year-round, I think those sorts of units are fairly locked down. If it's a window unit, you should probably bring it in. If only because the unit might get damaged when a branch hits it during the storm.
posted by brina at 2:56 PM on October 28, 2012

Nice job, booksherpa. Especially cooking the stuff that's raw. That's about what my wife did before Isaac hit and it worked really well in the 4 day no-power aftermath.
posted by localroger at 2:57 PM on October 28, 2012

What did you do last year?

Left it in and didn't think about it at all. Our focus was elsewhere, namely the rapidly flooding crick in our backyard.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:00 PM on October 28, 2012

Philly, SEPTA, PATCO closures
posted by carter at 3:00 PM on October 28, 2012

I wonder if they've decided riding out to sea is safer than leaving it at the pier.

from my vast wealth of napoleonic wars/royal navy trivia knowledge i think this is almost always the case, at least with ships of the line.
posted by elizardbits at 3:00 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

> Do you guys think I should bring those giant buckets inside?

Yes. And select yourself a decent barbecue while you're out there.
Beats accumulating fly-buys.
posted by de at 3:01 PM on October 28, 2012

The argument for bringing in window air conditioners is wind based, and this isn't a wind-threat storm. Don't worry about the AC.

spitbull: Deep water is safer for most ships in high winds and heavy waves. I'm not sure if this is really true for cruise ships though because they draw so little water for their size. But the CW is get your big ship to deep water before the storm arrives.
posted by localroger at 3:02 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Almost certainly, spitbull. The storm itself isn't that bad as hurricanes go, and when docked there's risks of everything from flying debris to storm surge fucking with its moorings
posted by rmd1023 at 3:02 PM on October 28, 2012

I wonder if they've decided riding out to sea is safer than leaving it at the pier. Hmmm.

They sent most of the Atlantic-port based naval units out yesterday, I think.

I am beginning to suspect that Sandy is a plot by Prince Namor to render us defenseless from his submarine monsters.
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:04 PM on October 28, 2012

I think it is a sign from all the possible gods to cancel the elections and install Obama as President For Life.
posted by elizardbits at 3:05 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

I think it is a sign from all the possible gods

I was texting with a friend this afternoon, and I suggested that we should honor the Old Time Religion by sending Romney and Ryan out in a small boat in Sandy's path. If the storm gods take them, then the storm will be lessened. My friend responded that, if they floated back safely, they could be burned as witches....
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:09 PM on October 28, 2012 [21 favorites]

He is absolutely incapable of grasping that there are indeed scenarios where one does NOT go to the office. My brain is exploding trying to explain it to him.

I work at one of the big hospitals in Boston and whenever there is an approaching storm they send us an email that says something like "you are all essential. Please plan on coming in to work. Make appropriate arrangements with your family."

Yeah right. In a contest between work and my family's/my safety, work loses. I do IT, so it's not like they need me to help patients.

I always wonder if something like that could be considered intimidating. I mean, if you got into an accident driving in to work during a storm, couldn't you use an email like that in court when you sue them?
posted by bondcliff at 3:10 PM on October 28, 2012

‏@candicechoi: Man walking past line to get into NYC grocery store: "It's like a nightclub"

I think the Republicans drummed up this storm with dark weather magick. Let's get this rumor going. "I saw Goodman Ryan sewing a voodoo doll of the East Coast!"
posted by brina at 3:12 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

I SAW GOODY ROMNEY WITH THE DEVIL
posted by elizardbits at 3:13 PM on October 28, 2012 [23 favorites]

It's a sign from God that we're burning too many hydrocarbons.
posted by seanmpuckett at 3:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [8 favorites]

When we were heading down to the Battery this morning there were three big cruise ships in dock disembarking passengers and we could see one across the water in NJ likely doing the same thing. There were a bunch of disheveled people catching cabs out there.

When we headed back home, an hour later, the workers on the ship were all heading out too.

We also saw a nice big yacht heading UP the Hudson - confusion, why would they head upstream?
posted by sciencegeek at 3:14 PM on October 28, 2012

A betting market for the apocalypse.
posted by Wordshore at 3:15 PM on October 28, 2012

I was just at my grocery store and it was packed like it usually is right before Thanksgiving. Which makes sense... except I live near Seattle. I guess we're stocking up in sympathy.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

We also saw a nice big yacht heading UP the Hudson - confusion, why would they head upstream?

Upstream = away from the ocean surf storm surge. The storm will also lose strength as it moves over land.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:17 PM on October 28, 2012

I wonder if they've decided riding out to sea is safer than leaving it at the pier.

All the cruise ships were ordered to leave (actually, all large ships) because the port just closed. There is a German cruise ship up there that requested to stay & was denied permission, they're leaving shortly. It is actually much safer for boats to be underway.

sciencegeek, heading up the Hudson is a smart thing to do - most commercial traffic (as in smaller barges & tugs, not the massive cargo ships) heads up there for safe harbor when NY Port closes.
posted by lyra4 at 3:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

A nightclub that when you go in is all BREAD BREAD BREAD BREAD
posted by The Whelk at 3:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

Any word on trash pickup in New York? Are they doing it early? People on my block have put out their trash like normal on Sunday, which seems like not a great idea.
posted by Jahaza at 3:19 PM on October 28, 2012

Any word on trash pickup in New York? Are they doing it early? People on my block have put out their trash like normal on Sunday, which seems like not a great idea.

NYC is picking up trash like normal on Monday.
posted by Stynxno at 3:20 PM on October 28, 2012

I figured it was something like that, but wasn't sure how far up the river they could get and how far was far enough ....

Metafilter: explaining boats
posted by sciencegeek at 3:20 PM on October 28, 2012

A nightclub that when you go in is all BREAD BREAD BREAD BREAD

so a soviet one then
posted by elizardbits at 3:22 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

I wonder if they've decided riding out to sea is safer than leaving it at the pier. Hmmm.


Anyone else reminded of that episode of The West Wing?

Also: we have the first frantic call from family in Portugal! Yes, Tia. We have water. We have flashlights. Yes, Tia. We'll call if we die. Promise.
posted by sonika at 3:23 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

Bread was from Los Angeles, not the Soviet Union. Still don't think it's a good idea to play them at a nightclub.
posted by davidjmcgee at 3:23 PM on October 28, 2012

I've seen this upthread a few times, but having two Hurricane Merit Badges myself (Rita and Ike) this can't be said enough times: FILL YOUR BATHTUB.

Good luck everyone.

(If you have one of those bathtubs that tends to slowly leak like I do, pull the plug out and wrap it in cellophane and drop it back in there, then put something heavy on top of it.)
posted by Cyrano at 3:24 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just started sprinkling here in Philly. Ran to the store for milk and eggs, and was surprised (though maybe I shouldn't have been) to see that there were plenty of both, but that the mixers and potato chips were almost entirely picked over.

Similarly, I got back from the supermarket and the sponsored end-cap Hostess/Drake's table (near the dairy section) was empty except a lone box of DevilDogs. It is usually piled high with DevilDogs, RingDings, FunnyBones, CoffeeCakes and Yodels.

I didn't stay long enough to see if there was a consumer fight over it à la the 'Cabbage Patch Christmas Aisle Battles' of years gone by.
posted by ericb at 3:25 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

(Plus it'll be really hilarious when one of your freaking out cats accidentially jumps into it.)
posted by Cyrano at 3:25 PM on October 28, 2012

I am filling my tub right now because it is bath time.
posted by elizardbits at 3:25 PM on October 28, 2012

Checking nightly lows to plan my son's pajamas and iPhone app simply shows rain this week. THANK YOU CAPTAIN OBVIOUS.
posted by sonika at 3:26 PM on October 28, 2012

Advice from Tia: keep your thorax and feet warm!
posted by sonika at 3:26 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I just deleted my Irene playlist. Dammit.
posted by mountmccabe at 3:27 PM on October 28, 2012

FILL YOUR BATHTUB.

I still remember how we used that bathtub water to fill buckets to flush toilets when the water was turned off after typhoons ... among other uses. Just saying. Not a bad idea to have LOTS of water around ...
posted by Surfurrus at 3:28 PM on October 28, 2012

NYC is picking up trash like normal on Monday.

Ok, then. Hopefully it gets picked up by sanitation before it gets picked up by the wind.
posted by Jahaza at 3:28 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

‏I think the Republicans drummed up this storm with dark weather magick.

no someone found the keys to the GWB weather machine
posted by ninjew at 3:29 PM on October 28, 2012

Also, got through to 311 and they confirmed that trash pickup is on.

Now to see if I can still order pizza.
posted by Jahaza at 3:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Serious question, when people are stripping supermarket aisles in preparation for a storm, why do people buy eggs? Are they going to eat them raw? How are eggs useful if you think the power is going out? Have they not heard of beef jerky?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:33 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

It occurs to me that this could be a major boon to the Obama campaign if played properly (forgive my pragmatism - no disrespect intended to people in the storm). If aid and FEMA support get done really well throughout the area then this could be a major boost for the Democrats - especially if some political operatives leak out comparisons (however inappropriate ) to Katrina. Done poorly (doubtful) this would work the other way of course. I doubt that the Obama campaign principals haven't thought of this already and see it as a fantastic opportunity and are planning appropriately.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 3:35 PM on October 28, 2012

How are eggs useful if you think the power is going out?

Hard boiled
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 3:36 PM on October 28, 2012

Eyebrows McGee: It's a French Toast Emergency!
posted by Miko at 3:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Eyebrows McGee: "Serious question, when people are stripping supermarket aisles in preparation for a storm, why do people buy eggs? Are they going to eat them raw? How are eggs useful if you think the power is going out? Have they not heard of beef jerky?"

My assumption is people aren't thinking the whole thing through: their instinct is "gotta stock up on staples!" not "Need to survive without electricity!"

I hope my toilet doesn't go out because my nonperishables mostly consist of granola bars
posted by dismas at 3:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Also, serious answer time, my stove doesn't need power to work. I can cook right through power outages - lots of people with gas or propane stoves can still cook.
posted by Miko at 3:38 PM on October 28, 2012

why do people buy eggs?

You hard-boil them.
posted by localroger at 3:39 PM on October 28, 2012

Eggs are easy to cook in a pot on a campstove.
posted by Mitheral at 3:39 PM on October 28, 2012

i only ever heard this in reference to snow storms growing up

It was a joke. People always did this, but sometime in I wanna say the late 80s some comedian or other did a routine about it -"Everybody runs and buys bread, eggs, milk. What are they planning to do, make French toast? Hahaha" and it stuck. I wish I could remember who it was and find a video.
posted by Miko at 3:40 PM on October 28, 2012

Are they going to eat them raw? How are eggs useful if you think the power is going out?

Coat them in vaseline? IANYFS.
posted by Jahaza at 3:40 PM on October 28, 2012

This would be a great time for a sex marathon. Oh well. Grading papers is just about as fun.
posted by angrycat at 3:40 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Our stove is gas; power going out won't stop the egg cookin'. Right?
posted by mountmccabe at 3:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I meant that in a sarcastic way. Not in a gross way.
posted by angrycat at 3:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Don't forget the dysentery. All that toilet paper means that you can prepare for FRENCH TOAST AND DYSENTERY!
posted by rmd1023 at 3:41 PM on October 28, 2012

Maybe people are planning to boil the eggs? If not, eggs can handle not being refrigerated better than milk anyway. It's not 90F outside either.
posted by ambrosia at 3:42 PM on October 28, 2012

What would the gross way be? I ask because I will also be grading.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 3:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Serious question, when people are stripping supermarket aisles in preparation for a storm, why do people buy eggs?

I bought them this afternoon. Like Miko my stove/oven runs on gas.
posted by ericb at 3:44 PM on October 28, 2012

"... but having two Hurricane Merit Badges myself ..."

Is there any industry, activity or event left that hasn't been mangled by Gamification consultants?
posted by Wordshore at 3:45 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

The gross way would hold that, for angrycat, sex really is as dull as grading papers.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 3:48 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

If any MeFites in Boston or the greater Metro West area needs help removing trees or other plant material from their property after this, send me a MeMail. Or, if you want, MeMail me now and I'll send your my cell.

I have an axe and can run a chainsaw if you own one or could rent one.
posted by Aizkolari at 3:48 PM on October 28, 2012

*gasp* My gas stove may actually still work if the power goes out?

SWEET! I can still make coffee!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

The Dish Guide To Disaster Preparedness is at least partially redundant to the many excellent tips in this thread, but still may be worthwhile.
posted by ob1quixote at 3:50 PM on October 28, 2012

Argh, had to sacrifice tickets to a show in Manhattan tonight because no subway. Sort of unbelievable it wasn't cancelled. GRUMBLE.
posted by en forme de poire at 3:51 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm using the eggs to make brownies. Might have to go get more eggs if our rate of brownie consumption persists through the whole storm.
posted by sciencegeek at 3:52 PM on October 28, 2012

> My gas stove may actually still work if the power goes out?

Yes, but you might have to light it with a match. The oven might not work at all, or rather would work and then turn itself off -- it depends on if you have an electric lighting thingy.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:53 PM on October 28, 2012

Use a long kitchen match, or the lit end of a piece of spaghetti, to ignite the gas when you turn on the burner.
posted by SillyShepherd at 3:55 PM on October 28, 2012

Everybody runs and buys bread, eggs, milk.

In Maryland the refrain is "Bread, Milk, and Toilet Paper." The Lottery even had a scratch-off game of the same name, in which a winning ticket consisted of uncovering those three items.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 3:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

and then there are always big barrels with fires in them along the streets, eh? (or was that just a movie ...)
posted by Surfurrus at 3:56 PM on October 28, 2012

There is one upside, good thing, about the TV being filled with hurricane warnings, predictions, shots of presenters standing near the shore on a blustery day.

No more Gangnam Style mentions or parodies.

Yes! Erm, what ... no no no no noooooooooooooo...
posted by Wordshore at 3:57 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

You can light the oven pilot with a match too. I use a long wooden barbecue skewer (or just one of those long barbecue lighters, back when I had one) because you can get this FOOM! effect which is momentarily scary, but fine. Nice not to be very close to it though.

If you're lucky enough to still have your stove manual kicking around (or can find your stove's model and look it up online) it will usually tell you how to find and light all your pilots. Only when you have electric sparking do you have to do this to light your stove. If your pilot is the kind that burns all the time, usually a power interruption won't affect them at all.
posted by Miko at 3:57 PM on October 28, 2012

My stove has never had a lighting mechanism and the pilots don't work so we just use those long bbq lighters for the oven and for the burners. Do be careful, you can singe your eyelashes if you don't light it promptly after turning the gas on.

Ok, time to make pumpkin bread. I'm totally cheating and using mixes. Don't tell.
posted by sciencegeek at 4:01 PM on October 28, 2012

Man, and I thought us Brits were cool... Crisis? Here, have a cup of tea and a biscuit. And there's you lot making French Toast! And Brownies! Have a good storm already.
posted by marienbad at 4:04 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

I'm sous viding some fajitas and pressure carmalizing some onions.

But I'm not anywhere near the storm..
posted by Lord_Pall at 4:05 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Last year, right before a predicted Blizzard of the Century that totally never materialzed, I went to the store to stock up. I thought to myself "you know what would be awesome? I'll make chocolate chip cookies!" I went to the baking aisle and...ALL the chocolate chips were gone. They were totally sold out.

Here I thought I was all original with that idea, when hundreds of people must have had the same idea.

In general I think the trend is that people are just LOVING having a storm interrupt our busy schedules. Today there was not a thing happening with the weather in coastal Mass., but there's not a soul on the streets. It's totally dead; everyone who could just stayed home. Even though it was just your average gray day. But we're all totally run ragged and when something happens that makes us CANCEL ALL THE THINGS I think we secretly love love love it.
posted by Miko at 4:07 PM on October 28, 2012 [22 favorites]

Just to be clear: everyone now knows how to flush a toilet with a bucket of water, right? That's what you fill the tub for. And threatening to drop annoying cats in said tub when they see fit to howl louder than the wind, that's the other use of the tub full of water.

(WE ARE ALL TOILET SCIENTISTS ON METAFILTER!)

For drinking water, fill gallon jugs, pitchers, anything with a sealable lid. Those giant sports coolers with a spout at the bottom are great for this.
posted by cmyk at 4:08 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Ok, I just got about the fourth, "Extreme Threat Alert Message" on my cell phone. They've all said the same thing. It's kind of annoying now.
posted by Jahaza at 4:08 PM on October 28, 2012

There's some kind of unpleasant irony in my power company's sending SMS messages to me saying "It's likely you'll lose power. And it's likely we won't be able to restore your power for quite some time." Great! Another happy customer here.
posted by Miko at 4:11 PM on October 28, 2012

I've just baked up two loaves of sourdough bread. mmmmmm warm sourdough that the butter melts on. And fed my sourdough starter... maybe I'll make another round tomorrow, all that kneading is actually a very good outlet for stress. ;)

Off to fill up a bathtub now that I am a member of the Metafilter Toilet Scientist Brigade.
posted by lyra4 at 4:12 PM on October 28, 2012

I have only gotten one of those! It was a little surprising.
posted by mountmccabe at 4:12 PM on October 28, 2012

MetaFilter: I meant that in a sarcastic way. Not in a gross way.
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I'm in central NY where the forecast is rain & heavy wind (40-50mph), so, power outages, trees down, etc. I have bottled water, hard boiled eggs, trail mix ... and a full tank of gas because the most likely crappy outcome is that I'll get mandated to go in to work (I'm a nurse). I'll be taking an overnight bag and leaving extra food and water down for the cats.
posted by shiny blue object at 4:17 PM on October 28, 2012

Wawa was totally sold out muffins but there was still Mac and Cheese, so I guess it's not the end of the world yet.

The rivers are already high, though, and I'm off for two days because librarians are non-essential personnel, whooo!
posted by jetlagaddict at 4:17 PM on October 28, 2012

I have an axe and can run a chainsaw if you own one or could rent one.
posted by Aizkolari at 11:48 PM on October 28 [+] [!]

Vasconysterical.
posted by Jehan at 4:18 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

There is a Chinese Wall between Angrycat teacher and Angrycat sexy time.

I wish there was a 538 for whether or not we will have power for the next few days.
posted by angrycat at 4:22 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

I am pestering one of my friends in NYC. "Do you know your evacuation zone? It's C, that's for category 3 or 4, which you probably won't get, but know your zone anyway. Where is your manual can opener? Do you have bleach? Fill your bathtub. I don't care if you and your parents before you have lived in that same apartment since the Nixon administration and have never had weather affect your plumbing. FILL THE TUB. HUMOR ME. If it's a mandatory evac and you do not leave I will get up there somehow and drag you out of the apartment by your ankles and put you on an orca shaped pool float and tow you to a safe place."

Things like this may be why she thinks I need to get out of Florida.

Also: top up the gas tank. Doesn't matter if you're not going anywhere - you can use your car as a gadget charging station if you're out of power for a significant length of time.
posted by cmyk at 4:29 PM on October 28, 2012

Is there any sort of ETA on when we expect the storm surge to hit the New York coast? (Or DC for that matter?) I'm trying to decide if I'm paranoid enough to bring my emergency stockpile upstairs, or if that kind of panicking can wait until the morning.
posted by Andrhia at 4:31 PM on October 28, 2012

*adds a joke about Jersey here*

Ha.
posted by mintcake! at 4:32 PM on October 28, 2012

My husband sees no need to fill the bathtub, despite my reminders that while he may be a mechanical engineer, he is no toilet scientist.
posted by teragram at 4:33 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

you can use your car as a gadget charging station if you're out of power for a significant length of time.

If you own a Prius you can use it to power your house.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 4:33 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Oh man, having a gas fireplace was a lifesaver during a three-day power outage. Sure, the blower didn't work but the living room was toasty-warm that January. Usually it's just a thing I love that works with the central system. Having a gas-powered source of heat is a backup I wouldn't be without if I could help it.

It didn't keep my grouchy old Dad from bitching about lack of TV. At least he wasn't bitching about being cold too.

Wishing you all the best, from the West.
posted by wallabear at 4:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Is there any sort of ETA on when we expect the storm surge to hit the New York coast? (Or DC for that matter?)

Yeah, there is...8 PMish tomorrow will be the highest. You can see the link I posted up thread for predictions on times & amounts; high tides tomorrow are about 9 AM and 8 PM on Monday.

This is run by Stevens Institute in Hoboken NJ:
Urban Ocean Observatory at the Center for Maritime Systems Storm Surge Warning System
posted by lyra4 at 4:38 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Wow, just now reading Bloomberg's announcements about evacuations from Long Island City, Coney Island and elsewhere. Man, that's gotta be a traffic and logistical nightmare, no?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:40 PM on October 28, 2012

The beach at Long Beach (south shore of Long Island) is completely covered with water now, the ocean is at (but not up to) the boardwalk as of 6:00p. It hasn't even rained here yet.

Link to photo I took

I left since we were all told there's no southbound traffic over the three bridges and I don't want my car to flood. There were state police and cones across both entrances to the Loop Parkway, so looks like I'm not getting back home for a bit.

Anyone staying in LB, Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach or Point Lookout, updates would be super appreciated.
posted by Brian Puccio at 4:43 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

But will you make it fizzy afterwards?
posted by elizardbits at 4:47 PM on October 28, 2012

NYT:

One city official said there was particular concern about Con Edison’s Lower Manhattan infrastructure, noting that if the storm surge washed over the bulkheads, it could damage the utility’s electrical and steam networks. If the surge runs as high as forecast, Con Ed will shut off two electrical networks in Lower Manhattan, known as the Fulton and Beekman networks, the official said.

“We’re looking at two networks in Lower Manhattan,” the official said. “If storm comes to a point where it’s going to endanger the infrastructure, they’d rather save the system than make the system broke.” The official added: “It all depends on the surge; if it goes to what it’s predicted for, that’s when it will happen.”
posted by futz at 4:47 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

why was the subway shut down tonight if the storm isn't coming till tomorrow night? not being complainy just curious.
posted by sweetkid at 4:49 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I would assume there is storm prep to do that will take some time.
posted by restless_nomad at 4:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Vodka be with you, everybody.

Vodka bless us, everyone.
posted by The Whelk at 4:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Man, that's gotta be a traffic and logistical nightmare, no?

I was curious about this too and checked traffic on google maps, and it really doesn't look any worse than normal. It looks pretty good actually. (I'm talking about places like the bridges, I-87, the BQE, etc.) I think people aren't flooding out of the city, but just moving in with friends who aren't in the evac areas.
posted by torticat at 4:51 PM on October 28, 2012

No Metrorail or bus for the DC area tomorrow - it's pretty unusual for Metro to cancel service completely. I've lived here since 2001 and can't recall it ever happening for a weather event. (Yay, sleeping in for me, since the WMATA offices are closed too.)
posted by timetoevolve at 4:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

If you own a Prius you can use it to power your house.

Ironically.
posted by Wordshore at 4:53 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

If the surge runs as high as forecast, Con Ed will shut off two electrical networks in Lower Manhattan, known as the Fulton and Beekman networks, the official said.

Interesting. I wonder how you find out which network you're on?
posted by elizardbits at 4:54 PM on October 28, 2012

THE CENTER OF SANDY IS FORECAST TO BE NEAR THE
MID-ATLANTIC COAST MONDAY NIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. SANDY IS EXPECTED TO TRANSITION INTO A FRONTAL OR WINTERTIME
LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM PRIOR TO LANDFALL. HOWEVER...THIS TRANSITION
WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WEAKENING OF THE SYSTEM...AND IN
FACT...A LITTLE STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE DURING THIS PROCESS.
SANDY IS EXPECTED TO WEAKEN AFTER MOVING INLAND.
posted by futz at 4:54 PM on October 28, 2012

SURGE-RELATED FLOODING DEPENDS ON THE RELATIVE TIMING OF THE SURGE
AND THE TIDAL CYCLE...AND CAN VARY GREATLY OVER SHORT DISTANCES.
GIVEN THE LARGE WIND FIELD ASSOCIATED WITH SANDY...ELEVATED WATER
LEVELS COULD SPAN MULTIPLE TIDE CYCLES RESULTING IN REPEATED AND
EXTENDED PERIODS OF COASTAL AND BAYSIDE FLOODING. IN ADDITION...
ELEVATED WATERS COULD OCCUR FAR REMOVED FROM THE CENTER OF SANDY.
FURTHERMORE...THESE CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
SANDY IS A TROPICAL OR POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE. FOR INFORMATION
SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.
posted by futz at 4:55 PM on October 28, 2012

Things to do while riding out the hurricane. Imagine you're filing a severe weather report e.g. "It's very moist tonite in..." from a rural British place.
posted by Wordshore at 4:56 PM on October 28, 2012

why was the subway shut down tonight if the storm isn't coming till tomorrow night? not being complainy just curious.

They say it takes 8 hours to shut down the entire system. This way, they shut the system down without early morning rush hour to worry about. Also, probably a shift change or something makes it easier to shut it down tonight.
posted by Stynxno at 4:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

why was the subway shut down tonight if the storm isn't coming till tomorrow night? not being complainy just curious.

1- They don't want people going to work Monday morning and getting trapped on Manhattan screaming about how nobody loves them.

2- It's easier to shut everything down at night when service is lower. They have to take time to get all the trains wherever they get stored, and that's likely impossible in the middle of a Monday when all the trains are out of the garage.
posted by gjc at 4:58 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Tropical force winds will blow dead twigs off of trees, blow leaves around, and blow around small debris, but nothing really heavy.

Your biggest worry, I think, is going to be the threat of flooding.

Here, in tropical-storm-force winds, the kids make sails out of plastic bags, get out the scooters or skates and have fun flying around the driveways.
posted by misha at 4:59 PM on October 28, 2012

They also have to bar the entrances to the subway. Takes time.
posted by futz at 4:59 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

thanks. I think it's confused people to thinking the storm is coming any minute now.
posted by sweetkid at 5:00 PM on October 28, 2012

I think people aren't flooding out of the city

I see what you did there.
posted by scratch at 5:00 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

> Interesting. I wonder how you find out which network you're on?

Well, at a certain point I guess it becomes obvious. Oh, but wait, you won't have power to see the updates about which networks are down. The irony!
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:00 PM on October 28, 2012

Is there any industry, activity or event left that hasn't been mangled by Gamification consultants?

*ahem*
posted by Cyrano at 5:01 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yeah but that's been mangled by organizational homophobia.
posted by elizardbits at 5:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Here is a seemingly useful Google Maps page that someone compiles with a great deal of useful mapped NY area emergency information about the storm
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:03 PM on October 28, 2012

That is literally the best omen for this storm that I can think of.

I saw Sandy at the trader Joes. Her hair was perfect.
posted by The Whelk at 5:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

Tropical storm force wind preparation means take down the wind chimes, bring in that delicate African violet, and be very sure that the newspaper is not going to blow out of the recycle bin. No big deal.
posted by cmyk at 5:03 PM on October 28, 2012

> Interesting. I wonder how you find out which network you're on?

Well, at a certain point I guess it becomes obvious. Oh, but wait, you won't have power to see the updates about which networks are down. The irony!

Just in case this hasn't already been shared: Con Ed storm center (mobile link)
posted by mintcake! at 5:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Hopefully, this link works. Six feet above high tide could get ugly.
posted by gjc at 5:04 PM on October 28, 2012

Tropical force winds will blow dead twigs off of trees, blow leaves around, and blow around small debris, but nothing really heavy.

Tropical force winds are as high as 74 miles per hour. Nothing to scoff at.
posted by futz at 5:04 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I mentioned before that I was in Boy Scouts over 45 years ago and my experience was ruined, not by organizational homophobia (or organizational pedophilia), but specifically by Gamification of the Merit Badge process... but they did not need consultants to do it. YMMV.
posted by oneswellfoop at 5:05 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Weater dot com severe weather page is ... confusing.
posted by Wordshore at 5:06 PM on October 28, 2012

Tropical force winds are just kinda fun. They will knock down the occasional tree or branch, though. I have been through them a few times.

If I were you guys I would be concerned more about the water.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:11 PM on October 28, 2012

Tropical force winds are as high as 74 miles per hour. Nothing to scoff at

That's true. On the other hand, the Santa Ana winds here in the Los Angeles area top that and I'm guessing the rest of the country never even hears about it. I believe the winds gusted to 81mph a few days ago.
posted by Justinian at 5:12 PM on October 28, 2012

St. Alia, they are telling us that the winds will be the problem.
posted by sweetkid at 5:12 PM on October 28, 2012

Well, here I am in Boston...filled my gas tank Friday, but didn't go to grocery store,etc til today. I am well set on staples, but could not find D batteries anywhere (my fucking flashlight takes D's, and they are Dead). I have a battery radio with a built in flashlight and plenty of candles tho, so all is OK.
I also have plans to show face at work tomorrow then cut out early.
posted by maryrussell at 5:13 PM on October 28, 2012

They are predicting sustained winds of 75 mph.
posted by futz at 5:15 PM on October 28, 2012

futz: Tropical force winds will blow dead twigs off of trees, blow leaves around, and blow around small debris, but nothing really heavy.

Tropical force winds are as high as 74 miles per hour. Nothing to scoff at.

Not scoffing, just speaking from experience.
posted by misha at 5:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Does anyone else get a headache and become nauseous from the low pressure? Irene did the same thing to me. Ugh..sucks...

Perhaps I've simply OD-ed on El Bloombergo?
posted by Skygazer at 5:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Yeah, I've been migrainey all day and it shows no sign of letting up. I have Meniere's, though, which always seems to be affected by barometric pressure somehow. Stupid ears.
posted by elizardbits at 5:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

heads up, Chicago:

THE REMNANTS OF NOW HURRICANE SANDY WILL MOVE TO THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES BY WEDNESDAY. DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THIS STORM SYSTEM...A PROLONGED PERIOD OF STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS ARE FORECAST TO DEVELOP ON AND NEAR LAKE MICHIGAN FROM LATE MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY. WINDS COULD GUST AS HIGH AS 60 MPH NEAR THE LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE. THESE STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS WILL ALLOW WAVES TO QUICKLY BUILD ACROSS THE SOUTHERN END OF THE LAKE...WITH WAVE HEIGHTS REACHING 18 TO 24 FEET BY TUESDAY. THESE LARGE WAVES WILL LIKELY IMPACT AREAS IMMEDIATELY NEAR THE LAKE...INCLUDING LAKE SHORE FLOODING AND BEACH EROSION LATE MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

24ft swells. on Lake Michigan. plus those winds.. I may actually lose power. out here in the woods, my subdivision is kinda new and our transmission lines seem vulnerable to heavy weather.
posted by ninjew at 5:18 PM on October 28, 2012

dear chicago, this is happening to you because shakespeherian has done bad things.
posted by elizardbits at 5:20 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

Wait what? I thought we lived through our part of Frankenstorm2012 last night, when the temperature dropped like a hundred degrees in two hours while I was at an outdoor marching band competition, for the love of pete. We gotta live through it twice? Crap. Breaking out the wine in solidarity, you East Coasters. Nastrovia.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 5:26 PM on October 28, 2012

Hey so maybe people in the south and midwest will see pictures of Obama supporters heroically struggling underwater or with fallen trees or power lines and feel in their hearts, 'that is my brother'
posted by angrycat at 5:27 PM on October 28, 2012

dear chicago, this is happening to you because shakespeherian has done bad things.

No it's part of my weather machine plot to keep him home and writing more CYOABC chapters.
posted by The Whelk at 5:29 PM on October 28, 2012

Weather warnings for the Midwest, now? May the Walmart panic buying and food preparation begin...
posted by Wordshore at 5:30 PM on October 28, 2012

Metafilter: Proud sponsor of the Toilet Scientist Brigade
posted by Otherwise at 5:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

That's true. On the other hand, the Santa Ana winds here in the Los Angeles area top that and I'm guessing the rest of the country never even hears about it. I believe the winds gusted to 81mph a few days ago.

Because the raging, wide-spread fires make bigger headlines.
posted by lkc at 5:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'll note this: ConEd was not putting plywood over their Financial District vents Friday-Sunday as was MTA - at least the ones that I interact with. Draw your own conclusions.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:33 PM on October 28, 2012

I also have plans to show face at work tomorrow then cut out early.

Both Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino have advised everyone to stay home if possible and for the love of Gourd, stay off the roads. I don't have links to emails, but I swear on quonsar's fishpants that this is 100% true facts.
posted by sonika at 5:34 PM on October 28, 2012

Jersey City police are rolling slowly through the neighborhood here announcing mandatory evacuations for all ground & 1st floor apartments over their loudspeakers. No cars on the town's roads after 2 PM.
posted by lyra4 at 5:34 PM on October 28, 2012

dear chicago, this is happening to you because shakespeherian has done bad things.

THEY NEVER PROVED IT

THOSE DOGS MAY HAVE DRESSED THEMSELVES AS ED GEIN
posted by shakespeherian at 5:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [17 favorites]

I know this is basically inappropriate, but from where I sit in California, I'm feeling kind of left out. :(

Hope everything goes okay for all y'all.
posted by mudpuppie at 5:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

We'll send you a nice gift wrapped earthquake mudpuppie
posted by The Whelk at 5:38 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

It's quite odd not hearing the subway running outside ( I live a couple hundred yards from the elevated portion of the 1 line at 125th Street). I've made a caponata and roasted a small pile of veggies and baked a cake.

DID YOU HEAR ME, ELIZARDBITS, CAKE?!1??
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:39 PM on October 28, 2012

dude you practically live in upstate new york though
posted by elizardbits at 5:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I'm cooking game hens so I can pick at the bones in the dark with my bare hands and throw the remains into a pile in the corner of the room as nature intended.
posted by The Whelk at 5:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

So next summer we can look forward to a little baby boomlet in late July and early August? I wonder how many kids are going to be named "Sandy."
posted by ambrosia at 5:43 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

@capitalweather:
Weather geeks: WeatherBell site which has GREAT model graphics has lifted its paywall for #Sandy. Explore: models.weatherbell.com

posted by zennie at 5:49 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

So next summer we can look forward to a little baby boomlet in late July and early August?

Nope.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:50 PM on October 28, 2012

I know this is basically inappropriate, but from where I sit in California, I'm feeling kind of left out. :(

New York Mefites make people feel this way.
posted by sweetkid at 5:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Sorry about that, Eliziardbits. Meniere's sounds like it truly blows, I just read up on it a bit to see if I may have it as well, and perhaps I might. It's either that or possibly Syphilis, but I digress...
posted by Skygazer at 5:52 PM on October 28, 2012

St. Alia of the Bunnies: "Tropical force winds are just kinda fun. They will knock down the occasional tree or branch, though. I have been through them a few times.

If I were you guys I would be concerned more about the water."

"the occasional tree" can be pretty significant, I can tell you. This is such a widespread wind field, it's going to wreak havoc across a huge swath of the eastern seaboard and beyond.

I have four siblings living in the NYC area, and I don't think they take it seriously enough. I mean, I'm sure they'll be in solid buildings that won't blow over in the wind or be engulfed in water, but the other ramifications could potentially screw with their lives for days and days.

Down here, I'm still looking to be in for a good deal of snow. In this latest map of projected snowfall, I'm in one of the white areas. Again, we'll see how it pans out. WV looks like it's going to get hammered with snow.
posted by Red Loop at 5:54 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Low barometric pressure is a major migraine trigger for a lot of people -- definitely for me. I just talked to a friend of mine who recently moved to New York, and who also gets migraines, and we both started feeling manky right around 5:00.

(I also have a friend in Ohio who almost invariably gets migraines a day or two before I do, as I get the weather systems that hit her earlier.)
posted by Jeanne at 5:57 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

We have cake here, but we're in New Jersey which is even worse.

right now I'm arguing with my housemate about whether I am going to work tomorrow. (My office closes for nothing and i don't want to waste a vacation day.)
posted by Karmakaze at 5:58 PM on October 28, 2012

This whole thing now has me concerned about a corner of my brain that remembers reading a Crichton-style thriller (when I was probably, like, 14) about a seekret government weather program which ends up sending the world into the next ice-age. Nuclear reactors off the coast of Nova Scotia or something. I don't think it was ever a movie, but if it was it would have Charleton Heston in it.
posted by maxwelton at 5:59 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

There are a fair amount of people on the NYC reddit who say they live in Zome A and aren't leaving. You can't reason with stupid.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:00 PM on October 28, 2012

ambrosia: "So next summer we can look forward to a little baby boomlet in late July and early August? I wonder how many kids are going to be named "Sandy.""

We were on our honeymoon during the '03 blackout in Toronto and staying in an 18th floor hotel room without air conditioning or running water in August really wasn't very romantic.
posted by octothorpe at 6:01 PM on October 28, 2012

I feel like if the governor and president both say my state is one of emergency, I shouldn't have to take this midterm tomorrow.
posted by dismas at 6:02 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

There are a fair amount of people on the NYC reddit who say they live in Zome A and aren't leaving.

Well, to be fair that somewhat depends on where they are and how well stocked they are. If they're on the 30th floor of a modern highrise, with many gallons of water, lots of food, and flashlights... and intend to stay indoors... they're probably fine. They might be hanging out inside waiting for the flooding to recede for a while, but it's not likely to kill them unless they do something stupid.
posted by lyra4 at 6:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I had a migraine this morning around 9:30am. I had no idea that barometric pressure was one of my triggers. Neat.
posted by sciencegeek at 6:04 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm in Delaware County, PA, just a few miles out of Philly (just moved from the city in August).We are expected to take a big hit from this storm. Kids are stoked, school's already canceled.
posted by Mister_A at 6:05 PM on October 28, 2012

There are a fair amount of people on the NYC reddit who say they live in Zome A and aren't leaving. You can't reason with stupid.

Didn't they shut off the heat and water to public housing in Zone A in order to get people out?
posted by The Whelk at 6:08 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Shut off heat and water to public housing? That's nuts. Not to mention probably illegal in 20 different ways.

Even El Bloombergero can't do that....
posted by Skygazer at 6:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

can someone please let me in on the bad spanish/bloomberg joke?

He's bad-lingual, and it often shows.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 6:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

sio: Here you go.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 6:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Cue question on AskMeFi any minute now:

"My SO is agreeing with his friends on Reddit that we aren't going to evacuate our basement apartment in Zone A. I say we go. What should I do, MetaFilter hive mind. Also: SO snores."

Followed within 5 minutes by 20+ comments:

"OMG he's on Reddit?! Throw everything into your car, DTMFA, and drive drive drive west."
posted by Wordshore at 6:16 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I am pestering one of my friends in NYC. "Do you know your evacuation zone? It's C, that's for category 3 or 4, which you probably won't get, but know your zone anyway. Where is your manual can opener? Do you have bleach...."

Things like this may be why she thinks I need to get out of Florida.

*snerk* Presenting an actual conversation I had this afternoon when I was calling my friends with some "good luck riding this storm out" calls -

ME: So, I was calling to check in and see how you were doing for storm prep.

PH: (scoffs) Dude, I was raised in Florida. This is nothing.

ME: Yeah, probably - I didn't really start taking it seriously until they announced they're shutting down the subways tonight.

PH: (long pause) ....They're what?

He honestly didn't know about that; he doesn't own TV or a radio and had just woken up. Good thing i called.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Estoy muy importante!
posted by zerobyproxy at 6:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Wow, that's unbelieveable.

You're correct Whelk-y...NYCHA Residents In Zone A Must Evacuate by 7PM Tonight


El Ka-Bloomberg is muy muy all-powerful.
posted by Skygazer at 6:17 PM on October 28, 2012

I thought it was just me! Headache here, too. Mostly very pressure-y feeling in my eyes/ears/head. I think it's pissing my seven week old baby off as well, as she's been wanting to eat all evening - I'm thinking it helps her feel better. She did the growth spurt thing earlier this week, so yeah, it has been tons of fun around here lately.
posted by smalls at 6:18 PM on October 28, 2012

El Ka-Bloomberg is all-powerful

Bring me Superman's non-union Mecian equivalent!
posted by The Whelk at 6:22 PM on October 28, 2012

If any MeFite is in the Evacuation Zone and needs a place to sleep, I have an extra bed. It's a single bed, in my living room and I sleep in the same room. I'm in Hell's Kitchen, typical 5 story walk-up, so the place is tiny but it's a place to crash during the storm, if needed.
posted by nickyskye at 6:23 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Dang. My husband and I (we are just in NC) woke up with headaches this morning and he said it was from low pressure. I wasn't sure I believed him but he said he recognized the feeling-similar to altitude sickness. So, it's A Thing.

And yes, I repent, sustained tropical force winds are also A Thing. It's been awhile since I've had to deal with such.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:25 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've also had a headache that's been impervious to medication and caffeine. Thanks yet again, Sandy!
posted by Aquifer at 6:25 PM on October 28, 2012

They've shut off the elevator in my building here in downtown NYC, for safety reasons. Now I hear my neighbors, who've apparently planned a Halloween party for their kids, bouncing strollers up and down the stairway to the fourth floor.
posted by StickyCarpet at 6:26 PM on October 28, 2012

Oh, and re those forced evacuations-do those people in public housing have anywhere to go? Shutting off power and heat really seems like a crappy thing to do, although I understand the reasoning.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:26 PM on October 28, 2012

I had a headache too. I'm included! I'm included!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:28 PM on October 28, 2012

El Bloombito: Vamos con su vamos bag to un sheltero!

That's not only fun to say, it's piss your pants level funny...

{Or is that another symptom of low barometric pressure? /Shrug}
posted by Skygazer at 6:28 PM on October 28, 2012

Yes me also with the headache and a really bad earache. Also included, me.
posted by brina at 6:30 PM on October 28, 2012

Oh, and re those forced evacuations-do those people in public housing have anywhere to go?

They're providing shuttles to shelters (PDF) in public schools. Not much warning, though.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 6:31 PM on October 28, 2012

If you have nowhere to go and are evacuated, they take you to designated shelters.
posted by Aquifer at 6:31 PM on October 28, 2012

bondcliff: "Some of us won't STFU about the Blizzard of '78. When a storm fucks stuff up, people remember."

The mister keeps mentioning Hurricane Hazel from 1954. He was 3 1/2 years old and his family was living just outside of Toronto, ON. He recalls being outside dancing in the rain with his older brothers, while naked. His mother was not amused. A little later that day, after they were all safely inside, their chimney collapsed. Yes, people remember.

PS: Also feeling left out. We even missed out on the earthquake here in BC. However, they are promising a pretty bad winter, so there's hope yet for some sort of disaster drama.
posted by deborah at 6:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

They've shut off the elevator in my building here in downtown NYC, for safety reasons.

Oh man, strollers and no elevators. Last power outage we had was due to brownouts from the heat last summer... there was a forest of strollers abandoned in our building's lobby.

I walk up the stairs in my building at least once every other day or so as a workout (more than 25 flights up, I freely admit I am crazy) so... yay more workouts? Seriously, it is very good exercise. I don't get working out in the gym for 45 minutes and then taking the elevator back up; seems more logical to do 35 minutes in the gym & up the stairs. (This is where some scientist type on MeFi breaks my bubble and tells me I have this all wrong (; )
posted by lyra4 at 6:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

On halloween and liquor and food.
posted by Wordshore at 6:33 PM on October 28, 2012

The headache is annoying as fuck, but I think it's also a natural sort of early warning system to head to higher territory...I imagine it's also what warns animals to move away from hurricanes.

Isn't nature amazing.
posted by Skygazer at 6:35 PM on October 28, 2012

You guys are being super negative if you ask me.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 6:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Madon, what an idiot.
posted by sweetkid at 6:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I am already so damn bored by this hurricane shit. Probably cuz I'm sick and can't drink whiskey.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 6:44 PM on October 28, 2012

New Hampshire checking in here. We've got an especially tricky electrical problem because after the big ice storm in 2008, the wires were patched together hastily. Also: some foliage remains on the trees which can drag branches down onto the wires. Almost certainly we will lose power. The wind and rain we're not so worried about -- it's the potential for loss of power for many days.

Refreshing Pro Tip: Fill the unused space in your freezer with plastic containers of filtered water. If you lose power, move a few of them to the fridge to keep your perishables happy. Plus: when it melts, you have ice-cold refreshing filtered water. Keep some survival limes handy for extra-festive hydration. Plus plus: the limes have a nice citrusy smell that counteracts the stale smell of the power being out and the general sogginess.

Another Pro Tip I've Learned The Hard Way: Flashlights that take hard-to-get batteries are useless in a power outage. D cells sell out instantly from local stores, and smaller lights that take a CR123A battery are a non-starter. Always try to find flashlights that take AA size batteries, such as the Eternalight or Mag or Fenix flashlights. Although the D cell shelf (and the C cell one, come to think of it) was stripped bare when I went to buy extra batteries on Friday, the AA batteries had hardly been touched. Avoid cheap LED lights -- a good quality LED flashlight can use these batteries very efficiently, so two 8-packs will last for weeks. The cheap ones just throw the batteries across ballast resistors the the LEDS. The good ones strobe the LEDs, keeping them cool and using less current. Some even have voltage boosters that keep the light bright until the battery is exhausted completely.

Before the lights go out, find your favorite games and put them in a place where you can get to them. Get out those dice! Being in the dark can be exciting. Provided you're safe, that is. Be safe!
posted by SteelyDuran at 6:44 PM on October 28, 2012 [12 favorites]

Probably cuz I'm sick and can't drink whiskey.

Well what kind of sick because
posted by sweetkid at 6:46 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Does anyone else get a headache and become nauseous from the low pressure? Irene did the same thing to me. Ugh..sucks...

Yes! I actually get a headache whenever the weather turns rainy, or whenever a cold front moves in. I find it difficult to do anything, and actually become mildly depressed. It's pretty terrible, and my family doctor says it has something to do with baroreceptors, although not much is understood about the condition.

The only way I can combat it is by taking Ibuprofen.
posted by KokuRyu at 6:49 PM on October 28, 2012

1- The landlord rules about water and heat probably don't apply if there is a mandatory evacuation underway. And doing so may save the systems should flooding occur.

2- The Santa Ana winds are different because they happen predictably every year and the region is acclimated to it. Hurricanes on the East coast aren't as frequent.

3- Probably too late now, but Costco had some great LED flashlights that take three AA batteries and are bright as hell. One of them pointed at the ceiling provides adequate lighting, even for reading.
posted by gjc at 6:50 PM on October 28, 2012

SteelyDuran - even though I've read so much disasteriana that I suffer from Survival Fatigue, I'd never seen that ice tip and it's an excellent one.

Always try to find flashlights that take AA size batteries, such as the Eternalight or Mag

You made me feel better about my Mini Mag, which I refilled today. I was thinking "Gee maybe I should get some Ds" yesterday, but they were sold out where I was. I usually get new Ds only before camping trips where I'm bringing the light. The Mini Mag is brighter anyway.

You are a true Pro.
posted by Miko at 6:50 PM on October 28, 2012

Potomac Avenue, I've had a persistent bronchitis for days, and I've had too much tylenol to drink anything alcoholic. I raise a sympathetic glass of water to you.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 6:50 PM on October 28, 2012

Seconding the low-pressure woes: I normally have some pretty bad allergies this time of year because of the rag-weed, and low-pressure stuff during the hurricane season seems to greatly aggravate my inner ears, making me woozy and tired and slightly nausated. Not good. Loratidine helps with the histamines, but I'll try ibuprofen and see if that doesn't improve things.
posted by SteelyDuran at 6:51 PM on October 28, 2012

My headache was yesterday. those of you suffering - try treating it like a sinus headache. I used a shot of some OTC sinus inhaler thing that had capsaicin in it and it worked nearly instantly to unstuff things, and within an hour the headache was abating.

Today I just feel way full because I had like two huge apples and a pear for breakfast and I think it was way more fruit than I'm used to somehow because I've felt full and logy all day.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Federal govt, DC govt, and DC schools are closed Monday.
posted by OmieWise at 6:52 PM on October 28, 2012

Another hurricane headache here. Thanks for mentioning the AC, PhoBWanKenobi; I hadn't thought of that, and have now taken ours down.

We've got our pile, and will see what happens. Still need to fill the tub, but I figure we'll do that just before bed.
posted by ocherdraco at 6:53 PM on October 28, 2012

Nuwnenuw ne nuuuu...what's up folks?
posted by vrakatar at 6:53 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've been headachey today. Thanks, thought it was just me.
posted by Miko at 6:54 PM on October 28, 2012

Just drove home from MV, saw big fleets of electric trucks going north, national gaurd moving equip around as well.
posted by vrakatar at 6:54 PM on October 28, 2012

"the occasional tree" can be pretty significant, I can tell you. This is such a widespread wind field, it's going to wreak havoc across a huge swath of the eastern seaboard and beyond.

We've had widespread damage in Queens from tornado force winds twice in three years. Downed branches, uprooted trees, houses and cars damaged, etc.

We have a high population density, aging infrastructure and a lot of old, large trees. Worth taking seriously.
posted by zarq at 6:55 PM on October 28, 2012

Well, I didn't have a headache, but power of suggestion, I guess, because after reading the past 20+ comments about it my head is throbbing. Thanks, MeFi!
posted by TurkishGolds at 6:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

About cell phones - if you have a land line - turn them off until you need them. If you lose power - turn them off until it's an emergency. Pop out the battery, stick both battery and cell phone in a zip lock.

If you're computer is on a battery back up, disconnect everything from the battery (apc ups/etc), keep the ups plugged in, use it for emergency cell phone and radio.

The wireless companies will likely keep most of their towers going, if they lose some they have been prepping for this storm since it first made news and mobile cell sites are already staged with all major providers.

Save you cell phone batteries for when you or a neighbor need it, you will likely be without power longer than you will be without cell service if it comes to that.

If you can't make calls, don't be surprised, use text messages, calls take WAY too much data and require real time QoS settings on the provider networks. Use SMS or if it comes down to it, chat applications.
posted by iamabot at 6:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Moderate butter in the freezer, handle of Makers at the ready, charging emergency radio now.
posted by vrakatar at 6:55 PM on October 28, 2012

This is way cool. Listen to this video. It's the Hudson River Harbor live cam with excellent sounds of intense winds whistling and buffeting. It will be a good one to watch tomorrow, Monday.
posted by nickyskye at 6:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

My headache was yesterday. those of you suffering - try treating it like a sinus headache. I used a shot of some OTC sinus inhaler thing that had capsaicin in it and it worked nearly instantly to unstuff things, and within an hour the headache was abating.

Ah! I thought it was a lack of caffeine! Thanks for the reminder.
posted by zarq at 6:56 PM on October 28, 2012

Thanks, Miko! We've been clobbered a few times here in NH, and once while visiting a friend in CT (which became a longer stay as we set up generators and hired people to cut the fallen tree of his shed, etc.) so it's been a long learning process. I'm a normally over-prepared guy who carries a lot in his pockets including my glowy blue Eternalight. It's the most comforting thing ever to carry a light.
posted by SteelyDuran at 6:57 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yeah, i read that a lot of the barometric-pressure headaches can be connected to stuffed-up sinuses - if your sinuses are stuffy then the air inside gets trapped, and if there's a drop in the air pressure outside then there's a difference between inside and outside your head and that can cause some of the pain.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:58 PM on October 28, 2012

handle of Makers at the ready
posted by The Whelk at 7:01 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Cell phones: If you have a car, and a car charger, you can charge them if you have to. Cars are enormous source of energy, heat, and light.
posted by SteelyDuran at 7:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

BTW I have a wind-up flashlight thing that comes in really handy during power outages. No battery, no electricity, just wind up and go. Might be a little late for you folks but thought I would throw that out there for next time.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

We've been clobbered a few times here in NH,

I was there for the 2008 ice storm, in Portsmouth. One of the more memorable and lesson-filled experiences of my life, 6 days w/o power!
posted by Miko at 7:04 PM on October 28, 2012

- if your sinuses are stuffy then the air inside gets trapped, and if there's a drop in the air pressure outside then there's a difference between inside and outside your head and that can cause some of the pain.

You can simulate this by going on an international flight while recovering from a head cold. Ouch.
posted by ceribus peribus at 7:04 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

So, does natural gas (for heat, for stoves, etc) ever get shut off during a storm like this? I have no clue how that works.
posted by zennie at 7:05 PM on October 28, 2012

Oh yeah, I've been wanting the hand crank flashlight and also the hand crank radio. Christmas list.
posted by Miko at 7:06 PM on October 28, 2012

zennie--you usually will still have gas, but you may have to use a match to light it if you have an electric starter.
posted by inertia at 7:07 PM on October 28, 2012

Re: cell phone service... Last year in CT after the freak October snowstorm, many of us were without power for over a week. Eventually, many cell towers ended up going out because their backup power sources ran out of juice. Did something change between last year and this year?
posted by smalls at 7:07 PM on October 28, 2012

does natural gas (for heat, for stoves, etc) ever get shut off during a storm like this?

NOt a huge worry. Natural gas is one of the most secure forms of energy for just this reason - it's below ground - but in flooding (or badly managed emergency digging for broken lines and stuff) gas lines can be broken. Super rare though.
posted by Miko at 7:08 PM on October 28, 2012

Here, first Google result for natural gas in a storm.
posted by Miko at 7:08 PM on October 28, 2012

Gas is reliable, more of an earthquake problem with gas, tho i guess enough flooding could mess with it, depending on where you are.
posted by vrakatar at 7:09 PM on October 28, 2012

Oh god the low pressure headaches. Something evil is abloom right now and with the cold fronts coming and going I feel like I have the Siberian Death Lurgy.

Does anyone else get pressure drop fatigue too? During hurricanes I tend to sleep through the worst of it, despite the noise.
posted by cmyk at 7:09 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

My husband and I (we are just in NC) woke up with headaches this morning and he said it was from low pressure. I wasn't sure I believed him but he said he recognized the feeling-similar to altitude sickness.

Huh, weird. I don't have a headache, but I've been feeling foggy and sluggish all evening. Also not unlike the way altitude affects me.

I also got WAY drunk at brunch earlier, far faster than normal and out of proportion to the two beers I drank. Another similarity to altitude-ish-ness.

Weird, I've never thought much about how barometric pressure affects the basic functions of what it feels like to be human, before.
posted by Sara C. at 7:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

handle of Makers at the ready

Now that's emergency preparedness.
posted by octobersurprise at 7:11 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Weird, I've never thought much about how barometric pressure affects the basic functions of what it feels like to be human, before.

I always think of Toots and the Maytals' Pressure Drop when I feel a big pre-storm pressure wave pass over. To me it feels like the whole bottom drops out of the world.
posted by Forktine at 7:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

I think this is new data but could be wrong.
posted by vrakatar at 7:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

Fill the unused space in your freezer with plastic containers of filtered water. If you lose power, move a few of them to the fridge to keep your perishables happy.

Good advice about turning your fridge into an icebox, but unless you need the water, DO NOT MOVE THEM. They will cool the fridge compartment just fine from the freezer (that's how it works normally,) and opening the doors just lets the cold out.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Nthing the headache. Didn't realize it was the pressure before reading this thread. Also, we're in Brooklyn, and though we're all stocked on food and water, we weren't planning on filling the tub until tomorrow, after we all shower. Thoughts?
posted by dysh at 7:16 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Pressure Drop, sung by Toots & the Maytals (uh, as noted by Forktine moments ago)
posted by argonauta at 7:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Cool visualization.
posted by gjc at 7:18 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

What kind of thing causes city water to go out? Because I've never had the water stop, even last year when we lost power for a few days.
posted by smackfu at 7:19 PM on October 28, 2012

This beautiful, animated live map of the wind in the USA will be interesting to watch in the coming days.
posted by nickyskye at 7:20 PM on October 28, 2012 [10 favorites]

What kind of thing causes city water to go out?

Depends if it requires pumps somewhere along the line. If the entire system is gravity-fed, you're usually fine.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:21 PM on October 28, 2012

I don't think the concern is that water would go out citywide, but that apartment buildings rely on electricity to pump water to high floors. Power goes out, water goes with it.
posted by Sara C. at 7:21 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

What kind of thing causes city water to go out? Because I've never had the water stop, even last year when we lost power for a few days.

It depends on the system. But mostly if the power goes out and can't be restored (via generator or otherwise) before the water towers run out.

Manhattan is different, there are tunnels underground that the buildings dip into and pump water out. So it depends on the building in that case.
posted by gjc at 7:22 PM on October 28, 2012

"What kind of thing causes city water to go out?"

Broken mains or electrical pumps with no backup generator (in tall buildings). Mostly broken mains.

Far more frequent (as you probably know) is inadequately treated water that wants you to die of cholera or whatever and isn't safe to drink, from rivers overtopping treatment plants or sewers leaking into intake or storm sewers overflowing or even opening the sewer system on purpose into the clean water system to prevent flooding somewhere in the system.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:24 PM on October 28, 2012

Thanks for the tip, ChurchHatesTucker. I wondered if the cool would still get through if the fan weren't blowing. I bet you're right, and that it still gets through well enough by convection and through the thinner layer of insulation between the two compartments (I have an over-under).

This will hopefully preserve my survival pie (blueberry).
posted by SteelyDuran at 7:24 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Yeah, usually there is a boil advisory if power goes out for more than a day or so, especially in the wake of bad weather, and super especially if there's been flooding.

That said, I am under no illusions that the water currently in my bathtub is going to be any good for drinking in a couple days. It might not kill me, but ugh. I don't even like drinking a glass of water I left out overnight.
posted by Sara C. at 7:27 PM on October 28, 2012

I wondered if the cool would still get through if the fan weren't blowing

Assuming you've got a standard "freezer on top" fridge, the fan isn't even required. Physics takes care of that (although not as quickly, perhaps.) Your fridge is literally an icebox at that point.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:28 PM on October 28, 2012

Yeah, we (and the cats) are drinking bottled water from tomorrow on out. We'll deal with the toilet situation if we have to.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:29 PM on October 28, 2012

"I don't even like drinking a glass of water I left out overnight."

Try pouring it into another glass, or over a fork or through a tea strainer into another glass -- sometimes re-aerating it will make it taste not so weird.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:29 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

That said, I am under no illusions that the water currently in my bathtub is going to be any good for drinking in a couple days.

The bathtub water is mostly for toilet flushing and washing. You should be drinking bottled water. Suggested rations I've heard are to plan a gallon per person per day.
posted by sonika at 7:30 PM on October 28, 2012

oh man, i just remembered that in a drunken fit of zombie apocalypse preparedness i bought one of those Lifesaver magical nanodemon whatever bottles. BRING ON THE TAINTED WATER I AM READY.
posted by elizardbits at 7:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm going with the faucet for as long as possible until the point when and if the power goes out. I've already filled all available jugs and jars and bought two more gallons as well just in case, and I've also noted all the bottled homemade juices I've got.

(See, and some people laugh at us people who can. HA!)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:32 PM on October 28, 2012

Another place to store water that people don't think about is backpacking bladders. The big ones are over three quarts - one person's daily ration.
posted by notsnot at 7:34 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

The bathtub water is mostly for toilet flushing and washing. You should be drinking bottled water.

Yes, that is the plan. I've got a bathtub and three big pots full for flushing and misc water needs (tooth brushing, glass rinsing, etc) and three gallons of bottled for drinking. I also have a gallon of lime flavored seltzer, because it's good stuff.
posted by Sara C. at 7:35 PM on October 28, 2012

Note to Northerners working off Floridian preparedness guides: "oil and sharpen machete" is probably not necessary for you.
posted by cmyk at 7:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

@MittStormTips
posted by Skygazer at 7:36 PM on October 28, 2012 [10 favorites]

News reports are predicting widespread power outages in NJ. My husband says "We have underground power lines, our power has been out for more than hour only once or twice in 18 years here, no worries." We've got batteries and flashlights and water and ALL the things, so we're prepared for power outages, but I'm wondering now if we'll get one. Is there a transformer or station or something that needs to be above ground that can get hit and take out our power?

Also, for water: if you have Costco sized plastic jars of pretzel rods or animal crackers or something, empty the contents into some large baggies and fill the jar with water for more water storage.
posted by booksherpa at 7:37 PM on October 28, 2012

I have a case of Italian sparkling water because that is how I hurricane.
posted by sweetkid at 7:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [14 favorites]

I only last year learned what a Buffalo Stance is. Once I knew what it was I recognized it as the very familiar "I'm a badass" 1980s photo pose with crossed arms.

The song title refers to Buffalo, a group of photographers, models, musicians, hair and makeup artists, etc. formed by fashion stylist Ray Petri, of whom Cherry, Morgan and McVey were all members.[2] Such a "stance" would be to stand like a person or group of people are posing for a photo shoot in a London fashion magazine.

posted by Miko at 7:37 PM on October 28, 2012

Without the machete how will you be able to compete for scarce resources when Manhattan turns into a vast swamp?
posted by vuron at 7:38 PM on October 28, 2012

Western Jersey: Had to go out for a couple hours--Shoprite blessedly deserted, no C or D batteries and bread shelves stripped except for a full offering of Pepperidge Farm. It's a beautiful night, warm and a hint of a breeze.

Now checking wunderground, Sandy's stalled out there, no? Not expected to hit southern Jersey until 2 AM Tuesday.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:39 PM on October 28, 2012

Just curious --

what steps has the city taken to protect the subway from a possible surge? My understanding is that downtown Manhattan might be vulnerable to a storm surge of 11-12 feet on Monday night. And that's where the subway system is most vulnerable to flooding. One source I saw quoted in this thread said, in effect, that Irene came within a foot of being able to flood the subway and that if the projected surge happens, we are seriously fucked.

Is anyone downtown right now? Have you seen any sandbag levees or other such attempts to secure the subway?

Many thanks.
posted by jason's_planet at 7:39 PM on October 28, 2012

#MIttStormTips are actually really funny.
posted by Miko at 7:40 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

If it floods and no one is in there, that is a win. It will take many days to get it going again if it floods.
posted by vrakatar at 7:41 PM on October 28, 2012

You may also need machetes when the Old Ones rise out of the flood waters.
posted by Aquifer at 7:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

That's what the blood of the innocent is for.
posted by elizardbits at 7:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Oh please, the city can't protect the subways from flooding due to normal rainfall.
posted by ceribus peribus at 7:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

Well the deep ones have been holding a grudge since that 1928 raid on Innsmouth so I guess it's payback time.
posted by vuron at 7:43 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

From a friend on Facebook: Quick hack: The $1 C-to-D adapter. No idea if it works, but worth trying if you couldn't get D batteries.
posted by booksherpa at 7:43 PM on October 28, 2012

what steps has the city taken to protect the subway from a possible surge?

Sandbags and plywood. Just like in town.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:44 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Is anyone downtown right now? Have you seen any sandbag levees or other such attempts to secure the subway?

I think there are so many holes for water to get into that it's an impossible task. Just make sure everyone is out, shut off the power and let the pumps do their work when the power comes back on.
posted by gjc at 7:45 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

sio42: "notsnot - i forgot about my backpack bladder! great idea!"

When I go on road trips, I'm cheap as hell, so I bring water from the tap back home-nalgene bottles (in which I mix powder packets, e.g. propel and crystal lite), bladders, jugs. I survive for a week at a time with the only inputs to the [me + vehicle] system being gasoline and local microbrews.

Pro tip: if you plan to survive on energy bars, make sure at least a third of them are not chocolate-[something] because, surprisingly, you *can* get tired of chocolate.
posted by notsnot at 7:45 PM on October 28, 2012

Something's just occurred to me -

I've emailed my bosses that I won't be coming in because the public transit has shut down, and there's the possibility that they'd be closing down bridges and tunnels and so i'd be physically incapable of leaving Brooklyn.

It's not often you get to call in marooned to work.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

So how vulnerable is the lower Manhattan telecommunications grid to flooding? If there is a massive disruption to lower Manhattan in terms of telecommunications what will that mean for stuff like the NYSE and other financial business centered there? I imagine most businesses probably have hotsites up an running to minimize impact on their critical business functions but there has to be some significant concerns that an extended disruption in NYC is going to do a massive amount of economic damage in terms of lost business.
posted by vuron at 7:54 PM on October 28, 2012

I just did the same; I have no idea if I even could getr from Manhattan to NJ tommorow and I am sure it would be an awful idea.
posted by mountmccabe at 7:54 PM on October 28, 2012

//I feel like if the governor and president both say my state is one of emergency, I shouldn't have to take this midterm tomorrow.//

My son is a college freshman - classes are cancelled tomorrow (in DC area).
posted by COD at 7:54 PM on October 28, 2012

Vuron- market is closed tomorrow, could be closed for days, tho e-trading is happening as long as that works. Big firms probably have insurance to cover lost productivity, but sounds like you'd know better than I.

Buy plywood futures.
posted by vrakatar at 7:59 PM on October 28, 2012

elizardbits: "That's what the blood of the innocent is for."

Hmph. Like you are going to find any innocents to get blood from in New York.
posted by misha at 8:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

COD: "//I feel like if the governor and president both say my state is one of emergency, I shouldn't have to take this midterm tomorrow.//

My son is a college freshman - classes are cancelled tomorrow."

Mine actually are as of half an hour ago - I think I was on the tail end of the large Boston-area universities to close.

Before I was not at all freaked out, but now I am slightly. Guess I'll just try to get caught up on the rest of my schoolwork tomorrow and maybe play some Agricola.
posted by dismas at 8:03 PM on October 28, 2012

21st floor, Manhattan, the wind just seemed to pick up noticeably.
posted by shothotbot at 8:03 PM on October 28, 2012

the NYSE is closed tomorrow, and most banks have told employees to work remotely or from back up centers.

finance world has a bunch of safeguards for shit like this these days...
posted by larthegreat at 8:04 PM on October 28, 2012

If anyone else was wondering: The worst of the storm in the NYC area is supposed to be from 3pm Monday until 3am Tuesday. Don't blow through all your booze and baked goods tonight!
posted by Andrhia at 8:04 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Guy on NBC news, being interviewed in evacuation zone A: "this is my hood. I'm gonna stay right here and see what happens." Brilliant.
posted by zarq at 8:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I know, I feel like people are waiting for the storm to hit any minute just because they closed the subways.
posted by sweetkid at 8:10 PM on October 28, 2012

they just announced no electronic trading! should be interesting to see the financial implications of this storm...
posted by larthegreat at 8:11 PM on October 28, 2012

Watching weather channel is always surreal around these events. Just watched some backup generator commercial (presumably one of those natural gas powered generators) like you can just go down to your local Home Depot and pick one of those up and install it yourself. Of course the lady telling the weather to bring it on was living in some McMansion because poor people don't deserve nice things.
posted by vuron at 8:11 PM on October 28, 2012

ugh whose still-beating heart do i have to sacrifice before their dying eyes in order to get a fucking donut
posted by elizardbits at 8:12 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

But surely subways being closed = THE APOCALYPSE IS IMMINENT.

And, you know, we're very impatient here. Imminent means, like, stat. Yesterday, even.
posted by Sara C. at 8:12 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

My cats are straight chillin' and they are basically my storm warning system. Not because they freak out, but because they run to my big front windows and look at what's going on.
posted by sweetkid at 8:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

the NYSE is closed tomorrow, and most banks have told employees to work remotely or from back up centers.

I am a secretary for a major financial firm and I approve this message.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:14 PM on October 28, 2012

If you have oil and a pan you can make donuts.

Well, you also need donut ingredients...
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Of course the lady telling the weather to bring it on was living in some McMansion because poor people don't deserve nice things.

I have never felt as much like a slimy elitist as the time I rode out hurricane Gustav in my mother's McMansion complete with huge backup generator.

People who live in trailers were sleeping on the floor of the middle school gym, and we didn't even lose satellite TV.
posted by Sara C. at 8:15 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

That doesn't make you slimy; that makes you lucky.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:17 PM on October 28, 2012

(That's my family's motto. "That which does not make us slimy, makes us lucky.")
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:18 PM on October 28, 2012 [26 favorites]

so everything is closed tomorrow, no transit, but the storm doesn't arrive until tomorrow night-ish. all of you are pretty much going to blow through your liquor rations in front of the keyboard then, right?
posted by ninjew at 8:18 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Since this is metafilter I think we can now begin the countdown to someone correctly translating that motto into Latin.
posted by elizardbits at 8:19 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I'm kinda jealous. The Canadian media is saying that Ontario is gonna get battered, but so far nothing is really being cancelled or planned for Toronto that I know of.
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:20 PM on October 28, 2012

so everything is closed tomorrow,

Now you know how Jews feel on Christmas Day.
I suggest Chinese.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 8:20 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

Thanks for the answers about natural gas. Kind of obvious, I know. I'm just panicking a wee bit because I've never been in a huge old ('40s) appartment building, downtown, during a storm like this. I'm depending on being able to boil some water if necessary.

EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.
posted by zennie at 8:21 PM on October 28, 2012

Seriously, the Korean market near our place NEVER closes. My husband has been here since 1974.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:21 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

storm prep photos from the MTA's flickr account
posted by elizardbits at 8:22 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Isn't Toronto way the fuck inland? It's about as far west as Detroit or Cleveland or something, right?

While I'm sure Toronto will get rain and heavy winds and general bad weather (and possibly get hit hard by the nor'easter aspect of the storm), it's not in the path of the hurricane.

My guess is that if anywhere in Ontario gets hit crazy hard, it'll be the eastern part over by Vermont, which also got it bad in the last hurricane.
posted by Sara C. at 8:24 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sara the storm is 800 miles big.
posted by vrakatar at 8:25 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hurricanes die down almost immediately after making landfall.

More than a couple hundred miles inland, you're going to get bad weather, and it's going to suck a lot, but it's technically not going to be a hurricane.
posted by Sara C. at 8:26 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

That big of a storm interacting with something like Lake Ontario could definitely do some weird stuff to anything on the North shore.
posted by vuron at 8:28 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I just finished reading Stephen King's The Stand yesterday (1000ish pages of trekking across a post-disaster, no-electricity U.S.) and thus feel oddly prepared despite missing out on all the D batteries left in my neighborhood. I have water and peanut butter crackers and a french press full of cold brewing coffee. Still hoping the liquor store is open tomorrow before the storm hits...forgot to stock up on wine.
posted by sallybrown at 8:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sara, not necessarily true. It was either Fran or Floyd (I forget which) that totally harshed Raleigh, NC's mellow. I'm in Fayetteville and we didn't have fun with either one of those.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Toronto is on the edge of Lake Ontario, and has another Great Lake within 100 miles in every direction except north by northwest. Any significant wind arriving at Toronto brings rain.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:30 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Or snow, actually. It's already down to single digit temperatures up there.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:31 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Thanks for the MTA photos! 'preciate it!
posted by jason's_planet at 8:31 PM on October 28, 2012

That set of MTA shots is kinda great (and definitely addresses the "why are they shutting down so early?" question - I didn't realize they were actually pulling electrical parts out of surface tracks, for example.)
posted by restless_nomad at 8:31 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

spend the last week visiting the east coast and was supposed to fly home to san diego out of LGA this tuesday. instead am spending storm in rural new hampshire. hope all our mefites can ride this thing out cozy & dry.
posted by changeling at 8:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

They are not messing around:

SOME IMPORTANT NOTES...

1. IF YOU ARE BEING ASKED TO EVACUATE A COASTAL LOCATION BY STATE
AND LOCAL OFFICIALS, PLEASE DO SO.

2. IF YOU ARE RELUCTANT TO EVACUATE, AND YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO RODE
OUT THE `62 STORM ON THE BARRIER ISLANDS, ASK THEM IF THEY COULD DO
IT AGAIN.

3. IF YOU ARE RELUCTANT, THINK ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES, THINK ABOUT
THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WHO WILL BE UNABLE TO REACH YOU WHEN YOU
MAKE THE PANICKED PHONE CALL TO BE RESCUED, THINK ABOUT THE
RESCUE/RECOVERY TEAMS WHO WILL RESCUE YOU IF YOU ARE INJURED OR
RECOVER YOUR REMAINS IF YOU DO NOT SURVIVE.

4. SANDY IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STORM. THERE WILL BE MAJOR
PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURIES ARE PROBABLY UNAVOIDABLE, BUT THE GOAL IS
ZERO FATALITIES.

5. IF YOU THINK THE STORM IS OVER-HYPED AND EXAGGERATED, PLEASE ERR
ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION.

WE WISH EVERYONE IN HARMS WAY ALL THE BEST. STAY SAFE!
posted by Ironmouth at 8:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Again, yeah, it's going to rain a lot and be windy and generally sucky. But it's not going to be an actual hurricane.

Sorry, I have explained this so. many. times. to people who are not from the Gulf Coast.

The fact that you're not getting a hurricane doesn't mean a tree isn't going to fall on a power line somewhere, or that there's not going to be a wind advisory that shuts down a bridge and makes life inconvenient.

But it's not going to be a hurricane.

(Also, if Toronto were to declare a state of emergency, close things down, make contingency plans, etc, that wouldn't go into effect until much later this week, since the storm is still so far away. NOAA has the storm hitting Canada somewhere late Thursday or early Friday.)
posted by Sara C. at 8:33 PM on October 28, 2012

I was just checking out this briefing for New Jersey and saw this list:

Before we indulge into details, the following areas are under evacuations or should consider
evacuating immediately:
 All New Jersey coast barrier islands
 Long Beach Island
 Recommended evacuation of all beaches from Cape May to Sandy Hook
 Low lying near-beach areas and cities
 Belmar, New Jersey

I love the specificity of "Belmar, New Jersey." The others are all large areas. That's a specific town. I am having fun imagining it followed by " ---not because of the hurricane, just because the rest of us are sick of your shit."

Woulda been much funnier if it was Seaside Heights, though.

But seriously, I love my Shore and don't want anything bad to happen.

I also love that very Jersey turn of phrase "indulge into"
posted by Miko at 8:33 PM on October 28, 2012 [10 favorites]

St. Alia, Raleigh is only a little bit inland. Toronto is in the midwest.
posted by Sara C. at 8:35 PM on October 28, 2012

Again, yeah, it's going to rain a lot and be windy and generally sucky. But it's not going to be an actual hurricane.

Sorry, I have explained this so. many. times. to people who are not from the Gulf Coast.

Yep, all these meteorologists releasing dire warnings to the DC-NYC corridor are just dumb. They're not from the Gulf Coast!
posted by downing street memo at 8:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Sara C.: really? Our weather reports all indicate it hitting us the worst tomorrow night but it only has us getting about 50-100mm of rain, then 10mm on Tuesday and 5-10mm the rest of the week.
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:35 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

New York City is basically right on the ocean.

DC is like 50 miles inland.

Toronto is in the middle of the North American continent, hundreds and hundreds of miles inland. It's not in the direct path of the storm at all, and certainly not going to be hit by a hurricane.
posted by Sara C. at 8:37 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Pics of empty Grand Central always give me the chills.
posted by Miko at 8:38 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

i just had my last beer. turns out that other growler i thought i had was full of water from the last emergency we had.

this is a problem.
posted by larthegreat at 8:38 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

1000monkeys, I'm getting my map here.

Though, looking again, it looks like I misread it and Toronto is in the path of the storm. Still hundreds of miles inland and long after it would not be considered a hurricane anymore. But yeah, you guys are looking at getting it Thursday, not Friday.
posted by Sara C. at 8:39 PM on October 28, 2012

Sorry, I have explained this so. many. times. to people who are not from the Gulf Coast.

Sandy Is the Biggest Hurricane Ever Recorded in the Atlantic Basin
posted by Ironmouth at 8:39 PM on October 28, 2012 [6 favorites]

Sara C.: I never said Toronto was going to be hit by a hurricane, but you said that the storm wouldn't hit until Thursday or Friday, which does not agree with any of our weather reports.
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:40 PM on October 28, 2012

It is super fucking weird how empty the streets are right now, considering that it's not even windy yet, much less raining.
posted by elizardbits at 8:40 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Ironmouth - it's also just barely a hurricane at all.

It's big, and it's potentially really scary, and it's going to cause bad weather pretty much everywhere east of the Mississippi, but it's not really that epic of a storm. Certainly not a strong enough storm to actually be a hurricane when it gets to the middle of the continent.
posted by Sara C. at 8:41 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I don't think Toronto is bracing for hurricane force winds as much as they are for several days of unending rain. Ark preparations.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Sara C. - It looks like NOAA has upgraded it's probabilities of hurricane force winds to be up to 40% in southern NJ and up to 20% as far inland as Harrisburg and has increased the probabilities of tropical storm force winds to more than 40% over a much wider reach on inland areas. With that said both total rainfall amounts and storm surges remain relatively low in most areas (less than 8 inches and less than 5 feet respectively).

Expect lots of falling trees and localized power outages and flooding in areas that are prone to flooding. Basically if you flooded because of Irene last year than you can probably expect the same and if not then likely not.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 8:44 PM on October 28, 2012

I would hate to see a storm that met your definition for "epic."
posted by Miko at 8:44 PM on October 28, 2012 [18 favorites]

Yeah, um, aside from the category, this is the most epic storm to hit in years and years and years.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:45 PM on October 28, 2012

It's a very significant storm, max wind speed isn't everything. Even a Cat 1 hitting someplace like NYC dead on can do a huge amount of damage simply because of the geography of the land tends to increase the impact of storm surge and the population density magnifies the number of people impacted.
posted by vuron at 8:45 PM on October 28, 2012

It would probably have to be at least a category 2.
posted by Sara C. at 8:46 PM on October 28, 2012

Sara C., seriously, "just barely a hurricane" is still a hurricane, and even when it doesn't meet the technical definition can still bring some pretty heavy damage and fatalities.

Do you think we WANT this to be an 'epic' hurricane? What exactly are you arguing here?
posted by zennie at 8:47 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

(Guys I'm not saying nothing is going to happen. Just that there's probably a reason people in Toronto aren't freaking the fuck out four days before it rains kind of a lot.)
posted by Sara C. at 8:47 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Sara C. knows her epic storms. Certified.
posted by sweetkid at 8:47 PM on October 28, 2012

can we maybe not get into another Annual Mefite Brawl over who is the very best amateur meteorologist again this year? is that a thing that could happen? because that would be fucking rad.
posted by elizardbits at 8:47 PM on October 28, 2012 [32 favorites]

My friend in Miami just posted that they are still getting the tail end of it. That's pretty much epic.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:48 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

It's just eerie in general. Here in central NJ we've got nothing yet, but going out about 4 hours for last minute provisions* it just felt strange outside. I've been joking with my husband about feeling like we're in the first 30 minutes of a bad made-for-TV disaster movie.

* So, the local Wegmans had a ton of bottled water. 4 nearly full pallets. However, I got the last box of Froot Loops.
posted by booksherpa at 8:48 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm just glad we're making "epic" happen
posted by sweetkid at 8:48 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Irene was Category 1 and weakening when it tore up a giant swath of MA and VT and caused dozens of deaths, lots of displacement and property damage in the billions. It had immediate wind effects and lingering disastrous rain effects.

Sandy vs. Irene
posted by Miko at 8:49 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Yeah, I was just jokey whining that Toronto isn't as cool as New York, at least not cool enough for Sandy to grace us with an appearance, not meaning to start some weird argument about whether or not the end is nigh for us in the GTA lol
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:49 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sara C. - I don't think that (some) people are hearing what you are saying. I think that you are saying that the storm is not going to be that big of a deal by the time it gets to Toronto and from all predictions that seems to be the case.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 8:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm okay with saying Sandy looks like a goddamn huge storm and I hope my supplies of cake are equal to the days of marooning, which are going to be cold and suck regardless of the category. It's like, SANDY NOM NOM EAST COAST SANDY HUNGRY!
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:50 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm not actually arguing.

Just sort of generally against people going completely hysterical about this.

It's a hurricane.

It's a big hurricane.

It's going to be really bad.

Things could potentially get really dangerous in areas where there's storm surge.

But it's really not LOSE YOUR SHIT AND GO INSANE bad. Just, like, stay inside and know where the flashlight is bad.
posted by Sara C. at 8:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I agree that Toronto is probably safe from Sandy and that Sandy will probably not be an epic storm for Toronto.
posted by Miko at 8:51 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Some of the most damaging storms to the Northeast have been extratropical storms or tropical cyclones-transitioning-to-extratropical.

signed,
a graduate from the class of the New England Blizzard of '78.
posted by SillyShepherd at 8:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I don't think anybody is losing their shit. We all stayed in and we're bored and something exciting is happening and it's fun to observe and talk about it. It's a storm thing, we do it every time, especially when a lot of us are going to be in it.
posted by Miko at 8:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

We're also trying to occupy ourselves without using up the alcohol. That's for tomorrow night.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:54 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

can we maybe not get into another Annual Mefite Brawl over who is the very best amateur meteorologist again this year?

This. Because it really doesn't matter what the numbers and facts and figures say will happen if you're sitting in a shelter, or your power's out for a week, or you're on day 5 of the boil water advisory and "showering" with baby wipes.

This will suck for millions and millions of people, and none of them will care what the official designation of the storm that smacked them was.

On preview: I'm trying to picture what would qualify as "LOSE YOUR SHIT AND GO INSANE" bad... warfare, or living in Manville/Bound Brook waiting for this storm, maybe.
posted by booksherpa at 8:54 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Yeah, I'm certainly not losing my shit. Well, maybe a little only because I feel left out. DAMN YOU SANDY what do you have against Torontonians? *shakes fist* Plus, I have been prepping for the apocalypse for MONTHS and now I have no reason to break out the canned chili and tinned fruit :(
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:54 PM on October 28, 2012

Just got an email from my bank to say thry're suspending ATM fees during the storm.

My secret weapon is that my salty USMC buddy is crashing in my spare bedroom for a few weeks between deployments. So no matter what happens with Sandy my household is ready to go.
posted by peeedro at 8:54 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Trivia - The evacuation of NYC is 375,000 people. If it were a city, it would be the 51st largest city in the US, right behind New Orleans.

And I don't seem to remember hurricanes (real deal hurricanes) hitting New York..

Nor do I remember this many billion dollar storms in a single year.
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:54 PM on October 28, 2012

Ah, '78! I have such happy memories of that one. No school for a week...we made a giant snow slide and a snow cave...I imagine that it would have been less fun to be an adult for that one though. Through the eyes of an 8-year-old it was an enchanted world.
posted by Miko at 8:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sandy would also have to pass through customs on the way to Toronto so that's bound to slow her down a bit.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [15 favorites]

A small contribution to the noble field of MetaFilter Toilet Science
posted by islander at 8:56 PM on October 28, 2012

Man, now everyone outside is honking and yelling. I'm trying to be concerned about a storm on the other coast, and not interested in the sporting success of the city.
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

On my Sandy playlist:

Shelter from the Storm
Like a Hurricane
I Think It's Gonna Rain Today
Take Me to the River
Feels Like Rain
Blame It On the Rain (don't judge)
Box of Rain

and last but certainly not least:
4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)
posted by sallybrown at 8:57 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Just that there's probably a reason people in Toronto aren't freaking the fuck out four days before it rains kind of a lot.

Yeah, take that New Orleans! Bunch of whingers.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 8:58 PM on October 28, 2012

Miko, I was 14, and we were out of school for three weeks while the National Guard occupied my town.

This storm is huge, not only physically, but in its unusual track that's poised to inflict major damage to a major city, and the damage it's projected to do for so much of the eastern U.S.
posted by SillyShepherd at 8:58 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sara, maybe there was some confusion because nobody here is losing it about Toronto. I saw mentions of rain. Where are you seeing this?
posted by zennie at 8:58 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I remember reading that during an ice age there was a mile of ice on top of what is now NYC. I can't help but wonder if super storms are first step of the climate showing humans what happens when an ice age starts to loom.
posted by zia at 9:01 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm in Toronto and I can vouch for the fact that nobody is freaking out, just expecting to get very soggy. If we were getting Sandy in her present state delivered to our doorstep we would probably feel differently about it.
posted by saturday_morning at 9:02 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Nada Surf, has it as being the Blizzard of '77.
posted by Skygazer at 9:03 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I still bet the Union Station TTC tracks will flood again.
posted by 1000monkeys at 9:06 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I remember reading that during an ice age there was a mile of ice on top of what is now NYC.

If you go to Central Park you can see rocks with grooves on them from where the moving ice scraped on them. It's pretty epic.
posted by sweetkid at 9:06 PM on October 28, 2012

I can't listen to that song at the moment, but it could be referring to the legendary blizzard of 77 in Buffalo, NY.
posted by troika at 9:06 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

All mass transit is shutdown tomorrow in DC; metro (bus and rail), Greyhound, MARC, VRE, & Amtrack.
posted by peeedro at 9:06 PM on October 28, 2012

There was a Blizzard of '77 and also a Blizzard of '78.

and a Blizzard of '79 too for good measure.
posted by saturday_morning at 9:07 PM on October 28, 2012

@Troika, it does refer to that blizzard.
posted by SillyShepherd at 9:08 PM on October 28, 2012

It was a blizzardy time, the Carter years
posted by saturday_morning at 9:08 PM on October 28, 2012 [8 favorites]

I agree that Toronto is probably safe from Sandy and that Sandy will probably not be an epic storm for Toronto.
posted by Miko at 8:51 PM on October 28 [+] [!]

I'm 2 hourish nw of Toronto and am preparing for my power to be out at some point.

My power always goes out even in little storms. Heck my power goes out when it's just windy and I'm searching around for some sort or storm to explain. If my power doesn't go out as this storm sideswipes me I'll be surprised.

This is a pretty normal for me though, especially in the winter.
posted by Jalliah at 9:08 PM on October 28, 2012

There was a midwest Blizzard of '78, which was completely different than New England's Blizzard of '78.
posted by SillyShepherd at 9:09 PM on October 28, 2012

Sally - I suggest I can't Stand the Rain as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:09 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

It's pretty epic.

ALSO LONG ISLAND IS A TERMINAL MORAINE

man i love earth science
posted by elizardbits at 9:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [7 favorites]

Guys the word blizzard is starting to look funny.
posted by saturday_morning at 9:11 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

I fondly remember the southwest Ontario Blizzard of '77. Eight foot snowdriftsfalls are the best thing ever when you're in middle school.
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:11 PM on October 28, 2012

What happens when the storm hits the giant cold front?
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:11 PM on October 28, 2012

'78 was the big one in NJ.
posted by Miko at 9:12 PM on October 28, 2012

They make out.
posted by elizardbits at 9:12 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

blizzard blizzard blizzard blizzardy
posted by ninjew at 9:14 PM on October 28, 2012

Storm babies. That's why hurricanes start up again 9 months later. Or something.
posted by 1000monkeys at 9:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Boom goes the dynamite....?
posted by peeedro at 9:15 PM on October 28, 2012

I fondly remember the southwest Ontario Blizzard of '77. Eight foot snowdriftsfalls are the best thing ever when you're in middle school.
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:11 PM on October 28 [+] [!]

That was my driveway and porch 2 winters ago. If it snows a lot and the wind is in the right place everything from the road blows down and piles up against my house. I live in this weird ass snowbelt that seems to either get tons or nothing. Drive 10 mins north or south and it will be different.

It's no fun getting up to go to work and not being able to open your door.
posted by Jalliah at 9:16 PM on October 28, 2012

okay enough with the honking. They won, they don't need your support anymore.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

On my Sandy playlist:

How about Rain by Dragon?
posted by Talez at 9:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

man, i feel like i'm waiting for santa. i'm too excited to go to sleep

Me too. Apparently, I was like this before Irene too.

Unfortunately toddlers are both morning people and shitty weather forecasters, so if I don't get to sleep soon... Hurricane Whuffles will do me in for sure.
posted by sonika at 9:23 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Jalliah, I have an uncle who lives on the north shore of Lake Erie, east of Port Maitland. Literally on the shore; he had to build a retaining wall to keep his land from eroding into the lake.

It's beautiful there, but he usually gets two or three snow-in incidents per year, where the lake effect snow forms a 25-30 foot snowbank situated directly over his house.
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:24 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

I would suggest Hurricane Drunk by Florence + the Machine
posted by mountmccabe at 9:26 PM on October 28, 2012

Oh a Mighty Wind is blowin'!
posted by argonauta at 9:27 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Hmm. I think we just felt that 4.2 near soledad too.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:31 PM on October 28, 2012

Well you know of course Jimmy Buffet has a hurricane song.

Tryin' to Reason with Hurricane Season
posted by Miko at 9:32 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

78 was bad ass in wormtown. Everyone relax and have six drinks.
posted by vrakatar at 9:40 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wait wait.... Did someone say we are not supposed to start drinking until tomorrow night? OH GOD IM DOING IT ALL WRONG
posted by inertia at 9:41 PM on October 28, 2012

It's raining out the very tiniest bit now. Kind of mistily.

also there are no doritos at any bodega within a 5 block radius of my house and i am at one with horror.
posted by elizardbits at 9:42 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I should have stocked up a lot more. I got too much healthy real food, not enough junk food and alcohol.
posted by Miko at 9:43 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Recipe for Cool Ranch Doritos

You could make the cheesy kind, but you'd need cheese and Maltodextrin to make cheese powder. I suspect you might not have one or both of those.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:44 PM on October 28, 2012

ColdChef said not to get bread but to get tortilla instead but I panicked and got nothing but cool ranch Doritos.
posted by The Whelk at 9:44 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

also i gave all my dorito-making servants the day off
posted by elizardbits at 9:44 PM on October 28, 2012

never give days off it only encourages lassitude
posted by The Whelk at 9:46 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Man, now I can't go to sleep since I'm convinced it's gonna earthquake while I'm sleeping. Also everyone is still honking and yelling.

On the plus side, the stores here are flush with doritos and tonic.

Hell, I even have maltodextrin and cheese.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:47 PM on October 28, 2012

I hear you, Miko. I bought no alcohol and no junk food, unless you count my Froot Loops. I'll be making do with the eleventy-million bottled waters I've got, and the few beers already in my fridge, and a whole lot of PB&J.
posted by booksherpa at 9:47 PM on October 28, 2012

The worst of the storm in the NYC area is supposed to be from 3pm Monday until 3am Tuesday

My uncle happens to be making his first ever trip out of Australia, and is staying in New York for a week before he flies over to Seattle at 7pm Monday. I'm kind of not expecting him to make it that day, although so far AA says his flight isn't cancelled.
posted by jacalata at 9:48 PM on October 28, 2012

all my gf bought at the supermarket was water and a shitton of doritos. I was like WTF why do we need all these doritos? Now I know why: because she is awesome.

also i had 2 beers and no longer have a cold hooray!
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

This Natural Disaster is brought to you by Frito-Lay
posted by The Whelk at 9:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

fucking dorito hoarders
posted by elizardbits at 9:53 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

There once was a man from Kass
whose balls were made out of brass.
They clanged together
and played 'Stormy Weather,'
and lightning shot out of his ass.
posted by SillyShepherd at 9:53 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

also i had 2 beers and no longer have a cold hooray!

see
posted by sweetkid at 9:54 PM on October 28, 2012

If these fuckers wake up the baby by honking I'm going to go outside and throw apples at their goddamned cars.
posted by Lord_Pall at 9:54 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

i will sell you 1 bag of cool ranch doritos for brunch or some ammo take your pick
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:54 PM on October 28, 2012

These cams are hypnotizing ... but I feel like a voyeur.

http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-hurricane-sandy-live-2012-10?0=science
posted by Surfurrus at 9:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

see

Its a hurricane miracle
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:55 PM on October 28, 2012 [3 favorites]

Song for anyone out in the city tomorrow.

I'm going to watch Contagion for the third time and feel better about my situation.
posted by The Whelk at 9:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sorry, I have explained this so. many. times. to people who are not from the Gulf Coast.

Please don't do this. Some of us have more familiarity with hurricanes. That's it. That doesn't exactly make us meteorologists, or make those who don't into hysterical panicking ninnies. You can be informative without being patronizing.
posted by misha at 9:56 PM on October 28, 2012 [16 favorites]

Miko, I remember some epic snowstorms in South Jersey, but that one from '77 or '78 was the standard to which I hold all blizzards. Snow tunnels! Huge backyard forts! I think we didn't finish up school until July, we had so many snowdays.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 9:57 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

no i want the cheezie ones.
posted by elizardbits at 9:58 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm going to sleep for a few hours then go walk around.
posted by vrakatar at 10:01 PM on October 28, 2012

What do you call Doritos that are not yours? NACHO CHEESE
posted by argonauta at 10:01 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Everyone I know in Maryland is off work tomorrow and Tuesday. I expect there to be some pretty raucous times tomorrow before things get hairy.
posted by codacorolla at 10:02 PM on October 28, 2012

You guys are going to be too hungover to enjoy the storm.
posted by fshgrl at 10:02 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

cheese ritos can be had for bottles of whiskey or an ATV and 21 gallons of gas
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:04 PM on October 28, 2012

ritos are an anagram of "riots" coincidence?
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:04 PM on October 28, 2012

You guys are going to be too hungover to enjoy the storm.

I'm of scottish exraction we're immune to hangovers it's a mutant power
posted by The Whelk at 10:05 PM on October 28, 2012

Also an anagram of SO TORRID. Well, almost.
posted by mochapickle at 10:06 PM on October 28, 2012

Booooooooooooo I'm to "use my best judgment" to decide if I should go to work tomorrow, which we all know means "come in tomorrow, dammit."
posted by maryr at 10:07 PM on October 28, 2012

^ These cams are hypnotizing ... but I feel like a voyeur.

Those cams are great. I love the sound of the wind.

Coney Island so serene and pretty. Like a toy town.
posted by Skygazer at 10:09 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

This is all a huge conspiracy to make sure everyone is hungover on election day.
posted by ceribus peribus at 10:10 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

There's also a webcam feed from the NYTimes building.
posted by zarq at 10:12 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm 2 hourish nw of Toronto

That pretty much describes anything north of Eglinton.

(Guys I'm not saying nothing is going to happen. Just that there's probably a reason people in Toronto aren't freaking the fuck out four days before it rains kind of a lot.)

The only reason people aren't freaking out yet is because we don't quite know where the storm is headed that far out. Hurricane Hazel arrived in Toronto with about the same strength as Sandy will have at landfall in New Jersey; hurricane effects off the Great Lakes are known to be possible. I would not be surprised if there are significant power outages in Ontario due to the storm.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 10:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

If this keeps up, boring inland real estate is going to be where the Rich Shits live, and the rest of us will be forced to live on the waterfront.
posted by maxwelton at 10:20 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Here in Greenpoint, Brooklyn it's quiet and not-so- windy yet. I'm going to sleep. Be safe everyone!
posted by silverstatue at 10:27 PM on October 28, 2012

What's with the disco lights on the wall street bull webcam?
posted by moonmilk at 10:27 PM on October 28, 2012

bodega man

you lied to me

these pop chips are not just like doritos

we are no longer friends bodega man you have betrayed me
posted by elizardbits at 10:29 PM on October 28, 2012 [10 favorites]

The bull can keep partying all night since trading was suspended for tomorrow.
posted by ceribus peribus at 10:32 PM on October 28, 2012

To be updated regularly, from the New York Times: State-by-State Guide to Hurricane Sandy

Not looking so good: Current Barometric Pressure Map for the United States. The pressure is dropping. Hurricane Sandy: 2 AM ET, 75 mph winds, Cat 1, 950 mb, moving N at 14 mph.
posted by nickyskye at 10:40 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

you guys, this is the best storm warning alert

"REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE OFFICIAL DESIGNATION IS NOW OR AT/AFTER LANDFALL -- HURRICANE (INCLUDING IF "ONLY" A CATEGORY ONE), TROPICAL STORM, POST-TROPICAL, EXTRATROPICAL, WHATEVER -- OR WHAT TYPE OF WARNINGS ARE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER -- PEOPLE IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM NEED TO HEED THE THREAT IT POSES WITH UTMOST URGENCY.

A meteorologically mind-boggling combination of ingredients is coming together: one of the largest expanses of tropical storm (gale) force winds on record with a tropical or subtropical cyclone in the Atlantic or for that matter anywhere else in the world; a track of the center making a sharp left turn in direction of movement toward New Jersey in a way that is unprecedented in the historical database, as it gets blocked from moving out to sea by a pattern that includes an exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure aloft near Greenland; a "warm-core" tropical cyclone embedded within a larger, nor'easter-like circulation; and moisture from the tropics and cold air from the Arctic combining to produce very heavy snow in interior high elevations. This is an extraordinary situation, and I am not prone to hyperbole."

thank you forever, Stu
posted by ninjew at 10:48 PM on October 28, 2012 [9 favorites]

So what you are saying is that we should all meet up at the bryant park branch of the NYPL and wait for Jake Gyllenhaal to save the day?
posted by elizardbits at 10:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

That is what I am always saying and nobody ever listens to me.
posted by davidjmcgee at 10:52 PM on October 28, 2012 [8 favorites]

My daughter just sent me an email that she has just booked a holiday in NYC - two weeks from now.

I just had to write that (with all my exasperation), since she won't hear anything I say. [insert venting day pass]

She has never been through even a small hurricane ... has no idea of how it may take weeks, months, years for recovery.
posted by Surfurrus at 10:54 PM on October 28, 2012

except they would probably be mad when you burn the furniture and the books
posted by ninjew at 10:56 PM on October 28, 2012

I'm waiting for this storm to somehow fuck shit up in Seattle.

(And I'm not talking about airline cancellations, KOMO 4 News!)
posted by spinifex23 at 11:01 PM on October 28, 2012

She has never been through even a small hurricane ... has no idea of how it may take weeks, months, years for recovery.

Umm I doubt (and hope) that NYC will be unvisitable for weeks months years etc. We haven't heard too much beyond things will suck till Halloween.
posted by sweetkid at 11:01 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Unless Sandy is hiding some bombers carrying atomic bombs I've no idea how it is going to take NYC years to recover. Unless they put like one guy on cleanup detail for the whole city.
posted by Justinian at 11:05 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

It will be a full moon when the hurricane hits tomorrow. Apparently, that will add 2 to 3 inches to the storm surge in New York.
posted by nickyskye at 11:07 PM on October 28, 2012

I hope so also, sweetkid - don't want to sound negative. Just remembering how Iniki hit Kauai. It really did take years for much of the mess to be cleaned up.
posted by Surfurrus at 11:07 PM on October 28, 2012

Unless they put like one guy on cleanup detail for the whole city.
omg if so I am soooo gonna help that guy
posted by sweetkid at 11:07 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Iniki was the strongest hurricane ever to hit Hawaii in (known) history. That's a completely different thing that what we're talking about.
posted by Justinian at 11:13 PM on October 28, 2012

There will be no shortage of people helping to restore the graffiti and return the garbage strewn alleys to their natural state. The wind swept and rain washed streets will not stay that way for long.
posted by ceribus peribus at 11:14 PM on October 28, 2012 [4 favorites]

Loop of satellite images of Sandy.
posted by carter at 11:17 PM on October 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hurricane Fran ran through central NC as a minimal force 1 storm. That doesn’t seem like much, but it was pretty damn impressive and this thing is likely to be similar for the most heavily impacted areas... except that it will be worse because it will hang around longer.

On the morning after Fran the sky was clear, but my power was out and I could only get 2 stations on my car radio. All the other 40 or so where down. After cutting trees off of my road and my friends’ driveways I went for a drive. Our local river was up maybe 15 or 20 feet over flood stage. I saw one of those big round hay bales that the wind had rolled through a barbed wire fence before it ran over and snapped off a 4"x4" treated yellow pine signpost.
posted by Huplescat at 11:23 PM on October 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

Looking over all of this, the thing that worries me most is water. That storm is enormous and the rain alone would probably flood everything it bumps into, but the bad combination of moon and tides are going to make it even worse. Especially on the north side. Things there aren't too elevated to begin with.

Eeek.

And, okay, nobody else did this so I have to: Weather Stu doesn't hyperbolize.
posted by cmyk at 11:41 PM on October 28, 2012

but the bad combination of moon and tides are going to make it even worse.

also all the werewolves
posted by The Whelk at 11:50 PM on October 28, 2012 [5 favorites]

Beyond the threshold of absorption about Hurricane Sandy? Relief.
posted by nickyskye at 12:02 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

And, okay, nobody else did this so I have to: Weather Stu doesn't hyperbolize.

Perhaps.
But neither does he have a great track record when it comes to science. Until quite recently Stu Ostro of the Weather Channel has been a major climate change denier. In fact the founder of the Weather Channel has called global warming "the greatest scam in history" and had been very active giving money to loads of conservative climate denial groups. which is why I never get my weather from the weather channel which was kind of like looking for music on MTV anyway.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 12:27 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Data point: At 3:30 it actually started to be windy in Harlem.
posted by davidjmcgee at 12:32 AM on October 29, 2012

has no idea of how it may take weeks, months, years for recovery.

It's true that there are still some masking tape Xs visible from 1978 in windows on the upper stories of disused buildings.
posted by StickyCarpet at 1:12 AM on October 29, 2012

Current stats:

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...85 MPH...140 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 360 DEGREES AT 15 MPH...24 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...946 MB...27.94 INCHES

Holy low pressure!
posted by futz at 2:51 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

NBC4 (DC) just showed something creepy from Rehoboth, DE. Their hotel room is on the 2nd floor of a 5-story hotel. In the bathroom, the ceiling tiles are lifting up and flopping down over and over again, from the wind. The wind -- it's coming from inside the hotel!
posted by kinsey at 3:25 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

NOAA has an animated gif of the hurricane off the shore of Virgina/Maryland/Delaware.

I've just brewed up some coffee and downloaded a bunch of new books to my kindle. I agree with folks saying that the storm surge is going to be the biggest problem for Jersey City/Hoboken/lower Manhattan; it's going to be a lot of flooding tonight.
posted by lyra4 at 3:41 AM on October 29, 2012

You will al be fine - shurely the so-called Financial "Masters of the Universe" will save the day? Masters? Really? Maybe this will wipe away some of the hubris, but I doubt it.
posted by marienbad at 4:01 AM on October 29, 2012

Just awakened by loud winds rattling my 6th floor windows here in Williamsburg. I sort of want to take an early morning walk around the neighborhood before it all starts happening. I wonder if the 24 hour bodega is still open?

First though, I will make a lot of coffee and pour it into my thermos. Maybe I'll make another thermos of tea, too.
posted by idest at 4:04 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm personally expecting the US Coast Guard to save the day more than the Financial Masters of the Universe, but then I'm biased.

That said, Goldman Sachs in Jersey City has got some fairly impressive sandbagging going on at their JC building- which is, to be fair to them, right on the waterfront where the Hudson empties into NY Harbor, and where we've had flooding before.
posted by lyra4 at 4:05 AM on October 29, 2012

Have been watching dawn break on this New York Times webcam. Doesn't look too bad so far
posted by fightorflight at 4:15 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Today was supposed to be my first day back in the office after maternity leave. Being home with the family is way better!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Baltimore has had steady rain, not to heavy, for about 12 hours. Not really any wind, judging by the flags outside. I'm wondering if there will be any difference between being north or south of this thing, depending on the rotation.
posted by carter at 4:42 AM on October 29, 2012

Stay safe, my Yankee mefite peeps. I will be thinking about you all day. Praying too.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 4:50 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

The cam at the 79th St. Boat Basin is acutally a little sea-sickness inducing...
posted by titus-g at 4:50 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Ugh. My office is closed, but my wife runs a Walgreens and they haven't made a decision on closing west of DC yet, so she's heading to her store now. Really hope management accepts the inevitable sooner rather than later.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 4:51 AM on October 29, 2012

The rain just started about 5 minutes ago in west Harlem. A surprising number of people are driving on 125th.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:54 AM on October 29, 2012

lyra4, I think the Goldman Sachs building is using bags of actual money (not sand).

This is also the quietest morning in Jersey City I've ever heard.
posted by armacy at 5:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

I only get Error #2046 from the 79th St. Boat Basin cam. I hope things don't go too sideways. I can't get New Orleans out of my mind. And yea, I know they aren't the same. Nothing is.
posted by Goofyy at 5:00 AM on October 29, 2012

Just back from my walk. On a normal day I'd say it's very windy out there... but I know this is nothing. Sounds a lot worse up on the top floor. It's raining, but not so very hard yet. The two 24 hour bodegas on Broadway are open... picked over, but open. The garbage is being collected, thankfully, so we won't have smelly apartments and crap blowing all over the streets. I have my coffee, I have food, I have a gas stove, I have a bathtub full of water. I'm ready.
posted by idest at 5:02 AM on October 29, 2012

No rain yet in Washington Heights, Manhattan but considering sunrise was a little bit ago - it is pretty dark up here.
posted by Stynxno at 5:08 AM on October 29, 2012

The local bodega is open and they still have their pile of cases of beer. It is smaller than yesterday but still similar to a normal Monday. The 4 Loco fridge is still fairly pristine and the local mood was upbeat but sleepy as construction workers headed to job sites to secure items that might fly away.

Just a spatter of rain, some wind, but nothing really exciting. I guess we're waiting until this evening for that.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:09 AM on October 29, 2012

A visualization of hurricane tracks since 1851, based on NOAA data, south pole projection.
posted by carter at 5:12 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Just some light rain and wind out here in southern RI. All schools have pretty much canceled for the day. I expect it'll be much later before winds really start going. Everyone keeps saying it'll be worse than Irene - let's hope not (I was without power for 7 days for Irene!).
posted by quodlibet at 5:16 AM on October 29, 2012

Well the HuffPo continues to lead with such fear generating headlines as "WORST CASE SCENARIO' (seriously Huffpo?) and POWER OUTAGES FOR 10 MILLION POSSIBLE (how possible exactly Huffpo?) while NOAA continues to predict only a 30% possibility of hurricane force winds for a small portion of Delaware and a 50-80% chance of periods of 1 minute of 58 mph winds for lower NJ and inland to Phila and for everywhere else (including N.Y) the probabilities are that wind will gust from from 39-49 mph which is a strong wind but hardly enough for a reasonable chance of a 10 million people power outage. At this point I only read the HuffPo because it upsets me enough to help wake me up in the morning. The Front page of the NYT has the more sensible headline 'Sharp Warnings as Hurricane Churns In'
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:17 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I can't tell if it's raining here (UWS), but it's impressively windy and the magazine store across the street looks open.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 5:20 AM on October 29, 2012

HuffPost: "The End is Nigh"
New York Times: "Tut, tut, it looks like rain"
posted by sciencegeek at 5:22 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Bronx checking in: an angry man on the street passed by my window a few minutes ago, loudly expressing his surprise and dismay that neither trains nor buses were running. Not sure if he even noticed the gusting wind.
posted by ceribus peribus at 5:23 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

quodlibet: Irene went pretty much straight towards you. This one is going to take a jog inland somewhere south of Atlantic City and go towards Harrisburg (because of that other low front storm) and then precede north-northwest out your way which is actually good news because all that while it's inland it's going to be decreasing in strength (less good news for Harrisburg though)
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:23 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

From Weather Underground: Posted by: Angela Fritz, 11:43 PM GMT on October 28, 2012

Angela Fritz's WunderBlog

Sandy: State by state impact forecasts
Posted by: Angela Fritz, 11:43 PM GMT on October 28, 2012 +18
These impacts have been put together by Weather Underground meteorologists.

Maine

• Storm tide and surge: 1 to 2 feet of storm surge on top of tides.
• Wind: 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 1 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday.
• Power outages: Spotty power outages are possible as wind takes down branches and trees.

Massachusetts

• Storm tide and surge: Up to 4 feet of storm surge on top of tides, with a 10-20% chance of surge exceeding 5 feet.

Storm tide forecast for Buzzards Bay, MA is 7-8 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Woods Hole, MA is 6-7 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Nantucket, MA is 6-7 feet.

• Wind: 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening
• Rain: Widespread totals from 1.5 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday.
• Power outages: Spotty power outages are possible as wind takes down branches and trees

Rhode Island

• Storm tide and surge: 4 to 5 feet of surge is possible on top of tides, with a 10-20% chance of surge exceeding 5 feet.

Storm tide forecast for Newport, RI is 8-9 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Providence, RI is 10-11 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Block Island, RI is 7-8 feet.

• Wind: 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening
• Rain: Widespread totals from 1.5 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday.
• Power outages: Spotty power outages are possible as wind takes down branches and trees

Connecticut

• Storm tide and surge: 6 to 9 feet of surge is possible on top of tides, with a 60% chance of surge exceeding 5 feet west of Bridgeport. Surge will be worse as you move west along the Connecticut coastline.

Storm tide forecast for New London, CT is 8-9 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Bridgeport, CT is 14-15 feet.

• Wind: 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening
• Rain: Widespread totals from 1.5 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday.
• Power outages: Power outages are possible as wind takes down branches and trees

New York

• Storm tide and surge:
Long Island Sound -- 6-7 feet on top of tide with a 50% chance of exceeding 7 feet. Storm tide forecast for Port Jefferson is 13-14 feet.
Manhattan -- 4-5 feet on top of tide with a 40% chance of exceeding 7 feet.
Staten Island -- 4-5 feet on top of tide with a 60% chance of exceeding 7 feet.

Storm tide forecast for Montauk, NY is 7-8 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Port Jefferson, NY is 13-14 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Kings Point, NY is 12-13 feet.
Storm tide forecast for The Battery, NY is 9-10 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Bergen Pt, NY is 10-11 feet.

• Wind: Long duration, damaging winds expected. 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and night.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, especially in the higher elevations. 1 to 2 inches PER HOUR are expected where the heaviest rain bands set up.
• Inland Flooding: Widespread urban flooding is expected Monday and into Tuesday. Fast-responding streams are expected to flood, as well. The flooding will be exacerbated by blockages in storm drains as well as rising storm tide.
• Power outages: Power outages are possible, even likely, as wind takes down branches and trees.

Pennsylvania

• Storm tide and surge: 1 to 2 feet of surge is possible on top of tides, with a 30-40% chance of surge exceeding 3 feet.

Storm tide forecast for Philadelphia, PA is 8-9 feet.

• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 4 to 10 inches, with the highest amounts mainly from Philadelphia metro southward. Heavy rain is expected to begin Sunday night, with the heaviest occurring Monday night into Tuesday.
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday. RIver flooding is possible.
• Power outages: Power outages are likely as wind takes down branches and trees.

New Jersey

• Storm tide and surge: 4 to 5 feet of surge is possible on top of tides, with a 30-50% chance of surge exceeding 7 feet. Surge will be worse as you move north along the New Jersey coastline.

Storm tide forecast for Sandy Hook, NJ is 10-11 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Atlantic City, NJ is 9-10 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Cape May, NJ is 9-10 feet.

• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 4 to 10 inches. Heavy rain is expected to begin Sunday night, with the heaviest occurring Monday night into Tuesday.
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday. RIver flooding is possible.
• Power outages: Power outages are likely as wind takes down branches and trees.

Delaware

• Storm tide and surge: 4 to 5 feet of surge is possible on top of tides, with a 20% chance of surge exceeding 6 feet.

Storm tide forecast for Reedy Point, DE is 8-9 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Lewes, DE is 9-10 feet.

• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 4 to 10 inches. Heavy rain is expected to begin Sunday night, with the heaviest occurring Monday night into Tuesday.
• Inland Flooding: Significant urban and small stream flooding is possible, which could linger into Tuesday. RIver flooding is possible.
• Power outages: Power outages are likely as wind takes down branches and trees.

Maryland and Washington D.C.

• Storm tide and surge: 4 to 5 feet of surge is possible on top of tides on the ocean coast, with a 10-20% chance of surge exceeding 6 feet.
• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast, and will also be stronger along the ridges.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts, especially in the D.C. metro. Heavy rain is expected to begin Sunday night, with the heaviest occurring Monday night into Tuesday.
• Inland Flooding: Moderate to major flooding is possible on the smaller creeks and streams. Flooding is also possible on the larger mainstream rivers beyond Tuesday.
• Power outages: Power outages are likely as wind takes down branches and trees.

Virginia

• Storm tide and surge: 2 to 4 feet of surge is possible on top of tides on the ocean coast.

Storm tide forecast for Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, VA is 6-7 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Wachapreague, VA is 7-8 feet.
Storm tide forecast for Kiptopeke Beach, VA is 6-7 feet.

• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast, and will also be stronger along the ridges.
• Rain: Widespread totals from 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts, especially in the D.C. metro. Heavy rain is expected to begin Sunday night, with the heaviest occurring Monday night into Tuesday.
• Inland Flooding: Moderate to major flooding is possible on the smaller creeks and streams. Flooding is also possible on the larger mainstream rivers beyond Tuesday.
• Power outages: Power outages are likely as wind takes down branches and trees.

North Carolina

• Storm tide and surge: 2 to 4 feet of surge is possible on top of tides.

Storm tide forecast for Duck Pier, NC is 7-8 feet.

• Wind: 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds will occur Monday afternoon and evening and into Tuesday. Wind speeds will increase closer to the coast, and will also be stronger along the ridges.
• Rain: An additional 1 to 3 inches possible overnight Sunday.
• Inland Flooding: Flood threat is tapering off as Sandy moves north.
• Power outages: Sporadic power outages are possible as wind breaks branches off trees.
posted by zarq at 5:31 AM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

They're on NBC reporting that sections of Atlantic City's boardwalk have collapsed.
posted by zarq at 5:32 AM on October 29, 2012

The 10 million figure is from a computer model developed at John Hopkins. Not found the original report yet to see what the error bars are like on that estimate.
posted by titus-g at 5:32 AM on October 29, 2012

I looked that up yesterday Titus. The computer model was developed by an assistant prof at J.H. and I'm sure it's a cool computer model by a junior prof. at a single college but a real news source (which I do understand the HuffPo really is not) wouldn't use that single prediction as a headline lead for doom and gloom . I am so grumpy at the state of decent news sources these days. I hate the fact that I have no paper to read in the morning because out in my neck of the woods the Huffpo is actually a better source of news than any local paper :( .
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:37 AM on October 29, 2012

Holy Moly, Zarq. That makes it sound massive (or America is much smaller than I have been told).

IT IS THE WRATH OF GOD: Poseidon.

How does this impact weather areas just outside of the storms and hurricane? Does is suck the moist air along, leaving the carribean in a state of dryness? What about Canada, is is pushing weather fronts around there?

It scares me just looking at the NASA images of it from above.
posted by marienbad at 5:42 AM on October 29, 2012

BBC news reporting that a ship, perhaps not best suited for hurricane conditions, has been abandoned off the coast of North Carolina. The 17 crew have taken to Ye Olde Lifeboate and are being rescued by the coastguard.
posted by Wordshore at 5:44 AM on October 29, 2012

When starring a disaster in the face, what sense does it make to think in terms of less than worst case scenarios? So predict a few thousand out of power. What good is that? Predict 10 million, then you can be thankful if it's only 5 million, while being prepared for as close to 10 million as humanly possible.

Yes, the scare stories do draw more attention. But you know what? Attention in this case may be the best thing. Would you be happier if people shrugged it off and ignored the warnings? Hyperbole is so ingrained in the culture these days, without it, you got nothin'!
posted by Goofyy at 5:44 AM on October 29, 2012

It does seem to be getting a lot more play than it should given that's it's a fairly extraordinary claim (it would be over 10 * the power outages caused by Irene), and doesn't have much in the way of extraordinary proof. The only info I've found on its accuracy so far is that it predicted 'many states' to within 10% of actual for the Irene outages...
posted by titus-g at 5:45 AM on October 29, 2012

I work in social services and they actually CLOSED my agency today. They never, ever close. This is freaking me out. I mean, I'm glad, of course, that they don't want us driving around in this, but man. That's...not good.
posted by Aquifer at 5:45 AM on October 29, 2012

How does this impact weather areas just outside of the storms and hurricane? Does is suck the moist air along, leaving the carribean in a state of dryness? What about Canada, is is pushing weather fronts around there?

Storms get their power from heat. Heat radiating off the land in the case of thunderstorms, heat from the warm ocean in the case of hurricanes. It doesn't need the moist air of the carribean, because it evaporates water off the ocean.

Being a huge area of low pressure, it sucks other storm fronts into it, absorbing their energy and moisture. Look at the isobar map a couple screens up. The winds from this storm cover the eastern third of the US. The tighter the bars, the stronger the wind.
posted by gjc at 5:51 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

When starring a disaster in the face, what sense does it make to think in terms of less than worst case scenarios? S

If that were true than the entire city of New York along with the populations of all of Maryland and most of Delaware would have been evacuated inland - because that is worst case - at a cost that would probably range in the very many billions. Plus , such evacuations would have caused the death of likely dozens to hundreds as they tried to travel away during a storm and perhaps many more when you consider moving hospital patients. Which is why although you want to err on the side of worseness, you really want to rely on as accurate weather info as possible and not do everything as if it were indeed actually worst case.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 5:52 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh dear God - now the HuffPoo has a front page article headline ("LOCKDOWN") that links to some bait shop operator with this gem of a quote "I got a call from a friend of mine from Florida last night who said, `Mark, get out! If it's not the storm, it'll be the aftermath. People are going to be fighting in the streets over gasoline and food.'" I think bait-shop Mark has been watching too many Zombie flicks.

But that it - I'm getting a student subscription NYT delivery right now - I can't take this any longer. And is anyone happens to see Arianna please strangle her for me.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Good morning from the North Shore of Long Island! So far, windy but otherwise unremarkable here. Although given this: "Storm tide forecast for Port Jefferson, NY is 13-14 feet"... I am quite relieved that I no longer live in downtown Port Jefferson.
posted by pemberkins at 6:00 AM on October 29, 2012

This kinda makes me miss those hurricane parties we used to have in high school, but I'm pretty happy not to be prepping myself for a week without power. Stay safe everyone!
posted by Karmeliet at 6:01 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I work in social services and they actually CLOSED my agency today. They never, ever close.

And, in contrast, my spouse, who works for a federal agency in the Baltimore area, HAD TO GO TO WORK TODAY. He called the info line this morning and it very clearly said that ALL EMPLOYEES (not just emergency employees) had to report or take leave. Since he doesn't have much leave right now, in he went. I'm FURIOUS.
posted by devinemissk at 6:01 AM on October 29, 2012

There we go. Finally getting gusts of wind that blow garbage cans around in Washington Heights (even with my windows facing an alley).
posted by Stynxno at 6:04 AM on October 29, 2012

Whoa... the wind has died down and it is absolutely silent. No street noise at all. Weird.
posted by idest at 6:12 AM on October 29, 2012

Mainstream news is barely useful in a difficult situation, tabloids and click-bait are worse than worthless. Forget the HuffPo and stick to reliable information sources.

Good luck everyone in the path of this crazy thing. I've got my fingers crossed that the least-worst predictions are the ones that come to pass.
posted by harriet vane at 6:13 AM on October 29, 2012

Can someone explain how this gets its wind information? It's neato: http://hint.fm/wind/.
posted by kinsey at 6:15 AM on October 29, 2012

Good morning! Bed-Stuy checking in. Light drizzle, enough wind to sound like howling through the windows but not enough to cause much discomfort when I went for kolaches and coffee twenty minutes ago. Streets are mostly deserted but businesses are open. Waiting for roommates to get back from a run and will fill the bathtub.
posted by dysh at 6:15 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Podkayne: I'm quite fond of your nick, but you might want to try this thing called context. Evacuations are about doing things. Newspapers are only talking about things. It's an important difference. But that's okay, you go ahead and ask for the death of the publisher, while complaining about her hyperbola.
posted by Goofyy at 6:17 AM on October 29, 2012

"The Times is providing free unlimited access to storm coverage on nytimes.com and its mobile apps": nytimes,com
posted by Mister Bijou at 6:17 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Good morning, all. Some wind in Hell's Kitchen, very light intermittent rain. Nothing out of the ordinary. Heading one block down to the river to see what I can see. The tide tables say high tide in the River at Weehawken (directly across the river from me in Jersey) was 8:45am; from my window the river looks to be charging down the harbor with some whitecaps.
posted by minervous at 6:19 AM on October 29, 2012

Videos of my town from yesterday, prior to even a drop of rain falling. We know have one of the two bridges out of town flooded over. The other, will be shortly, I'm sure as it is very low lying.

The areas you see in those videos? Are now flooded entirely. The river, the creeks, etc, are rising quickly, with much more rain to come, Sandy still nowhere near full intensity for us, and high tide six hours from now.

We are very likely to have Hurricane Isabel level damage in town. While, it didn't damage other places as badly as it did Colonial Beach, it wrecked us. Last year we had some more major damage to infrastructure from Irene, then Tropical Storm Lee which caused major flooding, took out multiple roads (completely, as it parts of the road were entirely washed away,) destroyed dams in one neighborhood, etc.

I'd like a break from bad weather here, please?
posted by SuzySmith at 6:24 AM on October 29, 2012

That makes it sound massive (or America is much smaller than I have been told).

America is as big - possibly bigger - than you've been told. The stiorm is both massive and hitting all the little fiddly states (you can drive across RI in less than an hour, across MA east to west in two). But mostly the storm is really fucking huge with effects being felt very far away from the center.
posted by sonika at 6:25 AM on October 29, 2012

Here in Boston it's windy, but not awful. Hubs went to work and promised to come home when the wind picks up and stay put if trees start falling. (I don't like it, but I couldn't stop him.)

Hurricane Whuffles is at Category 3 crankypants already. Sanity here is gonna run out before bottled water.
posted by sonika at 6:27 AM on October 29, 2012

The only people I have seen out on the streets this eerily quiet morning were two guys in suits with backpacks headed to work in midtown.

I thought about working from my bank's midtown office, but the only desks left open are the ones on the 40th floor. I am not sitting in a glass tower 40 floors up, in a hurricane.
posted by larthegreat at 6:28 AM on October 29, 2012

I watched The Perfect Storm with the kids last night. We are ready now.
posted by COD at 6:29 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

>"That's what the blood of the innocent is for."

Hmph. Like you are going to find any innocents to get blood from in New York.

More to the point, this is just poor planning. Every decent necromancer knows that the Blood of the Innocent is for prolonging your unnatural existence. I hate to say it, but elizardbits' approach to the dark arts is entirely undergraduate-level. Unless the plan is to throw us off the trail of immortality, but who'd fall for that? It's ridiculous!
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:30 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

Dysh, you're Bed-Stuy? I'm Clinton Hill (actually, since i'm north of Myrtle Avenue, I'm more in "Wallabout"). *waves*

Rain and intermittent gusts here. I live on the 4th floor, about 500 feet from the edge of evacuation zone C. Far enough away that I'm comfortable staying, but close enough that I'm still preparing for shit to go down at some point, and I could at some point be reporting something like "shit you guys I'm looking down the hill to the end of the block and there's a guy paddling a boat down the street".

One of my bosses has said he's going in to the office for a bit - I was shocked until he said he lives in Manhattan. Everyone else I work for all lives in Connecticut or Jersey. They've shut down all trading for the day and possibly tomorrow so my already dull-as-dirt I-do-nothing job would be especially superfluous. I'm stayin' home. Making myself scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast right now while there's still power and the fridge still works.

I had kind of a genius idea when I was filling the tub for flush water just now - I added about a cup or so of bleach to the water. So I'll be prepared for the storm if I need to be - but either way, my tub is gonna be so damn clean.....
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I stepped out of my apartment near Boston for a minute then realized just how rickety the power lines look. They don't look like they could handle the gusts I'm reading about on the news.

I've seen Verizon come out to fix stuff before, and they don't seem uh...hypercompetent. I'm sure some of these things are held up by duct tape or its equivalent.

Falling power lines are the most dangerous thing I can think of out here. I'd like to go walk around more, but I don't like those things above my head.

You guys think I'm being overly cautious?
posted by shushufindi at 6:32 AM on October 29, 2012

I had to drive home during the height of the 2005 blizzard, over the Newport Bridge. The bridge had closed, but they didn't have any available troopers to enforce it, the toll booths were just empty, the gates raised, so I went for it. Heading over the bridge was amazing, as there were open-ocean rollers being forced up the bay by the wind - which got up to 75mph (85mph out on the Cape).

I didn't have a 4x4, just a compact sedan, and going slow and careful got me to within 100 feet of my driveway - when the snowdrifts just covered the street and my driveway deeper than my front bumper.

So, I compounded one stupid decision with another, and figured I'd just crash one town over at my folk's house, as it was off of roads that were relatively well traveled and usually well cleared. I knew I was in trouble when the Hummer (a real one, the H1) and the snowplow going ahead of me both ran off the road and got stuck in a ditch because they had to guess where the road was. I turned around, and tried to figure out an alternate path, and that's when a 12' snowdrift collapsed on my car, burying me completely... I gunned the gas, and burst out of it like I was in a Jeep commercial. I was not driving a Jeep, and enough was enough. I pulled into the first available driveway where some guy was having a blast playing with his industrial-strength snowblower. He invited me in, gave me a beer, and we watched some Discovery special on polar bears.

My Dad had a Jeep, he was proud of it, and he set out right away to "rescue" me, even though I told him not to. He got there just fine, but even though it was no longer snowing, and the sun came out, the wind was still savage. We got to within 100' of his house, and his Jeep just buried itself up to the hood in snow that had drifted onto his street. We were two hours digging out, and I was pretty hypothermic by the time we had gotten clear... just in time for a front-end loader to come by to clear the way. An hour-long hot shower and a pot of hot apple cider brought me back from death's door, but I was wiped out, just drained. Things could have gone much, much, much worse, and in a few spots, almost did.

So, yeah, if they say to stay off the roads, stay off the damn roads.
posted by Slap*Happy at 6:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [14 favorites]

Park Slope reporting in. Looks like any other stormy morning. Of course, the party isn't really supposed to start until later today.

Holy Moly, Zarq. That makes it sound massive (or America is much smaller than I have been told).

It is massive. New York State is about as big as England.
posted by Sticherbeast at 6:33 AM on October 29, 2012

"How does this impact weather areas just outside of the storms and hurricane? Does is suck the moist air along, leaving the carribean in a state of dryness? What about Canada, is is pushing weather fronts around there?"

It's going to rain all the way to the Mississippi and we'll get the dying hurricane's winds way out here in the Midwest. The death throes of a big hurricane sometimes give us some localized flooding, though it's not the right time of year for the major rivers to flood and give widespread flooding. Winds are predicted to be pretty heavy; some branches will come down (probably not whole trees, unless they were badly weakened by the summer drought), there will be some loss of power from wind or branches falling. A lot of our power crews (and some of our emergency services) have been sent East to stage on the edge of the storm's worst effects to assist in restoring power, so any outages here will take a little longer to repair than otherwise. It's just a really big frikkin storm.

What's weirdest out here in dry, sunny, flat world where there is currently no wind at all is that a lot of people are getting to work and have nothing to do because East Coast offices and governmental agencies are closed. My husband said it's sort-of like having the whole office at work on a holiday, where work is at a bit of a standstill because you can't reach anyone to do things that need outside input, but everyone's THERE instead of it just being a skeleton staff.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:36 AM on October 29, 2012

I'd like to go walk around more, but I don't like those things above my head.

Right this second you'd be ok. Later today... your fears about them falling down are well founded. I've seen downed lines in much less severe storms, for sure. Right now in Boston is at "bad thunderstorm" level winds. Word is it'll be picking up here around 11AM to 60-80MPH.
posted by sonika at 6:37 AM on October 29, 2012

Apps and tips for coping with Hurricane Sandy.
posted by ericb at 6:38 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I ride into work (from New Haven to Orange CT) with a co-worker and the streets were almost empty. Unfortunately, we work at the electric company so we pretty much had to come in. But there's free breakfast and coffee! & I'm just hoping it doesn't get too bad. And not because I'm worried about getting home or a tree falling on my purchased-less-than-a-year-ago house or anything like that. It's because my newly designated storm duty assignment is "Call Center Representative."

Unfortunately, it's not even remotely bad outside, but there are already 6 people out in our territory. When I first arrived at work, there were 2 people out. I get the feeling it's going to be a long week.

Aaaand in the middle of writing this we received word that we are required to work 16 hours today and tomorrow (8am-midnight today, 8 hours of sleep AT WORK, then 8am-midnight tomorrow). Argh. I guess I'll be going home at lunch today for a change of clothes, etc.

88 people out now.
posted by eunoia at 6:38 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

Mod note: Comment deleted. Podkayne of Pasadena, maybe you can drop the HuffPo thing now? We don't need fights about HuffPo all up in our hurricane. Thanks.
posted by taz (staff) at 6:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Yike eunoia, the idea of being a call center representative for a power company in the wake of this storm sounds horrific. Like you'll actually be praying for the phone lines to go down because of the volume of calls that you will be getting.
posted by vuron at 6:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Jersey City waterfront walkway early this morning... bit damp out there.
posted by lyra4 at 6:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Thank you for working through the storm, eunoia! I know your job will be stressful and largely thankless, so I wanted to be sure someone thanked you for doing an annoying but important job.
posted by sonika at 6:43 AM on October 29, 2012 [15 favorites]

Someone on NPR is reporting from their apartment in Battery Park that they can see Governor's Island is starting to flood.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:44 AM on October 29, 2012

Also for anyone who doesn't already know - NOAA weather radio is online here. Best up to date info you can get. Oddly no NY stations :( but Atlantic City is there along with Phila and lots of Delaware and Maryland stations.
posted by Podkayne of Pasadena at 6:45 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sonika---60-80 MPH winds! Wow! I mean, honestly. People are saying this is true and I totally believe them, but 60-80 MPH winds in Greater Boston are something I just can't fathom!

According to an earlier comment by relish:

"For contrast, the average wind speed on Mount Washington, New Hampshire was 24.1 mph this past August. Mount Washington has seen one 24 hour period where the average wind speed was 129 mph but, of course, that was not an average day."

Isn't that 129mph like the fastest wind EVER RECORDED or something like that? Have you been up there recently? It's seriously windy!

According to Relish, " A good kiteboarding breeze might run around 15 to 18 mph (depends on a few other factors, too)." That's like blustery day at the beach when you're thinking, 'jesus it's really fricking windy on the beach.'

60-80 MPH is gonna be mayhem! 3 times as windy as the day your potato chips blew away while you were on Dennis somewhere!

WOW!
posted by shushufindi at 6:49 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Got no sleep in Brighton. Looks and sounds ominous out out but hard to say anything definitive since my apartment faces an alley. Guess I'll take a shower and make some hot chocolate and use this unexpected day off as an opportunity to read.
posted by dismas at 6:50 AM on October 29, 2012

Hi EmpressCallipygos! Wind's picking up here. Does anyone have any idea how many power outages are common for an average day? I've been watching the NY ConEd storm center map, and though there aren't many, it seems that they're increasing in number, at least from last night.
posted by dysh at 6:53 AM on October 29, 2012

Starbucks was closed, but the liquor store is open!
posted by sallybrown at 6:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Yike eunoia, the idea of being a call center representative for a power company in the wake of this storm sounds horrific. Like you'll actually be praying for the phone lines to go down because of the volume of calls that you will be getting.

I worked for a major ISP with a presence in New Orleans during Katrina. The phones went to an automated message for a few weeks. We =know= where service is down, working on it!

Still, there was a major network monitoring company who's NOC had our direct line. I was senior staff on third shift, and I had to repeatedly explain that no, we would not be dispatching a tech to fix the cable modem. No, we won't be sending over a fiber tech tonight. No, we can't send someone to fix the phones.

Enough was enough, and I got a hold of their supervisor, who was livid about one particular account. He said the account notes indicated there was a security guard wo could let our engineer in after hours, it was an important site with an expensive circuit and an iron-clad SLA, what was the deal? I told him we'd send someone as soon as he verified that there was a still a there we could send someone to (There wasn't, we found out later, this was in Jefferson Parish).

He woke up his boss to yell at my higher-ups. Boss was not amused, and I didn't hear again from the guy the rest of the time I worked there.
posted by Slap*Happy at 6:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Greetings from evacuation zone C on the Upper East Side - a bit of drizzle here and whistling wind. The emergency Doritos have been opened.

Wait Starbucks is closed?? In Vancouver that was the sign the end was nigh. We made it through a 4 day power outage one year when the only thing open was the mall Starbucks (it had a line out the door).
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 6:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Obama should fly over the storm in Air Force One, giving briefings to the major networks, order fighter jets to attack the storm with missiles and hit Romney as being "soft on hurricanes" for wanting to dissolve FEMA.
posted by Ironmouth at 6:57 AM on October 29, 2012 [12 favorites]

Wait Starbucks is closed??

Yeah wtf right! The local bagel store has better coffee anyways, just a smaller size large. Maybe the DC Starbucks are wimpier than Vancouver!
posted by sallybrown at 6:57 AM on October 29, 2012

Upper West Side (NYC) here - still light intermittent rain and normal winds. Am already stir crazy and trying to decide how stupid it would be to go out for a walk with the youngster before the house is destroyed from within by teenagers.

Coming home last night from a wedding, the scene was odd - lots of windows taped up everywhere (mostly stores and restaurants, but some apartments) and very few cars on the streets, but in my neighhboorhood almost everything was still open and hopping like usual.

Really having a tough time figuring out whether we are in the path and should be panicking more, or it's missing us and I should enjoy the day off and worry about the rest of the east coast.
posted by Mchelly at 6:59 AM on October 29, 2012

60-80 MPH winds! Wow!

We're going to just keep burning hydrocarbons until wind power is commercially viable.
posted by ceribus peribus at 7:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

I think the Starbucks in Vancouver was afraid to close, too many addicts.

I haven't been out but I could use a fresh bagel... I'm kind of disappointed its not even raining here.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 7:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Ironmouth, I'd wouldn't be shocked if Romney-Ryan rent a yacht or something in order to stage some sort of dramatic rescue of trapped homeowners in the Hamptons just so they could show how hands on they are.
posted by vuron at 7:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

I stepped out of my apartment near Boston for a minute then realized just how rickety the power lines look. They don't look like they could handle the gusts I'm reading about on the news. I've seen Verizon come out to fix stuff before, and they don't seem uh...hypercompetent. I'm sure some of these things are held up by duct tape or its equivalent.

There was a nice piece on the (BBC) radio a few months ago, arguing whether "America was held together by duct tape" or not. It put some strange images in the head.

Imagines Cloverfield struggling with the head duct taped back onto the Statue of Liberty
posted by Wordshore at 7:00 AM on October 29, 2012

Boerum hill checking in. All seems eerily calm at the moment. My roommate just walked down the street to his new apartment – he convinced the painting crew to come in today. I'll get a report about weather on the ground from him. Any thoughts on what time I should fill the bathtub? It's nigh impossible to prevent slow drainage and I want to wait till the last possible moment.
posted by (Over) Thinking at 7:01 AM on October 29, 2012

Central Pa.: Hospital closes its doctors' offices, colleges and schools close, state of emergency declared; state liquor stores remain open as long as there's power. Priorities, people.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:01 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Ha. And as I was typing that, my 4 year old is currently parked in front of the TV watching Singing In The Rain.
posted by Mchelly at 7:02 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Ironmouth, I'd wouldn't be shocked if Romney-Ryan rent a yacht or something in order to stage some sort of dramatic rescue of trapped homeowners in the Hamptons just so they could show how hands on they are.

That was my other thought. Obama should rescue Mitt somewhere in Southern Ohio. Fly him to the White House and put blankets on them as they get off the helicopter.
posted by Ironmouth at 7:04 AM on October 29, 2012

The Baltimore Sun has confirmed that the Ocean City, MD pier has been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:06 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh noes. I am already eating some of my if-the-power-goes-out food stash and the power is fine.

Central MA here. Just blowy so far. Wishing the best to all you folks in the thick of it, stay safe,
posted by madamjujujive at 7:07 AM on October 29, 2012

Starbucks is closed here on the UWS. As is American Apparel, Chipoltle and 5 guys. The local halal chicken and rice guy is still open, that guy is hardcore. I'm tempted to grab an early chicken and rice just to show support, cuz really what kind of manic goes out for chicken and rice this early on a monday during a hurricane.
posted by Ad hominem at 7:08 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Livestream of the Ocean City Pier.
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Is that chicken/rice halal guy in a cart or storefront?
posted by sciencegeek at 7:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Really having a tough time figuring out whether we are in the path and should be panicking more, or it's missing us and I should enjoy the day off and worry about the rest of the east coast.

The path is only part of it - the actual storm is different from Irene, and things will act differently.

Imagine that Irene was like a mini-dachshund - angry and smart, and fast, but small, so it charged right at us and growled and spat and made a lot of noise and snapped at us but then it ran off really fast and it was small and it was easy for some of us to dodge it.

Sandy, on the other hand, is like one of those really, really big dogs that can be kind of dumb, but it's also mean, so it's shuffling along and getting distracted on the way but then remembers it's pissed off so it then can growl and bite us, but there's also damage becuase it's big and it's knocking things over as it passes by them and sometimes it'll just forget what it was doing and will just stand there wagging its tail and knocking things off shelves and then maybe it'll pick up some speed and plow things over as it passes, but then will slow down and growl and stop...where it bites is only part of the story.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [17 favorites]

I think the worst has come when the guys who sell things on the street pack up, I'll be truly afraid too if the flower guy at my corner store packs up. I was chatting to him yesterday about the storm and i asked him if he was ready and all he said was "i'll be here."
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 7:10 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh man, that pier was such a big part of my childhood :(
posted by empath at 7:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Is that chicken/rice halal guy in a cart or storefront?

Cart. One of those carts they stand inside. Last year they closed it and left the cart there, as for now they are still open.

The green cart is gone but the guy left his chair.
posted by Ad hominem at 7:13 AM on October 29, 2012

That poor gazebo. It looks so sad out there complete surrounded by water with no hope of rescue.
posted by vuron at 7:14 AM on October 29, 2012

MBTA in Boston shutting down at 2PM.

(Insert joke about "how will we be able to tell the difference?" here.)
posted by sonika at 7:14 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

I'm trying to pull up a few "livecams" of Sandy from different vantage points; it's a little disconcerting how many of them are down.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:14 AM on October 29, 2012

Man that halal chicken and rice guy is hardcore if he's hanging out in a cart. You might buy up some of his stock just so that he can shut down early when he sells out.
posted by vuron at 7:15 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

That poor gazebo. It looks so sad out there complete surrounded by water with no hope of rescue.


I'm watching the webcam hoping it'll pull up and swim away to be with it's family.

So far it's sticking it out.
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:16 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Any good webcams located on the waterfront in NYC?
posted by Stynxno at 7:16 AM on October 29, 2012

Went out jogging with the girlfriend this morning. Eight foot branch fell off a tree right in front of us. It's not even all that windy out yet. Probably says more about the branch than it does the weather.
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:18 AM on October 29, 2012

Where is that gazebocam?
posted by Mister_A at 7:18 AM on October 29, 2012

Stynxo: “Any good webcams located on the waterfront in NYC?”

Take your pick.
posted by koeselitz at 7:19 AM on October 29, 2012

Cory Booker is just the goddamned best.
posted by mintcake! at 7:19 AM on October 29, 2012

Gazebocam
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:20 AM on October 29, 2012

Everything federal or local government here in Arlington Virginia is closed: schools, agencies, libraries, community centers, courts, metro. Reagan airport is open but many flights are canceled. Trash pickups have been delayed until Wednesday. It rained all night and the winds aren't really bad, they are coming and going in rolling waves. Supposed to really pick up around 2 pm here.

Our house has lost power for several hours four times over the last year; two of those times was for several days and we had to throw out all the food in our fridge. So we are sort of expecting to lose power, and have our cooler with extra milk etc set up. Arlington: those old trees are pretty but deadly. My brother lives in a planned community in Ashburn where the power lines are underground, and they never lose power.
posted by onlyconnect at 7:21 AM on October 29, 2012

Here in DC things look pretty chill so far, but obviously it's not supposed to stay that way. If anyone in DC/Southern Maryland finds themselves in need, please MeMail me. (Of course, if things get really bad I won't see the message until the electricity and cell towers return.)

This is the Google Group for Metafilter DC: use that too.
posted by anotherpanacea at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2012

I mean, where is it geographically? I assume Jersey shore...
posted by Mister_A at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh, it's on now... Frankenstorm has angered the Gazebo!
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Koeselitz - I just tried five of the cameras from your link, and they're all down.

Mentioning this not as a critique of your authority, however. On the other hand, it feels more like evidence of how hairy things are getting that "holy shit the storm's knocking out all the webcams already".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:23 AM on October 29, 2012

How's the DC and Maryland/Delaware/Eastern PA area holding up? On radar it looks like they're getting the bulk of the weather right now.

There's wind and rain in Brooklyn, but I'm seriously considering venturing out for coffee. Did not think through morning caffeine when I was stocking up on supplies yesterday.
posted by Sara C. at 7:24 AM on October 29, 2012

Stay safe y'all, see you on the other side.
posted by arcticseal at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2012

I think the webcams are being hammered. I wasn't reaching many of them even 18 hours ago.
posted by Goofyy at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2012

(Yeah, I haven't checked those webcams myself – just hoping some work.)
posted by koeselitz at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2012

Starbucks was closed

...

*Commences preparations for Honorable dispensation of Hari-Kari Seppuku ceremony.*
posted by Skygazer at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

You know, if my boss isn't going to come in, he could have emailed me not to too. /me is cross.
posted by maryr at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm also watching the 79th street boat basin cam from Koeselitz's links and it's on a freaking boat and it's already making me sick to my stomach.
posted by vuron at 7:26 AM on October 29, 2012

So far in Philly area, it's windy and rainy but nothing super scary. Although morons are crashing all over the local highways, so there's that. Grow a brain and stay home, morans!
posted by Mister_A at 7:26 AM on October 29, 2012

Environment Canada issued a wind warning for Southern Ontario starting tonight. They're saying gusts starting at 60kph (~37mph) but can go up to 90-100kph (55 - 60mph). There's also a tropical cyclone statement in how it would affect Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
posted by zix at 7:26 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Cory Booker is just the goddamned best.

Did he rescue somebody again? It's so hard to keep up.
posted by maudlin at 7:27 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

I'm about 2 miles west of I-95 - 50 miles South of DC. It's been raining all morning, and the wind gusts are just now starting to pick up. I've already got a new leak in the house today, but it is a toilet so I'm going to assume it is not Sandy related.
posted by COD at 7:27 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Philly check-in: the sky seems to be lighter and it's not raining as hard as it was earlier. My cat is no more or less insane than usual. Going a little stir-crazy, but I expect that may be due to the fact that I'm working from home while my partner, for whom school is canceled, gets to watch Doctor Who on Netflix.
posted by coppermoss at 7:27 AM on October 29, 2012

Ooof, Mary - note the above about the MBTA shutting down at 2pm, and get home safe!

(also, poor neighbors moving today, I hope you wrap it up soon. Eesh!)
posted by ldthomps at 7:28 AM on October 29, 2012

Check out the predicted path of the eye of the storm. It is going to park over PA for 24+ hours. That won't be pretty.
posted by gjc at 7:32 AM on October 29, 2012

Cuomo's doing a press conference now - They're closing the Holland Tunnel and the Brooklyn/Battery Tunnel at 2 pm today. Bridges will close when we hit 60 mph.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:32 AM on October 29, 2012

Slap*Happy: Oh, it's on now... Frankenstorm has angered the Gazebo!

I'm reminded of this old Knights of the Dinner Table comic. Warning: Reading this, even if you don't find it funny, will require a saving throw against geekiness.
posted by Kattullus at 7:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Did he rescue somebody again? It's so hard to keep up.

Cory Booker's probably already rescued 12 cats, delivered two babies and given CPR to half the people in Newark (whether they needed it or not)...and the storm's barely hit the NY/Nj/Conn metro area yet.
posted by Skygazer at 7:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Anybody know what these balls are on the ground in the Wildwood NJ webcam? They don't seem to be loose.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 7:33 AM on October 29, 2012

Gah, the wind rattling the windows makes it sound like Mary Poppins is back AND SHE'S SUPER PISSED.
posted by The Whelk at 7:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Ha I saw those too Potomac Avenue. Those are some heavy-ass beach balls.
posted by Mister_A at 7:35 AM on October 29, 2012

Cobble Hill Brooklyn here, and this is already more exciting than Irene was. I'm a little nervous what it'll be like in 10 hours. They're shutting all the tunnels, I'm sure the bridges are next
posted by Unred at 7:35 AM on October 29, 2012

The base is closed today, but my offices are still open even though theyre encouraging everyone to work from home. I left my laptop at work on Friday, so I'm at home catching up on grad school lectures. There's ten pounds of lamb and beef in the fridge, and we stocked up on alcohol over the weekend.

All the patio stuff is I. The basement, but I left the garbage cans out. Should I bring those in? Also, I had to put hot sauce on all the plants we brought in so the cats would stop eating them.
posted by backseatpilot at 7:36 AM on October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy: 14 rescued after abandoning HMS Bounty off N.C. coast; 2 still missing
posted by Floydd at 7:36 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I haven't been outside since 5:30 AM and our windows all face walls. What's it like out there?
posted by griphus at 7:37 AM on October 29, 2012

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says not to look out the window and say to oneself "It doesn't look so bad."


But you may ask yourself...How did I get here?
posted by Skygazer at 7:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

CT state highways will be closed to all non-emergency vehicles after 1PM.
posted by smalls at 7:40 AM on October 29, 2012

Big ass construction crane over the new downtown Whitney museum they are building at the southern end of the High Line.

I DO NOT LIKE THAT CRANE. THAT CRANE IS A BAD CRANE.

I am super sad about the Bounty. :/
posted by elizardbits at 7:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hurricane LOL or (sign of the end times): Jogger wearing horse head mask spotted in DC.
posted by emjaybee at 7:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

I'm sitting at work in Cambridge MA, about 2.7 miles from my house. I biked in this morning and was planning on working a full day, but now they're closing the T at 2pm. Would it be a terrible idea to try to bike or walk home around 4pm? I have a raincoat, hiking boots, rain pants, a headlamp, and a reflective vest.

I feel like this is a "Should I eat it?" question where the answer is obvious but I need to hear it from other humans.
posted by Aizkolari at 7:41 AM on October 29, 2012

Andrew Cuomo says when you take flooding precautions you must ask yourself:

How much water and where is it?
posted by Skygazer at 7:42 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Checking in from Syosset, since apparently Oceanside is under an evacuation order? I'm a little pissed off, actually, because there was an automated call going around at 2pm yesterday, but we never got it. So we only found out about the evacuation at like 8:30.

From the window of the Fairfield Inn, there is a lot of wind. Also rain. So far it just looks like a bad thunderstorm, though.
posted by Andrhia at 7:42 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Griphus, it's dark, a bit wet, but super duper windy. Like it'll be quiet for a while and all the windows will rattle and shake like a gang of disgruntled street orphans have just aout had it with this " longingly gazing at food-filled home life" crap and decided to take matters into thier own hands.
posted by The Whelk at 7:44 AM on October 29, 2012

Aizkolari: "I'm sitting at work in Cambridge MA, about 2.7 miles from my house. I biked in this morning and was planning on working a full day, but now they're closing the T at 2pm. Would it be a terrible idea to try to bike or walk home around 4pm? I have a raincoat, hiking boots, and rain pants.

I feel like this is a "Should I eat it?" question where the answer is obvious but I need to hear it from other humans."

Go home, man!
posted by dismas at 7:44 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Just been informed that my Tuesday evening reservation for Amtrak NE corridor has been cancelled, so I'm assuming this route is on hold for Tuesday as well.
posted by carter at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Aizkolari, it is a bad idea, yes. Twelve hours ago, in New York, we were feeling the wind in a *car*.
posted by Andrhia at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012

Long Island here. Lots of wind and a little rain so far. Schools and our work are closed so we are just chilling and watching movies with our kid, who is in the midst of potty training. Good times. We expect to lose power at some point.
posted by mbd1mbd1 at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012

Andrew Cuomo says:

You don't want to be over-prepared, but you also don't want to be under-prepared.

*Makes note to self.*
posted by Skygazer at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I think if you're asking yourself "Is it safe to stay at work?" it's probably best to just go home. Nobody knows how bad it will be when you do leave...why risk your well being for a few hours of work productivity?
posted by emjaybee at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hi! I'm in Maryland, about 30 miles NW of DC (yes, Frederick!). We've had rain since last night - really steady and cold now, and the winds are picking up. We're told to expect the worst of the rain and the winds starting around 5 tonight, and peaking around 2AM with ~70MPH winds.
posted by ersatzkat at 7:45 AM on October 29, 2012

Really a poor time for me to destroy my laptop which I did this weekend.
posted by josher71 at 7:46 AM on October 29, 2012

Lots of sirens in my neighborhood right now. Pretty eerie.
posted by pemberkins at 7:46 AM on October 29, 2012

Hey Ersatzkat, I'm in Baltimore. It's getting worse here now as well. Johns Hopkins is closed and they don't do that unless they expect shit to go down.
posted by josher71 at 7:47 AM on October 29, 2012

Is working a full day at the office worth the possibility of getting stuck in a horrible storm on foot or bike Aizkolari? I think unless you work in some emergency response field that question should basically answer itself. That it doesn't just speaks to the unhealthy attitude most Americans have with their jobs.
posted by vuron at 7:47 AM on October 29, 2012

Livecam from Far Rockaway
I can't but help think that this guy is an idiot for not evacuating, especially given where he is.
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Finally came in to work, though they sent an email that it was optional - but I felt guilty because I only have an 8 minute walking commute. Got here, total ghost town. Silly of me. I think I'll spend a few hours getting organized and take advantage of the silence, then go home and nest some more.
posted by Miko at 7:48 AM on October 29, 2012

why risk your well being for a few hours of work productivity?

Chalk one up for the Hurrican't column.
posted by ryoshu at 7:51 AM on October 29, 2012

Ersatzkat and josher71, I'm in close-in Silver Spring and we're starting to see the winds pick up here as well. It's been mostly just steady cold rain until now, but I'm seeing the trees around me starting to sway.

That being said, FedEx delivered my rechargeable battery for my LED lantern this morning, so clearly some "essential" services are still running. :)
posted by devinemissk at 7:51 AM on October 29, 2012

I got an email last night saying in bold red letters "Do not attempt to go in to the office". I figured they made it red so we would know they weren't kidding. Needless to say I didn't attempt to go in to the office.
posted by Ad hominem at 7:51 AM on October 29, 2012

Based on the latest projections, when this monster comes ashore, the center will pass almost directly overhead. I can handle the loss of power, but right now I'm just hoping for no structural damage. Fingers crossed, whispered prayers, etc.
posted by shiu mai baby at 7:53 AM on October 29, 2012

I only get Error #2046 from the 79th St. Boat Basin cam.

• (...)
• Error #2044: No TCP/IP connection
• Error #2045: Video preprocessing failure
• Error #2046: Cam has evacuated to higher ground
• Error #2047: Device already in use and locked by another user
• Error #2048: Software driver missing required file
• (...)

posted by Flunkie at 7:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Checking in from Fairfield, CT. The wind has really started to pick up, and the house is creaking a bit already. We lost power for about 30 seconds this morning before any really serious wind, so that does not bode well for the next 48 hours or so. We are on the inland and higher elevation side of Fairfield, but the whole area down by the water is under a mandatory evacuation.

Got an email last night informing me that my office was open and to use discretion in deciding whether to come in. In response, my boss sent an email to our department telling us to definitely NOT come in. Yay for common sense! Of course, at 10:30 this morning they closed the office anyway.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 7:53 AM on October 29, 2012

I am actually surprised that the email to not come into work included those who live within walking distance of the office, which was not the case last year or during any other weather emergency in the past 7 years. I can't believe our brand new otherwise virtually worthless HR person actually did something useful.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:54 AM on October 29, 2012

They're closing the brooklyn-battery and Holland tunnels at 2pm today. Bridges will be closed on a case by case basis.

Not entirely surprising, but it's still a little worrisome.

I'm doing a beer run in the eas tvillage at noon- apparently goodbeer will be open!
posted by larthegreat at 7:54 AM on October 29, 2012

Well, the water has started rising where I work. The first set of gardens are maybe three feet above this water level and the second set is only another foot or so.
posted by sciencegeek at 7:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

A view of Van Brunt St. in Red Hook earlier this morning.
posted by Neilopolis at 7:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

@WSJWeather: Folks, just to summarize what we're seeing here, #Sandy is in the process of intensifying -- perhaps more than earlier forecasts showed.
posted by fightorflight at 7:54 AM on October 29, 2012

Thanks MeFites. I'll head over to Harvard to take the T home around 1:30.

My offer to help anyone local with property clearing after the storm still stands.
posted by Aizkolari at 7:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Wind is definitely picking up here on Long Island.
posted by pemberkins at 7:57 AM on October 29, 2012

DC checking in - we've had rain ranging from moderate to heavy, and winds have been increasing fairly steadily all morning. Forecasts seem to be saying that the worst will be late this afternoon into the evening, but so far it's just been a particularly windy rainy day.
posted by malthas at 7:57 AM on October 29, 2012

ugh now i have to go outside to mail my rent check. hisssss.
posted by elizardbits at 7:57 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Would it be a terrible idea to try to bike or walk home around 4pm? I have a raincoat, hiking boots, rain pants, a headlamp, and a reflective vest.

YES. YES IT WOULD. YES.

The winds will be around 65MPH. (I am also in Boston.) Do you think you can keep *on* your bike and/or walk with that kind of wind? Not to mention stuff blowing at you. Not to mention rain.

Go home now. As in NOW. As in, I can see the wind picking up and the window of opportunity to do so in relative safety is diminishing.
posted by sonika at 7:57 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

For some perspective on the size of this storm, the eye is still ~100 miles offshore of Delaware Bay.

Yet I can see the Western edge of it from my balcony in suburban Chicago. Huge.
posted by gjc at 7:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Wind is (as mentioned) picking up. Forecasts say it's going to get worse here starting around noon. Called husband asked him to come home within the next hour plz ok thnx. Response was that they were all at work and doing "important stuff" so he'd "wait and see."

Ship of Fools. Office of Idiots.
posted by sonika at 7:59 AM on October 29, 2012

Those images of Red Hook are amazing especially since landfall is still so long from now.

There is probably one or more temples to Cthulhu or Dagon hidden in those warehouses, HP Lovecraft was right! El Bloombergo should do a better job with the "gangs of young loafers & herds of evil-looking foreigners that one sees everywhere in New York" as they are obviously directing this storm to hit NYC.
posted by vuron at 8:00 AM on October 29, 2012

Do you think you can keep *on* your bike and/or walk with that kind of wind?

You can walk in that speed of wind. It's just that you get buffeted a lot and it's exhausting. The main risk is being hit by something flying.
posted by Miko at 8:00 AM on October 29, 2012

Jogger wearing horse head mask spotted in DC.

Tristan Tzara's morning run has actually gotten rather blasé.
posted by mintcake! at 8:01 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

I have a perverse desire to walk around some of the bigger landmark areas before the storm starts proper and star in my own 28 Days Later photoset.
posted by The Whelk at 8:03 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

ugh now i have to go outside to mail my rent check. hisssss.

If you had properly used that Blood of the Innocent, you wouldn't have to worry about melting in water. Toad's Eye Salve* will give you limited protection, however.

*Not real toads' eyes. Ewwww.
posted by GenjiandProust at 8:04 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

@MittstormTips: President Obama has not once referred to this storm as a hurricane. #MittStormTips #Sandy
posted by Skygazer at 8:04 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

no i just don't feel like putting pants on
posted by elizardbits at 8:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

No one should have to wear pants during a possible disaster unless the pants are pyjama or yoga pants.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:07 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Or fuzzy pants.
posted by sciencegeek at 8:08 AM on October 29, 2012

Hey mods, any chance this thread can be sidebarred?
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I think we can add fuzzy pants and comfy sweat pants to the list.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Yoga pants represent! My son has pajama pants with monkeys on them. Because, duh.
posted by sonika at 8:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Hey mods, any chance this thread can be sidebarred?

Sure.
posted by jessamyn at 8:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

The wind is really clearing out the dead leaves in my yard. Looks like I can wait another year to buy a blower, huzzah!
posted by monju_bosatsu at 8:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Safely ensconced in my home in North Shore MA, working from home. The wind is blowing healthily outside but no howling as of yet. NOAA says the major wind and rain will come later today and tonight. I'm glad it's relatively warm in case the power goes out.

DVD player and Droid tablet batteries are charged and there's enough nonperishable food in the house for a couple of days. I should probably go downstairs and fill a couple of pots with water.
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:10 AM on October 29, 2012

no i just don't feel like putting pants on

Woowoo...Elizardbits is a hurricane vixen.

El Bloombergo: No pantalones por vixen's del hurricano...
posted by Skygazer at 8:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

We might be over the windspeed safely limit for MC hammer parachute pants.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Doing research in fuzzy slippers is making OCLC 150% better. As is this puppy.

(Philadelphia area: blustery, lots of rain, flooding starting. Puppy completely unconcerned about anything aside from pets.)
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:11 AM on October 29, 2012

My son has pajama pants with monkeys on them.

WAIT ARE THEY SNOWBOARDING MONKEYS IN SANTA HATS

no particular personal reason for this inquiry of course haha
posted by elizardbits at 8:11 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Fleece fuzzy pants here.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:12 AM on October 29, 2012

Question: I have bottled water leftover from a party that's at least a year or two old. Is it safe to drink it? Or will my body spontaneously explode in cholera-soaked cancer cells?
posted by shiu mai baby at 8:12 AM on October 29, 2012

Thanks, Jessamyn. <3
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:12 AM on October 29, 2012

I see your fuzzy slippers and raise you stripe-y socks ... mismatched, neon stripy socks. And fuzzy pants.
posted by sciencegeek at 8:13 AM on October 29, 2012

Vinny-the-Chin pants here.
posted by vrakatar at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012

WAIT ARE THEY SNOWBOARDING MONKEYS IN SANTA HATS

Cowboy monkeys saying things like "Roundin' Up Some Z's!"
posted by sonika at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

shiu mai baby, the bottled water I bought yesterday has an expiration date on it (2 years from now, for the record).
posted by shiny blue object at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012

Philly Burbs checking in. Lots of rain and a bit of wind. Wet leaves everywhere. Honestly, it just looks like any other rainy day in the fall, but I'm sure it will get worse. Tub filled as per Metafilter Toilet Science Club.

On a side note, aren't web cams a thing anymore? The ones posted from NYC are great, but anything I've found from the Jersey shore is a picture that is updated every 5 minutes (which is making me sad for all the erosion already) and one of the "Wildwoods" sign that is very choppy. Maybe because it's off season there aren't a lot? Does anyone have any streaming webcam Jersey beach town links?
posted by NoraCharles at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012

Email from our apartment building management:

At this time, Hurricane Sandy is at our doorstep and residents should be taking final steps to either leave immediately to higher ground or to have provisions at hand for a major metropolitan shut down. All public transportation systems have been shut down until further notice. Most retail services will be shutting down in the next few hours.

Jersey City police officials will be restricting road travel as of 2pm this afternoon. All travel should be completed prior to that that time. Parking regulations have been suspended through Wednesday. All city parks have been closed until further notice. Only ground floor and 1st floor housing have been evacuated in low-lying areas at this time. For high-rise, no evacuation orders have been received and residents that have chosen to stay home should "shelter in place" until the storm has passed.

The winds are really picking up here - yikes. I just moved a camp chair into the inner hallway we have, which is the closest I come besides the bathroom to a windowless room.
posted by lyra4 at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012

Currer Belfry, you live near me. I was just realizing that after this storm, that's the end of the the fall color. no slowly dwindling orange to brown...we're gonna have bare trees at the end of the week.
posted by Miko at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Shiu, your water is safe. I drank 5-year-old water after Hurricane Ike, and it only made me stronger.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 8:14 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Aqua nightie with sweatshirt over it, flannel nightgown as a blanket. No socks, mostly because I avoid foot covering if at all possible while I'm in my house. Free feet forever!
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:15 AM on October 29, 2012

Holy shit! Why am I the only one TOTALLY FREAKING OUT about the Gazebocam?! I remember going to Ocean City this summer, and that Gazebo was NOT IN THE GODDAMN WATER!

Ahhhhhhhhh...Ok, ok ok...

This is the gazebo on the cam. I thought it was somewhere right by the Boardwalk.

Man, that would have been insane.
posted by shushufindi at 8:15 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Sweet. Thanks, y'all.
posted by shiu mai baby at 8:15 AM on October 29, 2012

Miko, I'm not sure about the leaves... the leaves on my trees are tenacious little suckers. We shall see.
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:16 AM on October 29, 2012

we're gonna have bare trees at the end of the week.

Oh man. That's the saddest realization of them all. And then the time changes. WINTER IS COMING.
posted by sonika at 8:17 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Thanks, shushufindi. I was looking for a reference.
posted by Floydd at 8:19 AM on October 29, 2012

TACOS ARE COMING

anybody want some
posted by dismas at 8:19 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

YES
posted by elizardbits at 8:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Big ass construction crane over the new downtown Whitney museum they are building at the southern end of the High Line. It's well over 20 stories high. I'm thinking they maybe should have taken that down as I watch it sway gently.

They're designed to sway a certain amount to dissipate the energy. I recall that one collapsed (in England) in high wind a few years ago because somebody locked it in place. So swaying is good.
posted by Jehan at 8:21 AM on October 29, 2012

TACOS ARE CUMIN*

*among other flavorful ingredients
posted by argonauta at 8:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Watching the local news here (WPIX, channel 11. the coverage is quite good), in NYC, and from these commercials, I am definitely not taking advantage of all sorts of opportunities for some pret-ty goshdarned profitable litigating...
posted by Skygazer at 8:22 AM on October 29, 2012

Christ, it is so slow, we ought be thankful it isn't even slightly stronger.
posted by vrakatar at 8:23 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

For south shore Long Islanders who left their homes and moved further inland, here's an update:

Here you can see the ocean at (not up to) the boardwalk in Long Beach, NY at 6:00p Oct 28, before Sandy even got here. (For any locals wondering how home is looking, I took this near near Monroe.) Then I left with my car and it looks like there's no going back.

This morning, Oct 29, the City posted a photo of a flooded street to their Facebook, which many think to be Riverside and Pine.

Also posted was a photo of the flooding before the Long Beach Bridge, at Long Beach and Pine, which shows the flooding before the Long Beach Bridge, which has now been closed to traffic in both directions.

With storm drains already overcapacity and localized flooding in many parts of the west end, the City is asking those who did not listen to yesterday's calls for evacuation to leave now by way of either Atlantic Beach or Loop Parkway. Considering Sandy isn't even here yet, high tide tonight and tomorrow morning should be interesting.

(If Long Beach sounds familiar in an Irene sort of way, yes, this is the same town.)
posted by Brian Puccio at 8:24 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

TACOS ARE COMING

Sio42, if S. Cameron survives the water, the best tacos in town are over at Tres Hermanos. Awesome, awesome food.
posted by MonkeyToes at 8:25 AM on October 29, 2012

My cat has become unusually friendly. The end is near!
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:27 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Looks like I can wait another year to buy a blower, huzzah!

Yeah, but getting an entire fallen tree out of your yard is even more of a pain.

(here's hoping you don't have to).
posted by emjaybee at 8:28 AM on October 29, 2012

Flooding has receded in Red Hook, Brooklyn with high tide ending. Next danger time is 9 to 11P, which is the next high tide, also there's a full moon. Also there's Sandy...

The news people are beginning to milk it with the overboard hysteria and melodrama though...(always a good sign their beginning to worry that things simply aren't nutty enough).
posted by Skygazer at 8:28 AM on October 29, 2012

Yeah, but getting an entire fallen tree out of your yard is even more of a pain.

True, but Irene knocked down most of the dead trees last fall, so I'm hoping we'll be okay.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 8:28 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh good, more Maryland people! Sometimes I think I'm out here on the frontier fringes typing from the bottom of a well or something!! I work for a LARGE bank, and while I don't work in a branch, my office is IN a branch, if that makes sense, so I don't have to drive all the way up and down 270 to get to McLean every day. We got an internal note yesterday that we closed our entire branch network in NY/NJ, and it just now got updated to "all the Mid-Atlantic branches, too". I'm working at home sitting in the comfy chair by the bedroom window, but the VPN just gets flakier and flakier as more folks log in from home, so we'll see how long that lasts!
posted by ersatzkat at 8:31 AM on October 29, 2012

Mayor El Ka Bloombergo is on his way!!
posted by Skygazer at 8:31 AM on October 29, 2012

Just saw a guy on the local news (standing out in the rain, of course) suggest that we all call our loved ones and let them know we love them. So apparently we are all going to die.
posted by COD at 8:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [13 favorites]

Thanks you for the pics, Brian Puccio. I am really very worried about what we do if our house floods. We are going to be so, so poor. :/
posted by Andrhia at 8:33 AM on October 29, 2012

the best tacos in town are over at Tres Hermanos.

Yes, but the best chicken as at Los Pollos Hermanos!

(Oh come on. We were ALL thinking it.)

(I'll see myself out.)
posted by sonika at 8:35 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Andrhia, FEMA does help out financially with damage due to rising waters if you live in a designated "disaster area." At least they used to. It's worth keeping in mind if you have any rising water damage.
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:36 AM on October 29, 2012

Watching the local news here (WPIX, channel 11. the coverage is quite good), in NYC

In Pittsburgh Channel 11 is WPXI. I love little things like that.

Wind is starting to pick up in gusts a little in Boston (I'm at BMC in the South End). Plenty of supplies at home and once I make sure all of my little 4-legged friends here are taken care of and the lab is locked down I'm heading home to crash with my little friends (4- and 2-legged) there. Might stop at the packie on the way home. Just in case.
posted by bowmaniac at 8:37 AM on October 29, 2012

Southern MD, on the Chesapeake Bay, checking in.

Weather has been crap for the past 18 hours - pretty much continuous rain, winds have been gusting but not particularly sustained. Winds shouldn't be a problem (touch wood), as I live in the middle of a row of townhouses and there are no big trees nearby.

I'm most concerned about the water level, trying to make sense of NOAA maps and info - I live right at the mouth of the Patuxent River, less than 500ft from this hydrograph - water levels are cycling normally, if slightly elevated, based on tidal expectations. In addition, the storm surge maps from NOAA are showing pretty much zero storm surge risk - despite showing (admittedly extremely low) risk of storm surge on the other side of the bay.

Still, it's a couple of days off - NAS Patuxent River has called for essential personnel only for the next couple of days, so I'm going to try to enjoy my electricity while it lasts.

Stay safe, everyone.
posted by Nice Guy Mike at 8:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just saw a guy on the local news (standing out in the rain, of course) suggest that we all call our loved ones and let them know we love them

but i don't know RDJ's phone number

:(
posted by elizardbits at 8:38 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Chappy ferry web cam.
posted by vrakatar at 8:38 AM on October 29, 2012

evil cat is absurdly happy. woke me up last night yowling in glee. this morning hopped into my lap, which she never does, and gave me a look of unadulterated 'yaaaaaay you are soo fucked' before hopping down and onto the windowsill
posted by angrycat at 8:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

West 125th Street report: the Hudson River is dark, grey and has swells that make it look like the ocean. There are two barges parked midriver upstream of me and two tug boats lumbering downstream. The water is almost at ground level, and the breakers are splashing up into the park and over the fixed portion of the pier. The Cherry Walk portion of the bike/pedestrian path has yellow police tape across the entrance, but people are still going through and I didn't see any cops stopping them. There are about 30 people standing around just looking out to the waer, some taking pictures. Fairway is open, Dinosaur BBQ is closed. The wind is gusting hard and the rain is an on-again, off-again mist. I got coffee at the new place, Kuro Kuma, on LaSalle Place. Good stuff. A couple bodegas, Tom's Pizza, the Mexican place, the takeout Chinese joint, and the liquor store are open. Everything else on this stretch of Broadway is closed. It is very eerie. I am on edge to see what the river is like in a few hours.

You all have scared me sufficiently that I have filled my tub with water.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 8:43 AM on October 29, 2012

Mayor El Ka Bloomberg-O on el TV says if you're still in Zone A and haven't evacuated, you will soon be between a rock and a hard place...
posted by Skygazer at 8:43 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

The rain has come and I'm already hearing sirens all over so I've decided the best thing to do is to eat bagels.
posted by The Whelk at 8:43 AM on October 29, 2012

Our mailman delivered. He was grinning and laughing, as he jumped over downed branches and puddles. :)
posted by zarq at 8:44 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Your mailman's last name isn't Parker by any chance?
posted by The Whelk at 8:45 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Another Clinton Hillian reporting in (HAAAY EmpressCallipygos and Dysh!) -- just went out for coffee and things on Myrtle Ave are by and large still open.

I'm just south of Myrtle, so a smidge further from Zone C than EmpressCallipygos is.

Outside it was semi-normal, with almost no car traffic and much less foot traffic. It's tremendously shitty weather outside, but nothing dangerous. There are already branches down on cars, which, I know this is Clinton Hill and there are no parking spots not under trees, but still. Do people not think AT ALL? My biggest fear from where I'm hunkered down is that there will be trees down all along Clinton Avenue.

My corner bodega is going to ride out the storm. They still seemed to have stock, too.

I'm going to spend the rest of the day listening to WFUV and packing for my move.
posted by Sara C. at 8:46 AM on October 29, 2012

Also, serious question Hurricane people, how much to I have to worry about my windows? 11th floor, wonderful, big eastern exposure, should I stay out of the living room and hole up in the faces-a-light-well den or?
posted by The Whelk at 8:47 AM on October 29, 2012

I've decided the best thing to do is to eat bagels.

I'm eating bourekas.

Your mailman's last name isn't Parker by any chance?

He's just 'The Mailman.'

Like, 'The Doctor.'
posted by zarq at 8:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Bloomberg: they're closing the Holland and Brooklyn Battery Tunnels.
posted by zarq at 8:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Boston 'burbs here. Glad I didn't go in to work as they're closing my office at 1:00. Small power outages in town and a couple small trees have already come down outside. So far it's not too bad but the worst is yet to come.

I'm very prepared, with food, water, generator, chain saw, etc, but we've got a couple big trees leaning towards the house. If they go, it's not gonna be fun.

My son and I are building Legos. Storms aren't all bad.
posted by bondcliff at 8:49 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

The woman doing the ASL interpreting of Bloomberg is just the awesomest.
posted by lauranesson at 8:50 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

> 11th floor, wonderful, big eastern exposure, should I stay out of the living room and hole up in the faces-a-light-well den or?

Yes. Debris or wind alone could take down that window and fill your living room with lots of nasty glass.
posted by mrzarquon at 8:50 AM on October 29, 2012

Tom's Pizza

Is it no longer delicious?
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 8:50 AM on October 29, 2012

Sara - where are you? (And did you see if Putnam's is open at all? They're my favorite....)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:50 AM on October 29, 2012

Weatherwise, Sandy continues to intensify, and may be a Category 2 storm now. Last recon report is showing 945mb central pressure and 94kt (108mph) flight level winds in the SW sector, and a recent dropsonde shows 86kts (99mph) at the surface.

It looks increasingly like landfall will be in Southern NJ.

Also, serious question Hurricane people, how much to I have to worry about my windows?

Enough wind can break them, but most breakage is caused by debris picked up by the winds and hurled into the glass. Close your curtains, or put sheets over the windows to contain the glass if they do break.

One notable tornado in Fort Worth, TX, picked up a bunch of rock ballast from a roof and shattered nearly every window in a 40 story tower with it.
posted by eriko at 8:50 AM on October 29, 2012

NYC Public Schools will be closed tomorrow. That sound y'all just heard was hundreds of thousands of kids cheering at once, and even more parents groaning.
posted by zarq at 8:51 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Gusts are picking up a LOT here on LI now.
posted by pemberkins at 8:52 AM on October 29, 2012

A falling twig just tapped my window and I was so startled. It's here! It's here! The hurricane is here! Oh wait. The hurricane is on the other side of the continent.

So you guys are really good writers, I guess. I have been sucked into your world. Your world of yoga pants and Doritos and bathtub gin (or whatever it is you're filling your tubs with).
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:52 AM on October 29, 2012 [18 favorites]

Yeah whelk your window ought to hold, but don't stand next to it all night, dig?
posted by vrakatar at 8:52 AM on October 29, 2012

In Chicago, we have a strong northerly breeze blowing clouds down the lake. It's quite pretty, today. Tomorrow, there are supposed to be storm force winds over the lake and lakeshore, blowing from the north. The long wind fetch down almost the entire lake is expected to drive up huge waves -- 16-22'.
posted by eriko at 8:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

(from the Tweetie:) @TerreCherry - NJers: If pwr's out& noTV, but Uhave phone-u can hear NJ-12 TV's up2date LOCAL NJ town/county reports on phone [phone] #njsandy

NJ News 12 has actually been one of the least hyperbolic options so far.
posted by mintcake! at 8:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Our mailman delivered. He was grinning and laughing, as he jumped over downed branches and puddles.

FedEx delivered a package to work today. I was a little surprised they were still delivering (esp since it was a decent amount of a hazardous chemical) and he said they were told to stay out as long as they felt safe. AirGas also dropped off the regularly scheduled CO2 and N2 which was a pretty awesome surprise.
posted by bowmaniac at 8:54 AM on October 29, 2012

The weather blogger for our local paper here in Fredericksburg VA just posted a warning to not get cocky and comfortable - we aren't expecting the serious hit until about 4 PM.
posted by COD at 8:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Oh wait. The hurricane is on the other side of the continent.

Switching between cams here I keep catching myself looking for signs of it starting on my front-of-house cams, and I'm actually on a different continent...
posted by titus-g at 8:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Now I kinda wanna write a disaster novella from the point of view of a web forum updating as it happens.
posted by The Whelk at 8:56 AM on October 29, 2012 [11 favorites]

IDGI. It is barely drizzling in the west village. People are out running, walking their dogs, having coffee, kids are playing in the park on Bleecker and Bank.

i am totally going for a run, fuck it.
posted by elizardbits at 8:56 AM on October 29, 2012

Whelk - I'd totally help you with that if you want.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:57 AM on October 29, 2012

I was just reading at Capital Weather and they think it is possible that it will make Cat 2 before landfall. They also stress that it is kind of a meaningless distinction at this point.
posted by COD at 8:57 AM on October 29, 2012

TURN THE TV ON NOW YOURE MISSING SPAINISH BLOOMBERG
posted by Potomac Avenue at 8:57 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Bloomberg, Don't try to speak Spanish, man. Just. Don't.
posted by zarq at 8:57 AM on October 29, 2012

The woman doing the ASL interpreting of Bloomberg is just the awesomest.

WHY ARE HER FACES SO SEXUAL
posted by Potomac Avenue at 8:58 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Weather Underground's main site is now throwing errors. The backup site is slow but up.
posted by eriko at 8:58 AM on October 29, 2012

Latest data from the Hurricane Hunters shows that Sandy is intensifying as its core traverses the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. At 8 am EDT, an Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft found top winds of 98 mph in the heavy thunderstorms to the southwest of Sandy's center, at a point about 150 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, NC. A dropsonde released in the eye measured a central pressure of 945 mb, but observed winds of 19 knots at the surface, so Sandy is probably a 943 mb hurricane that is very close to Category 2 strength. The Hurricane Hunters did not observe an eyewall, and saw very little temperature difference from inside to outside the eye, so Sandy is not going to be able to undergo rapid intensification. The storm could still see an increase of 5 mph in its winds before landfall tonight between 6 pm - 10 pm EDT, due, in part, to interaction with the low pressure system to its west that is pulling the hurricane towards the coast. The new, higher winds of Sandy don't have a lot of time to pile up additional storm surge water, so the NHC storm surge forecasts will probably not change today. But it is clear that Sandy is not going to pull its punch, and this superstorm is going to deliver a punishing multi-billion dollar blow to a huge area of the Eastern U.S.

posted by zarq at 8:58 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

EL BLOOMBITO IRL
posted by elizardbits at 8:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just read someplace else that Sandy strengthened overnight (winds at 90mph) and is now the strongest hurricane on record to exist north of North Carolina.
posted by bowmaniac at 8:59 AM on October 29, 2012

Your world of yoga pants and Doritos and bathtub gin (or whatever it is you're filling your tubs with).

Bathtub gin! I knew I forgot something! At least I can fashion a crude raft out of the yoga pants and use the Doritos for bait.
posted by Cash4Lead at 8:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Elizardbits: i am totally going for a run, fuck it.

Pants.
posted by Skygazer at 9:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

The woman doing the ASL interpreting of Bloomberg is just the awesomest.

SHE IS THE BEST
posted by elizardbits at 9:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

how much to I have to worry about my windows? 11th floor, wonderful, big eastern exposure, should I stay out of the living room and hole up in the faces-a-light-well den or?

I'm on 12th, also with big east facing windows, and have decided to keep it casual until I hear rattling or see heavy debris blowing around.

"No longer keeping it casual" would include lowering all the blinds, and then potentially kickin' it in the bathroom if things get really scary.
posted by Sara C. at 9:00 AM on October 29, 2012

I was just realizing that after this storm, that's the end of the the fall color. no slowly dwindling orange to brown...we're gonna have bare trees at the end of the week.

Yeah, I was thinking that this morning, during the last of my errands. Sandy, you are cruel, cruel, cruel. It's like insult on top of insult on top of injury on top of carnage. Thanks, Sandy, you are a swell gal....
posted by GenjiandProust at 9:00 AM on October 29, 2012

Mailmen also delivered here! Crazy.

So I understand that our windows *should* be OK, but they are already making crazy noises (I face NY Harbor, almost every room is all window). I remember reading in Hurricane Irene last year that modern highrise towers are built to withstand a certain windspeed and thinking that windspeed was far above what we'd ever see in Jersey City. Now I'm reading this Category 2 news and trying to find out what that windspeed rating was.

So, anyone know what windspeed a 10 year highrise building on the waterfront should have been built to withstand? Best I have found is a generic answer in NYT from last year.
posted by lyra4 at 9:01 AM on October 29, 2012

Whelk:

For folks staying home, if you're riding out the storm in a house surrounded by trees, stay on the opposite side of the house from the wind on a low floor. Close the curtains to cover windows facing the wind... but still be very careful near any glass that could break.

High rises in the big cities may be a problem. It's especially important that you stay away from the windows. If something flies off a neighboring building, it can smash windows downwind. Besides that, the wind is stronger because you're higher in the air, and the air gets squeezed between the tall buildings. The high wind stresses the glass, and makes it break more violently if something hits it.

posted by zarq at 9:01 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

JUST IN: DC's Annual Drag Queen High Heel Race postponed.
posted by fontophilic at 9:02 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Empress - I'm in the Clinton Hill Co-ops between Myrtle and Willoughby.

Putnam's is open. I considered doing the coffee and breakfast thing there, but I was worried that it would start raining worse so hit Connecticut Muffin instead.
posted by Sara C. at 9:02 AM on October 29, 2012

South Jersey, Philly burbs checking in: Bathtub full, frozen milk jugs and everything loose either lashed down or in the garage.
I still have my Penny stove from the last big 'un, and bought some alcohol at Lowe's last night (Gallon cans were out, still had a few quart ones on the shelf)
Rainy, cold and blustery, but no problems yet.
posted by Orb2069 at 9:02 AM on October 29, 2012

The woman doing the ASL interpreting of Bloomberg is just the awesomest.

WHY ARE HER FACES SO SEXUAL

I was totally getting sucked into her signing...so dramatic and passionate...
posted by Skygazer at 9:02 AM on October 29, 2012

I swear the ASL lady just mimed doing a bong hit.
posted by vrakatar at 9:03 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

how much to I have to worry about my windows? What I do is take an old comforter and attach that to the window so if the window does shatter it won't blow all over the place.
posted by govtdrone at 9:03 AM on October 29, 2012

Romney's cancelled all his events for the next 2 days.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:03 AM on October 29, 2012

Thought Catalog liveblog is pretty great.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:03 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

El Bloombergo: If you haven't left an evacuation zone by now, after we've asked you for days, just stay where you are.

tl;dl (Too long; didn't listen): How long can you tread water?
posted by zarq at 9:04 AM on October 29, 2012

elizardbits: "Just saw a guy on the local news (standing out in the rain, of course) suggest that we all call our loved ones and let them know we love them

but i don't know RDJ's phone number

:("

and you haven't called me either so wtf.

(but seriously, stay safe, high and dry everybody. We here in Colorado are hoping for the best for y'all)
posted by boo_radley at 9:04 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I may stop in at Putnam's tomorrow morning then to check in on them - I may be able to get to work for part of the day (at the END of the day, I want the brownie points) and it'd be a chance to say hey.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:04 AM on October 29, 2012

Bloomberg wants us to stay in and read a good book. You guys, have I talked to you about the power of Dianetics yet?
posted by mintcake! at 9:04 AM on October 29, 2012 [10 favorites]

NPR Boston is reporting power outages in Milford and Brockton, MA. Both National Grid and NStar are reporting outages across MA.
posted by Currer Belfry at 9:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

@ElBloombito: Esta un mooño fullo! Todos los werewolfos necesito to packo un vamos bag y get to un sheltero ahora!

What's wrong with that Spanish? Es muy claro!
posted by winna at 9:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

I swear the ASL lady just mimed doing a bong hit.

Now there's some storm preparation I can get behind...
And fortunately I have doritos.
posted by bowmaniac at 9:05 AM on October 29, 2012

I kind of admire his patience with these idiotic questions. "What about the people who have refused to leave even though you've been telling them to evacuate for the past 2 days constantly and without cessation?" JUST SAY "FUCK EM" YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO. YOU CAN'T GET REELECTED ANYWAY.
posted by elizardbits at 9:05 AM on October 29, 2012

mintcake!, I stocked up on non-dianetic books on Sunday, although I bought real books, not Kindle editions, so I'm screwed if the power goes out. If I'm lucky, "True Grit" awaits me after 5 tonight when I'm done "working from home".
posted by Currer Belfry at 9:07 AM on October 29, 2012

ASL lady loves her job and it shows. And now I love her like I love Jamie Shupak.
posted by vrakatar at 9:07 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

You other Boston people who are hell of prepped make me feel like an underachiever. I'm in my little apartment in Brighton with a couple of gallons of water and some Clif bars. Still have power, doesn't even seem that windy yet.

Stay safe, y'all!
posted by dismas at 9:07 AM on October 29, 2012

I swear the ASL lady just mimed doing a bong hit.

When she signed breaking windows and staying away from them, it was excellent..
posted by Skygazer at 9:07 AM on October 29, 2012

YOU CAN'T GET REELECTED ANYWAY.

That's what we said during the previous term.
posted by davidjmcgee at 9:08 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

In Baltimore here. The wind and rain have intensified through the morning. I just saw someone walk by wearing head-to-toe yellow: yellow rain jacket (with the hood on), rain pants, and rainboots. He is the only person I've seen out all morning. Would he be part of some special task team, hence the getup, or is he more likely just some dude who owns yellow boots?
posted by mayurasana at 9:08 AM on October 29, 2012

I have no idea whether I'm going to work tomorrow or what, but if this Sandy shit is still a thing and work is cancelled, want to have an impromptu Meetup at Putnam's?
posted by Sara C. at 9:08 AM on October 29, 2012

I swear the ASL lady just mimed doing a bong hit.

Now there's some storm preparation I can get behind...

I imagine the alternative employment brigade was busy yesterday.
posted by The Whelk at 9:08 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I live in Central MA, but I am streaming Bloomberg now. I always found his "Use some common sense, and don't freak out, people" - attitude so calming when I did live in NYC, and the effect remains even though his info is somewhat irrrelevant. (I come from a long line of freaker-outers whose overblown anxiety tends to make me worry more and yet act more irrationally at the same time, so my response to Bloomberg may be atypical...). I can't find anything more locally relevant to stream...(any suggestions?)

plus the fascination of watching the ASL translator
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:08 AM on October 29, 2012

Livestream of the Ocean City Pier.

I think that's a different pier, on the Isle of Wight Bay side of the island.
posted by zennie at 9:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Now Chris Christie, who apparently has a major barometer problem in his nasal passages.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

You stay safe too, dismas (and everyone else for that matter!)

I got a call from my town's mayor last night about emergency phone numbers and services available to residents. That is an absolute first. I think the level of acceptance that this is the new "normal" has gone up since last October's freak storm.
posted by Currer Belfry at 9:10 AM on October 29, 2012

JUST IN: DC's Annual Drag Queen High Heel Race postponed.

Dammit, there goes my drowned rat costume.
posted by psoas at 9:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

JUST SNEEZE ALREADY GOVERNOR
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:11 AM on October 29, 2012

Wondering whether or not I should pack us go bags just in case of extended power loss, and whether or not those bags should include our girl's Halloween costume. And all the candy!
posted by onlyconnect at 9:11 AM on October 29, 2012

Via Reddit: Sandy vs Irene.
posted by ceribus peribus at 9:11 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

BLOOMIE ADMITS THAT THE CITY DOES PRACTICE D&D CAMPAIGNS FOR DISASTER RESPONSE
posted by elizardbits at 9:11 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

I just saw someone walk by wearing head-to-toe yellow ... Would he be part of some special task team, hence the getup, or is he more likely just some dude who owns yellow boots?

You say you live in Baltimore and you still have to ask?
posted by psoas at 9:12 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Tandem Affinity, I'm not in central MA, but I'm hitting the NOAA page every so often and I have NPR Boston going on the radio. Oh yes, and refreshing this thread every couple of minutes.
posted by Currer Belfry at 9:12 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Okay, this is freaking me out. Not the hurricane itself, but all the ways it's syncing up with "Hello Sandy Allen", by Split Enz. Sandy is way larger that any other person/storm. The song starts with sirens, like emergency vehicles ... meeting in New York ... "I'm bound to say I felt uneasy, when I first laid eyes on you" ... the song is on the album "Time and Tide".

Take care everyone.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:13 AM on October 29, 2012

Romney's cancelled all his events for the next 2 days.

He should pull a McCain and announce that he's suspending his campaign, in order to prove... something.
posted by Flunkie at 9:18 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

benito.strauss, don't smoke all the weed right away. You should be rationing, in case power, telecommunications, and/or transit is down for a few days after the storm.
posted by Sara C. at 9:18 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

psoas, I'm new here. I really have no idea which is more likely than the other.
posted by mayurasana at 9:19 AM on October 29, 2012

Hunterdon Co (ie, west) NJ checking in... still have power which is amazing since normally it goes off at the drop of a leaf. Still wondering the odds of catching my flight out of JFK tomorrow night.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:20 AM on October 29, 2012

Major kudos to the guys who handle the local garbage pickup - I think they're from WM. They just drove around the sub division a couple of times, honking the truck's horn, then pretty much came to the door to collect bags of garbage from anyone who needed them to.
posted by Nice Guy Mike at 9:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

JUST IN: DC's Annual Drag Queen High Heel Race postponed.

Sandy, does your cruelty know no bounds? Have you no shred of decency?

He should pull a McCain and announce that he's suspending his campaign, in order to prove... something.

He could decide this was God's displeasure with 30 years of GOP bed behavior and wicked intentions, then give his money to the poor and go off and work for justice for the rest of his days...

...

Sorry, the pressure changes are affecting my mind.
posted by GenjiandProust at 9:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

You other Boston people who are hell of prepped make me feel like an underachiever. I'm in my little apartment in Brighton with a couple of gallons of water and some Clif bars. Still have power, doesn't even seem that windy yet.

I wouldn't call us hell of prepped. Or even wicked prepped. I've been paying attention and recalling past "Oh shit I'm stuck inside during a fucking storm" experience and... we have flashlights, granola bars, charged our electronics, and some extra water. That's really it.

And condoms.

Because Gourd knows Hurricane Whuffles does NOT need to get a sibling out of this.
posted by sonika at 9:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

the odds of catching my flight out of JFK tomorrow night.

0%
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:21 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

GOP bed behavior

You'd be surprised ...
posted by jgirl at 9:23 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Emergency water supply
posted by The Whelk at 9:25 AM on October 29, 2012

> Still wondering the odds of catching my flight out of JFK tomorrow night.

Take your travel plans that you are thinking about doing tomorrow, and instead imagine doing them in a week. If you can still justify doing it in a week, rebook your tickets now. Every airport between baltimore and boston is going to have cancelations, delays, and pretty much all of the planes on the eastern seaboard are going to be grounded for some period of time.

If the airports aren't damaged (JFK and LGA are both right on the water), it will be a week to untangle this mess.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:26 AM on October 29, 2012

Christie (Governor of New Jersey, for those of you following this drama in other parts of the world), seems to really really enjoy yelling at and/or calling people names (idiots, jerks etc)...who won't move away from the shoreline. Get's so tiresome. Dude's just got the charm of a battering ram.
posted by Skygazer at 9:27 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

As Christie speaks, NBC is showing some guy in the ocean, off a NJ beach.
posted by zarq at 9:27 AM on October 29, 2012

Stuyvesant Heights (according to my landlords) checking in somewhat late. The cat is going nuts. Running back and forth and then looking out windows like there's a monster about to eat her.
posted by brina at 9:28 AM on October 29, 2012

Dude, I'm worry about my flight that leaves a week from Friday.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:28 AM on October 29, 2012

I didn't see this linked earlier: Evacuation Zones.

I'm on the border of Zone C. Joy.
posted by zarq at 9:30 AM on October 29, 2012

Greenpoint checking in ... so far feels like just another shitty, rainy, fall NYC weather day. Stores are open (probably because most of the owners/workers live within ten blocks of the stores), people milling about. I think we're Zone B, so my only concern is how pissed this cat will be if I try to transfer her via cat-carrier if we have to evacuate.
posted by NolanRyanHatesMatches at 9:31 AM on October 29, 2012

FDR drive is now closed. Speed restrictions on bridges: 20mph on whitestone and throgs neck. 30mph on Tappan Zee.
posted by zarq at 9:32 AM on October 29, 2012

This CNN gallery has great / disturbing photos.
posted by insectosaurus at 9:32 AM on October 29, 2012

brina: The cat is going nuts. Running back and forth and then looking out windows like there's a monster about to eat her.

That right there worries me much more than a dozen histrionic newscasters.

Where are you??
posted by Skygazer at 9:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Ugh I just checked and the horrible obnoxious townhouse people have not removed their fucking white chairs where their stupid roof patios where they have their awful little parties every summer and I hope a potted plant hits them right in their big, stupid "fashion forward looks for fall" head.
posted by The Whelk at 9:34 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Yeah, I hope that all my idiot townhouse neighbors who still haven't taken in their fancy distressed metal garbage bins that they prolly got for $2,000 at restoration fucking hardware have their name and address written on them so the rest of the neighborhood knows exactly who to sue for damages.
posted by elizardbits at 9:36 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Hi mayurasana! Welcome to Baltimore! What part of town are you in?
posted by josher71 at 9:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

This thread is updating too fast for me to read it! Here in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Zone A has started flooding. I am nervously sitting in my Zone B basement apartment :(
posted by silverstatue at 9:37 AM on October 29, 2012

At least you're not in Atlantic City!
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:38 AM on October 29, 2012

North Jersey here. It's still just kind of windy and not very heavy rain right now. My dog is being weirder and clingier than usual. While I was in the bathroom, he kept throwing himself against the door to get me to let him in.

But my local Dunkin Donuts is still open, so we're okay.
posted by lullaby at 9:39 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Heard a cry of extreme agony from the other room because the Wawa in Avalon is totally flooded out-- something about NOOOO SAVE THE MEEEATTBALLLSSS

It's getting serious #savethewawa
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I just walked to the Post Office, it had been closed since 9 am.

On the way there though Totto Ramen was open and full to it's 20-person capacity. And another 20 people were waiting on the sidewalk. It's nice to know some things are running like normal!
posted by mountmccabe at 9:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

> I am nervously sitting in my Zone B basement apartment :(

I'd look into finding higher ground sooner rather than later.
posted by mrzarquon at 9:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Yeah, I hope that all my idiot townhouse neighbors who still haven't taken in their fancy distressed metal garbage bins that they prolly got for $2,000 at restoration fucking hardware have their name and address written on them so the rest of the neighborhood knows exactly who to sue for damages.

Word.
posted by The Whelk at 9:42 AM on October 29, 2012

But my local Dunkin Donuts is still open, so we're okay.

Yeah, the Dunkin Donuts on 145th and Frederick Douglass is open too. I have proof. In the form of Munchkins.
posted by davidjmcgee at 9:42 AM on October 29, 2012

"Stuvesant Heights" = Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City, New York State, United States of America.
posted by brina at 9:43 AM on October 29, 2012

Find salvation through Dunkin Donuts
posted by rmd1023 at 9:43 AM on October 29, 2012

Potomac Avenue: "At least you're not in Atlantic City!"

Why would you be anywhere near that window?
posted by octothorpe at 9:43 AM on October 29, 2012

My neighbors have been vacuuming off and on since early Sunday morning, in 45-second bursts. Any theories as to what in hell is wrong with them? (I also overheard the neighbor man yelling at his dog because it was howling last night. I don't like my neighbors, but I am super glad we don't live in a basement apartment steps from the Schuykill anymore).
posted by coppermoss at 9:44 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

> Why would you be anywhere near that window?

It looks like it is the sliding door, not a window (yet)
posted by mrzarquon at 9:45 AM on October 29, 2012

That twitter account is pretty awesome/ridiculous. Christie's head might explode if he reads that guy's feed.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:45 AM on October 29, 2012

Bill McKibben on Hurricane Sandy and Climate Change: "If There Was Ever a Wake-up Call, This Is It"

McKibben previously.
posted by homunculus at 9:46 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Coppermoss: People are getting real anxious. This is how they cope. Or not.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 9:46 AM on October 29, 2012

It has been raining almost nonstop in DC since about 5pm yesterday. It started with an almost pleasant light mist, and a bit of breeze now and then, and has been steadily building so that there is now a regular howling from the windows as the trees sway around. The flood warnings have started in earnest (though they are unlikely to affect me). No DC mefites have lost power yet as far as I know, but I know out in Maryland things are slowly breaking up. Power is out in College Park already, and the heavy stuff isn't supposed to hit until later.

I am stuck at home as long as public transport is suspended. These guys are at work though.
posted by zennie at 9:47 AM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Bless them!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:48 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Recommended: Taking a shower while straddling all the water jugs stored in the tub and growling at them like you're Godzilla and they're futuristic skyscrapers/aquariums. But of course you spare them, because you still have "Endless Love" going through your head.
posted by argonauta at 9:48 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

This is one of those weird American moments where Blue and Red are divided on some weird shit like I think the liberals are all battoning down the fucking hatches, staying away from the windows, buying candles etc. and the republicans and other idiots are likeGOING TO WORKand other ABSURD SHIT because we really do have a rinky dink ass infrastructure in this place. All the people in the sub shop I just went to are voting for Romney, I bet you anything. Who else makes subs in this kind of madness?! Fear they nothing?
posted by shushufindi at 9:48 AM on October 29, 2012

My neighbors have been vacuuming off and on since early Sunday morning, in 45-second bursts.

um. do you live in the west village? and can we band together to kill them please?
posted by elizardbits at 9:49 AM on October 29, 2012

Philadelphia, but I'm in.
posted by coppermoss at 9:50 AM on October 29, 2012

My upstairs neighbors are vacuuming! I'm about to set my toddler loose in the halls though, so we'll be even soon enough.
posted by sonika at 9:51 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

6th floor of a hotel in midtown. wind is getting whistley. I'm going to be super bummed if I don't make it home this week. (Original flight is Wednesday afternoon. We'll see.)
posted by ansate at 9:52 AM on October 29, 2012

It looks like it is the sliding door, not a window (yet)

Yeah, guy says later on that he's got about a foot of water in his living room, and he'd have way more if that was a window.

I am debating whether to fill the bathtub or not, just to give me something to do. DC Water has said that they don't anticipate any service interruptions, though, which is pleasant, given the tenor of other predictions swirling around out there. And I suppose on the "doing something" front, there is technically work...

It's not great that I was out until midnight last night, have only been up since 8:30, and am already feeling a bit stir crazy, is it?
posted by EvaDestruction at 9:52 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm in Somerville, MA, and I heard a whining motor noise outside earlier. I peeked out and my neighbors were using a leaf blower to clear leaves out of their yard and driveway. While a similar approach works in snowstorms (go out and shovel partway thru), I'm not sure the same thing is going to work with this.
posted by rmd1023 at 9:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

My downstairs neighbors sound like they're rearranging all the furniture today. I think the problem is, everyone is home and did all their preparedness stuff and nobody knows what else to do so they are vacuuming and rearranging furniture and making bread or whatever. But apparently nobody in the world is bringing in their grills or patio furniture.
posted by brina at 9:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

benito.strauss, don't smoke all the weed right away. You should be rationing, ...

Dang, I knew I forgot to stock up on something important. But I just assume that if it gets bad they will set up emergency weed distribution centers. If not, what's the point of living in Massachusetts?
posted by benito.strauss at 9:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

News is reporting that about 350 customers have lost power in Northern Virginia so far. (Not us!)
posted by onlyconnect at 9:55 AM on October 29, 2012

I was in the financial district, downtown Boston a bit ago; a gust of wind blew my foot slightly off course mid-step. That was a little sketchy.

Other than that, however, so far the bitch ain't lived up to the hype. Up here, anyway.
posted by Diablevert at 9:55 AM on October 29, 2012

So... is the Gowanus Canal going to poison everyone in Greenpoint?
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:56 AM on October 29, 2012

But I just assume that if it gets bad they will set up emergency weed distribution centers. If not, what's the point of living in Massachusetts?

The Green Cross will be providing triage and chill-out rooms with a deep-wave dub DJ set from 11-2
posted by The Whelk at 9:56 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

the republicans and other idiots are likeGOING TO WORK

I'm not a Republican so I must be an idiot. I gotta tell you though, I started this morning with a backlog of 63 emails I couldn't clear on Friday, and I'm down to 3 and they're just reminders. I'm like a sniper stealth-firing email into people's inbox that's going to tie them up for a WEEK. Bwhahaha. Coming in today was the smartest thing I've done all month. I am SO ORGANIZED
posted by Miko at 9:56 AM on October 29, 2012 [14 favorites]

So just watching Obama's remarks about the storm on CNN.

Then it went to commercial.

The ad? EPA is bad. They don't like coal!! Vote for people who want more American coal!

My irony meter just dinged.
posted by Jalliah at 9:57 AM on October 29, 2012 [12 favorites]

Coming in today was the smartest thing I've done all month. I am SO ORGANIZED

AND NOW YOU CAN SPEND ALL DAY BAKING COOKIES.

SERIOUSLY WE SHOULD ALL JUST BAKE COOKIES.

LIKE NOW.
posted by The Whelk at 9:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Some guy surfing on live TV in LI right now. Yeah. You are dumb dude. Life isn't point break.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 9:59 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm in Somerville, MA, and I heard a whining motor noise outside earlier. I peeked out and my neighbors were using a leaf blower to clear leaves out of their yard and driveway.

Do they have drains or runoff ditches near their yard? This is actually pretty smart if they are trying to keep the storm drains free of debris, which usually causes gross flooding. (I mean I also saw someone's sprinklers on earlier this week, sooooo....)
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Our power just flickered out and back on. I hope this isn't a sign that I'll lose it permanently soon...
posted by pemberkins at 9:59 AM on October 29, 2012

Bake cookies before the power goes out. Gotta stockpile the cookies.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2012

storm surge backs up st lawrence seaway, niagara falls running backward, great lakes overspill all of michigan!

(yeah, i know, the boss didn't buy it either.)
posted by quonsar II: smock fishpants and the temple of foon at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Re the vacuuming: I know yesterday I did a lot of cleaning while I still have electricity and water because I don't know how long I could be without either - plus if I'll be using bathtub water to flush, best to start with a clean bowl.
posted by NoraCharles at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2012

I didn't go out and buy eggs before the storm and now I'm wishing I did because I finished off the eggs over the weekend with breakfasty goodness and now I can't bake cookies.
posted by rmd1023 at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

First beer down. Life is good.
posted by josher71 at 10:01 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Central NJ here. Some wind, some drizzle, but right now nothing more than a mild storm. This is what I'm really watching, but so far, so good. Sister-in-law has evacuated from her home in Point Pleasant Beach 2.5 blocks from the beach to a little farther inland (still in PPB), they were starting to see water on their street. Folks on the family and church Facebook groups aren't seeing much, just chatting and sharing updates and useful links.

Right now my only annoyance is that my dentist's office has not called to officially cancel my 2pm appointment, nor are they answering their phones or checking their Facebook page. Hope that's the worst annoyance I have with this storm...
posted by booksherpa at 10:01 AM on October 29, 2012

Just realizing we have a whole TUB of chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer. Thanks all for these emergency preparedness instructions!
posted by Mchelly at 10:02 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I'm going to have to ration my eggs for baking.
posted by sciencegeek at 10:02 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I have to say, things seem to have calmed down a lot here in close-in Silver Spring -- a little while ago, things looked like they were ramping up but now even the rain seems to have tapered off. From the radar, I gather that the first big band has passed over, which explains the reduction in rain, but doesn't explain the lack of wind. Seriously, my trees aren't even blowing right now.

Also, power out in College Park? Really? That's not far from here and we have not had anything like the winds necessary for power outages already. I wonder what's up over there.
posted by devinemissk at 10:03 AM on October 29, 2012

peanut butter chips in freezer, hazlenut oil yes I am making these cookies.
posted by The Whelk at 10:04 AM on October 29, 2012

Some of us won't STFU about the Blizzard of '78. When a storm fucks stuff up, people remember.

You ain't just whistlin' Dixie. Around here, the two biggest weather events that are still talked about are the Palm Sunday Tornado of '65 (which completely flattened the area I now live in) and the Blizzard of '78. I was 7 when the Blizzard hit, and I still remember the National Guard coming to dig us out, no power, and everyone in the house bringing all of our pillows and blankets downstairs to hang out in the living room where my dad had dragged up the kerosene heater. We couldn't open our front door at all, and we only managed to get the back door open far enough to slip out, toss some of the snow off the porch, and make a safe place for the dog to go have a pee.

These things kind of stay with you. The Blizzard certainly influenced my pantry stuffing tendencies!

We're already feeling some of Sandy's effects here in NW OH. It's windy as hell, there's a gale warning up for Lake Erie and waves are already cresting at 15 feet, expected to get to 20 by evening. And we've been alerted that because of the winds, we may lose power.

If it's already that unpleasant here, I can only imagine how awful it is for our Easterners. All y'all be safe and take good care of yourselves. I hope the end of the storm finds you safe, warm, dry, and over-supplied.
posted by MissySedai at 10:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

'Miko: Wrong for the office, wrong for America'
posted by mintcake! at 10:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I am really sad that I don't have all the ingredients for cookies now. I do have a jar of Nutella and a spoon, though.
posted by pemberkins at 10:05 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

In my midtown Manhattan office -- have brought bike helmet (I don't own a bike) for the walk home to Greenwich Village later...
posted by AJaffe at 10:05 AM on October 29, 2012

Just realizing we have a whole TUB of chocolate chip cookie dough
Man, your toilets are not going to be happy when you use that to try to flush them...
posted by drlith at 10:06 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Okay. I'm not anywhere near this storm (Ontario) though we are predicted to get some really high winds later as it comes up and sideswipes us.

No shyte sherlock. It's not even close yet and these three gusts of wind just smacked my house so hard it shook it and rattled the windows. This set my two dogs off and now they're barking and running back and forth from one side of the house to the other freaking out.

Combine that with reading this thread, watching CNN and now I'm jumpy. Even though I shouldn't be.
posted by Jalliah at 10:06 AM on October 29, 2012

I do have a jar of Nutella and a spoon, though.

WHY WOULD YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE I MEAN REALLY CAN'T PEOPLE JUST BE HAPPY WITH WHAT THEY HAVE
posted by Cash4Lead at 10:06 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Anyone have any tips to stop my tub from draining? It doesn't have an actual stopper, just one of those little switches that are common in NYC apartments...so far we've put a glass full of coins on top, but it's still draining slowly.
posted by dysh at 10:07 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Okay I'm venturing foward to see if anything is open for last second scavenging while the wind and rain are still pretty low.

Soundtrack
posted by The Whelk at 10:08 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

dysh, do you have saran/plastic wrap handy? A folded square of that might help.
posted by juliplease at 10:08 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

so far we've put a glass full of coins on top, but it's still draining slowly

Put a sheet of clingfilm over it first
posted by elizardbits at 10:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Try a washcloth underneath the jar.
posted by bleep at 10:09 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

My tub drain doesn't even have a switch thingy. I'm planning on duct taping over it.
posted by shiny blue object at 10:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Anyone have any tips to stop my tub from draining? It doesn't have an actual stopper, just one of those little switches that are common in NYC apartments...so far we've put a glass full of coins on top, but it's still draining slowly.



Does its have an actual hole. If so you have any potatoes? You can cut one to fit in the hole and cover it with plastic wrap.
posted by Jalliah at 10:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

It looks like Atlantic City is the target. God is coming for Trump. Finally.
posted by benito.strauss at 10:11 AM on October 29, 2012 [15 favorites]

I take it back about toddlers being shitty weather forecasters. They're excellent. Mine is freaking the fuck out.
posted by sonika at 10:12 AM on October 29, 2012

Maryland suburbs of DC report: Moderate rain, slightly elevated winds, but nothing yet. I'm in a sort of hurry up and wait stance. Who knew waiting for doom could be so boring?
posted by Cash4Lead at 10:13 AM on October 29, 2012

My tub has a small leak like that too. I unscrewed the drain cover and took a small plastic baggie and put that over the drain and then put the drain cover on top of it and then screwed it back on through that. Works pretty well.
posted by NoraCharles at 10:14 AM on October 29, 2012

Southern RI: Power has flickered off once. I've been watching the power outages here...gone from 2500 to 6000 to now 12000.
posted by quodlibet at 10:14 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Anyone have any tips to stop my tub from draining? It doesn't have an actual stopper, just one of those little switches that are common in NYC apartments...so far we've put a glass full of coins on top, but it's still draining slowly.

If it has one of those drain covers with the holes, you can usually remove that with a screwdriver. (Don't worry; you can put it back after.) Then follow Jalliah's directions re: the potato and saran wrap.
posted by brina at 10:15 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm betting my chickens will decide not to sleep up the tree over the next few days.

If they do I may see chickens flying past my window.
posted by Jalliah at 10:15 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I was woken up in the middle of the night by the wind and the rain. I almost freaked out thinking that I wasn't prepared until I remembered that I live in Portland, Oregon. I hope everyone stays safe.
posted by perhapses at 10:16 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

OMG thanks everyone for the "how to stop your bathtub from slowly draining" tips. Stupid bathtub.
posted by silverstatue at 10:20 AM on October 29, 2012

Seaside Heights (where I've always had family) was just on the news. They didn't show it, but I don't think the Jersey Shore house is going to make it!
posted by armacy at 10:21 AM on October 29, 2012

Power flickers here in Southern MD. I'm so glad I invested in UPS kit...
posted by Nice Guy Mike at 10:23 AM on October 29, 2012

Without power:
18000 Ct
34000 on LI
1200 in NYC
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:23 AM on October 29, 2012

Yellow boots? OMG. Surely this is The End. That's Tom Bombadill!
posted by Goofyy at 10:24 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

saw this Brooklyn image on Twitter
scary stuff, stay safe people.
posted by Wilder at 10:24 AM on October 29, 2012

Fun fact: NOAA's two WP-3D Orions, that it uses for in-hurricane recon missions, are named Kermit and Ms. Piggy. The Gulfstream IV-SP that they use for hurricane overflight missions is named Gonzo.

"And now, I, the Great Gonzo, will fling myself OVER A HURRICANE while gargling the Anvil Chorus!"

More detail, and images of the nose art are here.
posted by eriko at 10:25 AM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

I am debating whether to fill the bathtub or not, just to give me something to do. DC Water has said that they don't anticipate any service interruptions, though, which is pleasant, given the tenor of other predictions swirling around out there. And I suppose on the "doing something" front, there is technically work...

I bleached out the tub but I don't think we'll fill it until late tonight. I did already put aside about 7 buckets' worth in a big rubbermaid tub for sanitation purposes.

I'm just sitting here eating instant ramen, hoping I'll be sleepy enough for a nap soon.
posted by zennie at 10:26 AM on October 29, 2012

For future disasters it may be worth investing in a travel plug.
posted by titus-g at 10:26 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm waiting for m I t t r o m n e y to say something stupid about disaster aid.
posted by SillyShepherd at 10:27 AM on October 29, 2012

Who else makes subs in this kind of madness?!

People who feel that they will be safest deep underwater?

Of course, the Deep Ones will eventually get them, and the Deep Ones are pretty much Socialists, so that would be a fitting end....
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:28 AM on October 29, 2012

News anchors losing their minds; just called the Larchmont Yacht Club the Yanchmont Larch Club.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:28 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

SilverStatute: Here in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Zone A has started flooding. I am nervously sitting in my Zone B basement apartment.

I'm basically in Zone A in Greenpoint, and my street has no flooding whatsoever and had none during Irene.

You should really be okay in Zone B, even in a basement apartment, unless there's a problem with drainage on your block. Let me know if I can help.
posted by Skygazer at 10:29 AM on October 29, 2012

I have no idea whether I'm going to work tomorrow or what, but if this Sandy shit is still a thing and work is cancelled, want to have an impromptu Meetup at Putnam's?

Good idea! Lemme monitor the 'hood first thing tomorrow morning and report back (I'm half a block down the hill from them) to see if they're open.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:29 AM on October 29, 2012

Wait. What happened to the Larchmont Yacht Club???
posted by brina at 10:29 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm in a tiny room on the second floor of a college dorm in MA. There's no way I can stay away from my window; what should I do?
posted by topoisomerase at 10:32 AM on October 29, 2012

Aw, thanks Skygazer! Greenpointers unite! I had a little water infiltration during Irene last year, so that's why I'm nervous right now. But I moved everything away from the windows and pulled up my rugs, so I think I should be fine. And don't worry, if the water does start coming in, I can go upstairs with my landlords. Who are apparently having a dance party right now.
posted by silverstatue at 10:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Thanks for all the tips on the drain situation! Put down some cling wrap, stuck a potato in the drain and put a mason jar over to hold the saran wrap down...hopefully that does it.
posted by dysh at 10:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wait. What happened to the Larchmont Yacht Club???

Local news just claimed it was getting submerged.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:33 AM on October 29, 2012

I remember the halcyon days of the Yanchmont Larch Club -- gala parties, the laughter only slightly less sparkling than the champagne, walking and conversing in the gardens....

Then the Larch Borers came, with their insidious disease, and all we had left was the Yanchmont Stump Club, our memories, and a bitter sense of regret. Fallen, fallen is Yanchmont the Sparkling....
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [8 favorites]

Stay well everyone. I'm off to work. Will be thinking of all of you while I try to stave off the boredom.

(My work will be dead. Not because of any storm though I expect even people up here won't go out which will make it worse. It will be dead because it's off season and most of the town hates my boss and refuses to eat there.)
posted by Jalliah at 10:34 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm in a tiny room on the second floor of a college dorm in MA. There's no way I can stay away from my window; what should I do?

Sit in your hallway if it gets real bad. That's what we all did in during Hurricane Irene in 2003, anyway (damn I'm old)
posted by downing street memo at 10:35 AM on October 29, 2012

Potomac Avenue: "Some guy surfing on live TV in LI right now. Yeah. You are dumb dude. Life isn't point break."

There were dozens in the water in Long Beach yesterday evening, I wouldn't be surprised if there was several today. They're nuts. Last year, immediately after Irene, someone jumped in the water and the lifeguards jumped in with a large jetski, pulled him out and arrested him.
posted by Brian Puccio at 10:35 AM on October 29, 2012

Another tip for tub stoppage: rubber jar opener. The key is to cover the drain before you fill it to create suction when it fills (likewise, saran or plastic bags, etc).
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:36 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Topoisomerase: Hang a blanket over the window. If the glass breaks, the shards will stick in the blanket, or fall straight down to the floor.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 10:36 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

am actually riding this one out in central NJ so I could be walking distance from work if I got stranded... perhaps not my smartest plan ever. trees are oscillating but so far I still have power even though my power lines are hanging pendulously from one side of the street to the other in the fall path of every tree ever.
posted by en forme de poire at 10:37 AM on October 29, 2012

Anyone know the latest track for DC? I can't get Capital Weather Gang to load for some reason. We shouldn't have storm surge flooding to deal with but what about wind and rain?
posted by downing street memo at 10:38 AM on October 29, 2012

New Jersey traffic cams.
posted by titus-g at 10:38 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Cobble hill Brooklyn, again. As the wind is increasing one of my windows is whistling and its freaking me out! Is there a way to stop it? When the winds get worse, is this an indication of bad things to come?
posted by Unred at 10:39 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but the Sentials at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery are not leaving.

I was very moved by the picture.

This is evidently from Reddit, but I'm not sure exactly where. I seen it on twitter.
posted by royalsong at 10:39 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Eggless, oven-less cookie recipe. If you can boil water, you can make these! Basically really thick sweet oatmeal that you drop onto wax paper.
posted by fontophilic at 10:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

DC is expecting the worst to hit at about 4 PM and continue through tonight.
posted by COD at 10:40 AM on October 29, 2012

SilverStatute and Skygazer: I'm in Zone B in Greenpoint, and haven't seen any flooding.

I also found this ComEd Storm Center page - looks like right now, most of the power outages in NYC are where you'd expect them to be - nearer to the ocean.
posted by eustacescrubb at 10:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

also there is literally no place in this apartment without windows. fortunately as a gay dude I have tons of expertise with the closet HEYOOOOOOO HURRICANE HUMOR JUST BLEW THRU TOWN
posted by en forme de poire at 10:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [14 favorites]

Local news just claimed it was getting submerged.

Nice! Umm, I mean, that's awful.

Seriously, all the beach clubs must all be getting slammed, too. The ones with islands are done for. Kind of sad for the New Ro Rowing Club.
posted by brina at 10:41 AM on October 29, 2012

See what life is like for buoy 44065 (the Fighting 44065) Station 44065 (LLNR 725) - New York Harbor Entrance - 15 NM SE of Breezy Point , here. An hour ago: 18 foot waves, 40 knot winds.

Brave brave buoy.
posted by shothotbot at 10:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Oop that wasn't taken today, sorry. Here's photos from today, from their official facebook page.
posted by royalsong at 10:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Unnnggggh. Hunterdon Co. NJ, power just went out for a minute, a warning of what is to come. NOT REMOTELY PREPARED FOR LOSS OF INTERNET!
posted by TWinbrook8 at 10:42 AM on October 29, 2012

So apparently the Gowanus Canal has started overflowing its banks and backing up onto 2nd Avenue.

Think about that - The Gowanus. As in, The Gowanus.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:42 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

downing street memo: Capital Weather Gang have moved their posts.
posted by bentley at 10:42 AM on October 29, 2012

Still here, meaning that my house power is on. Gusts are noticeably feistier than they were before lunch, but nothing way out of the ordinary yet. The gusts were up to 58 mph at Logan about 1/2 hour ago, per NOAA.

Really wish I had a nice long dark-and-stormy-but-not-too-stormy-night book for the Kindle. Perhaps I should go make that happen. Recommendations, anyone? Maybe I should head over to the green.
posted by Currer Belfry at 10:43 AM on October 29, 2012

EmpressCallipygos: "The Gowanus."

Oof, I used to live right next to that pit of hell. That makes me glad I got away before it.... touched me.
posted by wcfields at 10:45 AM on October 29, 2012

psoas, I'm new here. I really have no idea which is more likely than the other.

Baltimore is rather renowned for its wide range of Eccentrics with a capital E. Perhaps we can summon sonascope for some enlightenment.
posted by psoas at 10:47 AM on October 29, 2012

As the wind is increasing one of my windows is whistling and its freaking me out! Is there a way to stop it?

Try finding the crack where it's blowing in and blocking it with something like a cloth or paper. And then tape it down.

Also: deep breaths.
posted by emjaybee at 10:48 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

DC checking in again. Storm seems to have gotten noticeably worse in the last half hour our so. Darker, windier, and heavier rains.

Anyone know the latest track for DC? I can't get Capital Weather Gang to load for some reason. We shouldn't have storm surge flooding to deal with but what about wind and rain?

Last I saw they said the worst would be from 4-5 this evening until sometime tonight. We're already starting to see flooding on Rock Creek and the projected levels at the Georgetown waterfront don't look good.
posted by malthas at 10:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Basically the Gowanus is going to create a race of super-mutants.

So went out for perfectly reasonable and adult beer rations - odd to see what was open and what wasn't. Diners, gyms, and ...stationary stores - all open. It was more like Thanksgiving but with a feeling of doom hanging over everything. Much less plywood and taping of windows then during Irene, although a lot more just plain drop the storm shutters and leave. Only saw ONE message written out in tape on the window. WTF NYC we're supposed to be on this.
posted by The Whelk at 10:49 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but the Sentials at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery are not leaving.

OK, I admire their dedication to their duty, but their commanding officers should recall them. Showing respect for the dead by endangering the living is insane. So, kudos for the guys on the ground, ill thoughts for their officers.
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:49 AM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

Somerville, MA here. A tree in our building parking lot just snapped and fell on top of a resident's friend's Mini. Had to saw a couple of branches off to get my own car sitting next to the Mini out and moved. A few scratches no doubt but I'll consider myself lucky.
posted by shortfuse at 10:50 AM on October 29, 2012

SERIOUS QUESTION - I am going to the deli to get sliced cheese for grilled cheese. 1/2 pound for two sandwiches? More? Less?
posted by (Over) Thinking at 10:50 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Husband still won't come home from work. Complaining that none of the takeout places he goes to for lunch are open. Urged him to take the fucking hint.

Hint totally not taken.
posted by sonika at 10:51 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Maybe if the National Hurricane Center people retired the storm's name in advance, it would disappear. (lived through Andrew)
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:51 AM on October 29, 2012

Williamsburg checking in... windows are rattling like crazy. I hope the cheap-ass glass holds up. Also the backyards across from me are just full of lawn furniture, bikes and grills. What is WRONG with people?
posted by idest at 10:52 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

SERIOUS QUESTION - I am going to the deli to get sliced cheese for grilled cheese. 1/2 pound for two sandwiches? More? Less?

Just.. order N slices, where N is the desired number of slices.
posted by curious nu at 10:52 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Arrgh. We have this tiny xantrex portable generator in case of emergencies. The power adapter is apparently no longer working. I just tested the battery and it's dead.
posted by zarq at 10:53 AM on October 29, 2012

I've been watching the Times Square cam. It doesn't look all that wet or windy judging by the umbrellas passing by. Is the camera deceiving somehow?
posted by mudpuppie at 10:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

So apparently the Gowanus Canal has started overflowing its banks and backing up onto 2nd Avenue.

gonorrhea for everyone!
posted by elizardbits at 10:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I keep resisting the urge to suggest snarky comments for sonika to make to her husband. But it seems wrong. I hope he gets home safe, sonika, I'm sorry he's being so bullheaded.
posted by emjaybee at 10:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

SERIOUS QUESTION - I am going to the deli to get sliced cheese for grilled cheese. 1/2 pound for two sandwiches? More? Less?

More, because seriously you will want more than two grilled cheese sandwiches, they are the perfect food.
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but the Sentials at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery are not leaving.

In very extreme weather, they'll retreat to a small shack that's just north of the tombs proper, and has full view of the monument. If lighting appears, or the winds are such that the Sentinel cannot stand, they'll move to the watch shack until they can safely resume the walk. You can see the shack in a picture on this page, so you can see they don't go far to get to shelter, if needed.

But, yes, the Sentinels stay on watch, as they've done continuously since 1937.
posted by eriko at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Arrgh. We have this tiny xantrex portable generator in case of emergencies. The power adapter is apparently no longer working. I just tested the battery and it's dead.
posted by zarq at 1:53 PM on October 29 [+] [!]

I totally read that as Emergency Xanax Generator and yes I could use that.
posted by The Whelk at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Potomac Avenue: So... is the Gowanus Canal going to poison everyone in Greenpoint?

Possibly, but what a poorly researched and useless article that fails to mention the massive ExxonMobil spill that caused that canal and most of Greenpoint to be one of the most polluted oil besotted (it seeped into the ground soil), places in the country. All thanks to egregious and criminal oil company negligence...


And most of the commentary there is such right-wing "oohh let's ding the liberals in NYC horseshit."
posted by Skygazer at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Greenpoint again, just finished cooking my mammouth frittata, went outside and walked around for a bit-- wind is definitely picking up, but doesn't seem like we're at a crisis-point yet. Also the sushi place on Nassau is still open if anyone wants one last chance at white tuna before things get crazy.
posted by NolanRyanHatesMatches at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Thanks emjaybee. I've probably thought of the snarky comments and uttered them myself. Unfortunately, after five years together, my snark has limited effectiveness.
posted by sonika at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Jersey City update - no driving after 2 PM; Curfew from 6 PM tonight to 1 PM tomorrow in many areas. "pedestrian traffic prohibited during this period."

There goes my idea of walking around at sunrise again tomorrow.
posted by lyra4 at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012

More like Zombie Apocalypse for everyone, if I know what's in Gowanus sludge.

Make that zombies with STDs.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

SERIOUS QUESTION - I am going to the deli to get sliced cheese for grilled cheese. 1/2 pound for two sandwiches? More? Less?

Just.. order N slices, where N is the desired number of slices.

Hm, I have always just asked them to slice N pounds for me. I don't think they'll let me specify the number of slices.
posted by (Over) Thinking at 10:56 AM on October 29, 2012

According to the NYT, NYC's dogs are not handling this very well.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:57 AM on October 29, 2012

Sonika, my dad (in CT) is apparently still insistent on going into work at 5 pm tonight. (Somehow.) So I will join you in fretting about our bullheaded family members.
posted by pemberkins at 10:58 AM on October 29, 2012

if I know what's in Gowanus sludge.

it is literally gonorrhea though
posted by elizardbits at 10:58 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Who is going to enforce a pedestrian traffic prohibition? If things are as bad as it seems they forecast, folks walking around may be the least of the problems that the authorities have to deal with. On the other hand, if you are mistaken for a looter you could be dealt with quickly.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 10:59 AM on October 29, 2012

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but the Sentials at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery are not leaving.

BTW, in that pic, the guard is changing. The watch commander is in the center facing forward, unlike the Sentinels, he wears rank badges. The Sentinels do not, to make sure they don't outrank any of the unknowns. The Sentinel on the left is being relived by the Sentinel on the right.
posted by eriko at 10:59 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Kind of weird being in a convention center, half the people have left, and nobody else has any interest in going to sessions. Lots of hanging around and staring out of the windows. Heavy rain outside, little wind though.
posted by carter at 10:59 AM on October 29, 2012

if I know what's in Gowanus sludge.

Please give us your definition of the verb "know."

Also, stay well back from us until you have a) had your shots and b) have papers to prove it.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:02 AM on October 29, 2012

Silver Spring here; wind is definitely picking up. Big gust just came through (I'd estimate 25? 30 mph?) and knocked a smallish branch onto the roof of our enclosed sun porch. Smallish = 1.5" diameter, about 2' long, maybe? so, not big, but damn, if it wasn't loud. I'm now starting to get a little nervous about trees coming down, even though I think most of the dead or dying trees around here came down during the derecho and our trees are healthy.

I'm dreading being cut off from information when the power inevitably goes.
posted by devinemissk at 11:03 AM on October 29, 2012

Just lost power. In Atlanta. Guess it's all the blusteryness, as the sky is a brilliant clear blue.
posted by SomaSoda at 11:04 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm not sure if this has been posted already, but the Sentials at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery are not leaving.

Apparently that's an old picture from September.
posted by lullaby at 11:05 AM on October 29, 2012

Oh for god's sake.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:06 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Incredible Viral Soldier Pic Debunked by Military, Sam Laird, Mashable, 29 October, 2012
posted by ob1quixote at 11:07 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

My power just went out again. Glad it was temporary, I don't know what I'll do once I'm cut off from the news. I will probably develop cabin fever in approximately five minutes.
posted by pemberkins at 11:07 AM on October 29, 2012

ConEd is about to start cutting off power to ZoneA in NYC.
posted by sciencegeek at 11:09 AM on October 29, 2012

Incredible Viral Soldier Pic Debunked by Military, Sam Laird, Mashable, 29 October, 2012

Sort of missing the point.
posted by Jahaza at 11:09 AM on October 29, 2012

eriko: My hats off to them. I am seriously humbled by their dedication.
posted by royalsong at 11:10 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Not much here yet (northeast MA). We have power, which means that we had Hurricane Sandy-wiches on my new birthday panini maker, so we have that going for us.
posted by theredpen at 11:10 AM on October 29, 2012

UWS, just went out for brunch. Restaurants here are hopping like any other rainy day.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:11 AM on October 29, 2012

UWS of New York, it's still only raining a little, some wind but nothing remarkable. Haven't been out in it, but the view from the window doesn't look any different from the last time it rained. I know others are getting it much harder (stay safe!), and I know if I walk over to Riverside and see what the Hudson is doing I'll see a difference, but it's weird to read all the scary stuff from just a few miles away and not see any evidence of a storm here at all.

I filled our bathtub and my husband just laughed at me. He said there's almost no chance of a power outage in Manhattan because "it's pretty hard for trees to take down power lines when they're all underground." Touché. (no cookies for him. hmph.)

Still not draining the tub, though.
posted by Mchelly at 11:12 AM on October 29, 2012

theredpen, what is in a Hurricane Sandy-wich? That sounds much yummier than the frozen dinner I nuked for lunch.
posted by Currer Belfry at 11:12 AM on October 29, 2012

I am hearing LOTS of sirens again. No idea what's happening in the neighborhood, but I'm not about to go out and see.
posted by pemberkins at 11:13 AM on October 29, 2012

Umm..wait a minute. The Gowanus is nowhere near Greenpoint. Newtown Creek is what our extra-super/duper instant cancer (if you touch it) toxic sludge waterway is called.

Is the Observer nuts? Who the heck said it was Greenpoint! Wiseguys, eh? Why I oughta...

Skippy skip 23-skiddoo da rooni...you rat bastids...

That's the way we talk in Greenpoint...what's it to ya??
posted by Skygazer at 11:13 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

ConEd is about to start cutting off power to ZoneA in NYC.

Yeah, idk wtf is even up with that. I am not even in Zone C and I just got that call.
posted by elizardbits at 11:15 AM on October 29, 2012

Jahaza: Incredible Viral Soldier Pic Debunked by Military, Sam Laird, Mashable, 29 October, 2012

Sort of missing the point.

Negatronic, Ghostrider.

@washingtonpost We truly appreciate the support. However, this photo was taken in Sept. This is #Sandy goo.gl/OC5lz— The Old Guard (@The_Old_Guard) October 29, 2012

posted by ob1quixote at 11:17 AM on October 29, 2012

Mchelly, the chance is small, but not insignificant. If salt water gets into the underground cables, we are SOL. The Hudson is churning.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 11:18 AM on October 29, 2012

Hi devinemissk, I'm in downtown Silver Spring. Just ran out to replenish emergency chocolate supply. Got the very last Reese's peanut butter cups,but at least it was a king size. The rain wasn't bad, but it is a little gusty.

FWIW, I live in an 11th floor studio with the sole exterior wall is basically one big window(starting about 2.5 ft from floor). During the derecho, which I seem to remember featured winds gusts at least as strong, if not stronger than predicted for Sandy (granted it moved through relatively quickly) and while they rattled rather alarmingly, they did hold with no damage. I'm hoping the same holds true for this storm.
posted by kaybdc at 11:18 AM on October 29, 2012

Easy prediction is easy.
posted by Wordshore at 11:19 AM on October 29, 2012

No, I stand by my comment... the point for me and for my Facebook friends is that they stay there in the rain, not whether it's currently raining in Arlington, Virginia or not. For the Washington Post, it makes a difference.
posted by Jahaza at 11:19 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Philadelphia here. Lots of rain and wind, and it seems to have significantly intensified in the last half hour. We're in South Philly, not near a river or in any of the designated flood zones, but ground saturation might give us some basement flooding. Here's hoping for not, and that the (relatively young, about 10-12" diameter, healthy with no dead branches) oak tree holds and doesn't knock out windows or wires.
posted by The Michael The at 11:19 AM on October 29, 2012

ScienceGeeK: ConEd is about to start cutting off power to ZoneA in NYC.

What.

There's no way they can do that. They better mean just public housing in Zone A who all had to leave due to El Ka Bloomberg-o is a big overprotectective pansy...

I lose my power and Con Ed, City Hall, El Bloombito, and whoever else I can think of is going to get hit with a class action suit to end all class action suits.

I've been watching local TV all day and I've got the names of at least twelve of these ambulance chasing "attorney's" who would love this action...

Besides, I've got the latest episode of The Walking Dead which aired last night, all cued up to watch on Instant video, and if I don't get to see it there will be HELL to pay. HELL, EL BLOOMBITO!!
posted by Skygazer at 11:20 AM on October 29, 2012

Speaking of debunking viral images.. this shot of the Statue of Liberty is clearly fake right? Right?
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:21 AM on October 29, 2012

Friends in Zone C in SoHo got the Con Ed call... we're on the edge of Zone C but we don't have a landline so I guess we'll just enjoy the suspense.
posted by nicwolff at 11:21 AM on October 29, 2012

This one is REAL though.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:22 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Also in the UWS, like they said, it feels like Thanksgiving, lots of closed things but the diners are all open, but the wind speed seems more ....consistently blustery.

He said there's almost no chance of a power outage in Manhattan because "it's pretty hard for trees to take down power lines when they're all underground." Touché.

My Engineer Husband said "They may cut the power preemptively to avoid damage if/before flooding happens. "
posted by The Whelk at 11:22 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Well, I just watched a two foot diameter tree split in half and land on my neighbor's house. After that we cut my son's video game session short and pulled him away from the windows close to the trees.

The worst is yet to come here and we're far from the path of the storm.

Activity on the police scanner for my town is going non-stop.

Power is still on, for now.

Be safe, everyone.
posted by bondcliff at 11:22 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

I filled our bathtub and my husband just laughed at me. He said there's almost no chance of a power outage in Manhattan because "it's pretty hard for trees to take down power lines when they're all underground." Touché. (no cookies for him. hmph.)

water. in the utility tunnels. duh on your husband.
posted by quonsar II: smock fishpants and the temple of foon at 11:22 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Power's been browning out here, but I've still got it. Would really rather not study by flashlight.

If it goes, I'll catch y'all on the flip side.
posted by dismas at 11:23 AM on October 29, 2012

Lights just flickered here in Zone C on the UES. One block from the river and outside is looking bad.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 11:23 AM on October 29, 2012

Yep, sio42's got it. From Day after Tomorrow
posted by Jahaza at 11:24 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Windows are shaking like SOMETHING WANTS IN
posted by The Whelk at 11:24 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

I am finding this one hard to believe, also, but I would be glad to be wrong about it.
posted by Danf at 11:24 AM on October 29, 2012

We flickered just now also, woodside here.
posted by vrakatar at 11:24 AM on October 29, 2012

The emergency alert system on my phone just went off. I was quite surprised to see the NWS warning me of an imminent blizzard in Fredericksburg VA.
posted by COD at 11:24 AM on October 29, 2012

Also, power out in College Park? Really? That's not far from here and we have not had anything like the winds necessary for power outages already. I wonder what's up over there.

Here is Pepco's outage map. It indicates only 35 or so customers out in the CP area, but I guarantee it's more than that, and the report I heard from my friend was hours ago.
posted by zennie at 11:25 AM on October 29, 2012

Glad I asked lol. Durr.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:26 AM on October 29, 2012

Apparently after the ConEd rep confirmed Zone A power shutdown s/he then said they weren't 100% sure.
posted by sciencegeek at 11:28 AM on October 29, 2012

My insurance company just emailed me an hurricane alert. Thanks, guys.

Where are they when I need help with seasoning the soup?
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 11:30 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Currer Belfry: "theredpen, what is in a Hurricane Sandy-wich? That sounds much yummier than the frozen dinner I nuked for lunch."

Hi CB, if we had any left I'd bring you one! It was just faux Thanksgiving panini, turkey + cranberry + stuffing + brie, because I got a panini maker for my birthday. If you make these, skip the Brie. I found all these panini recipes online but I guess the real procedure is this:

-- Make a normal sandwich that you already like
-- Put it in the panini maker

Pretty straightforward! I had wanted a new toaster but I think this is better.

I really don't want any property damage, but a little excitement would be nice. Kind of peaceful right now.
posted by theredpen at 11:30 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm waiting for m I t t r o m n e y to say something stupid about disaster aid.

Oh, he took care of that quite a while ago. Spending on FEMA is "simply immoral".
posted by Flunkie at 11:32 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Danf, snopes has been on it -- for two years. Suffice to say the eye of the storm is not hovering over Newark (I lived in Jersey City at one point).
posted by dhartung at 11:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Earlier, the internet went down for a quarter of an hour, so it must be a day ending in "y", but the power also flickered out for a moment. So far, just a Nor'Easter, and not even the meanest one I've seen. (For one, no gale-driven sleet.)

Still, we're at the beginning, here, not the end.
posted by Slap*Happy at 11:33 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

oh hey the sky just opened up and the rains have arrived
posted by backseatpilot at 11:33 AM on October 29, 2012

I assume this pic is fake or from a movie or something, but I can't find the source.
posted by rmd1023 at 11:34 AM on October 29, 2012

I just got a message from ConEd on my cell phone (I don't have a landline either) that they may choose to shut down electric prior to outages, and that ConEd would "keep [me] updated." For what it's worth, I'm in Zone B, though just about 1/2 an avenue from Zone A.
posted by Caz721 at 11:35 AM on October 29, 2012

Comcast just sent me an email which seemed to be trying, in a very polite way, to say.

"It's a fucking hurricane. Your cable, internet, and phone service is likely to go out. Deal with it. We'll get it back on as soon as we can."
posted by COD at 11:35 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Over at Buzzfeed they already managed to collect 9 viral photos that are not Sandy.

Link to Buzzfeed piece
posted by tykky at 11:35 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Bwahahahahahaha EmpressCallipygos, that is fantastic.

(from the linked BS article)

"McTernan believes that it is noteworthy that Hurricane Sandy is hitting 21 years after the “Perfect Storm,” because 3 is a “significant number with God”:

Twenty-one years breaks down to 7 x 3, which is a significant number with God. Three is perfection as the Godhead is three in one while seven is perfection.

It appears that God gave America 21 years to repent of interfering with His prophetic plan for Israel;..." [continues in same vitriolic stupidity for several paragraphs]

COME-ON STORM TRAPPED MEFITES, SHOW US YOUR NUMBERS TO PROVE OTHERWISE.
posted by marienbad at 11:36 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

No bread at the market but we are prepared.
posted by vrakatar at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Looks like winds have seriously damaged the Statue of Liberty.
posted by perhapses at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

COD: "Comcast just sent me an email which seemed to be trying, in a very polite way, to say.

"It's a fucking hurricane. Your cable, internet, and phone service is likely to go out. Deal with it. We'll get it back on as soon as we can.""

My buddy overheard a conversation between two of our neighbors (probably undergrads at our university) at the convenience store down the block that went something like:

"So...if the power goes out, does wireless go out also?"
"I think so, but I'm not sure."

Oof.
posted by dismas at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Nature is the best installation artist.
posted by The Whelk at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Speaking of debunking viral images.. this shot of the Statue of Liberty is clearly fake right? Right?

Yes. What the statue looks like right now. There are whitecaps out there, but not anywhere near that bad.
posted by lyra4 at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2012

My mom texted that they have lost power in Monmouth County, NJ
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:38 AM on October 29, 2012

Marienbad: COME-ON STORM TRAPPED MEFITES, SHOW US YOUR NUMBERS TO PROVE OTHERWISE.

I'm holding up one finger to all that jive.
posted by Skygazer at 11:38 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

I think that trampoline photo is in Milford CT, for the curious.
posted by pemberkins at 11:39 AM on October 29, 2012

theredpen: that sandwich sounds like a winner. Nothing much of interest happening here either, which is fine by me because my house is bounded by two big trees, one on either side.

bondcliff: keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Hope all goes well.
posted by Currer Belfry at 11:40 AM on October 29, 2012

If anyone is somewhere and concerned that their windows might break, please take the time now to PUT ON SOME SHOES. You don't want to find shards of glass between your barefooted self (which if you're hanging around inside is the natural way to be) and your exit. As a Californian in earthquake country, I sleep with shoes and a flashlight under the bed for just such glass shard situations.

Good luck to everyone! I'm taking this as a good time to reconsider my generally poor earthquake preparedness.
posted by marylynn at 11:40 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Mrs.: "Oh crap, this cake requires a cup of milk."
Me: "We have milk."
Mrs.: "I have to make three of them. I may have to use all our milk. Do you want to go out for milk?"
Me.: "Hell no. What else do we need milk for?"
Mrs.: "Coffee."
Me: "OK, I'm going out."
posted by nicwolff at 11:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [15 favorites]

HUBS NOT ANSWERING PHONE. STORM GETTING RLY BAD. PRACTICING SPEECH WHEREIN I TELL SON HE IS FATHERLESS BECAUSE DADDY WENT TO WORK IN A HURRICANE LIKE A DAMN FOOL.
posted by sonika at 11:41 AM on October 29, 2012 [8 favorites]

rmd1023, looks like a real photo -- of the 2011 storm that spawned the mini-tornado in Brooklyn. [Note article date, not top-of-page news date.]
posted by dhartung at 11:42 AM on October 29, 2012

Aw shit, sonika. Hope he's okay. :(
posted by zarq at 11:42 AM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Windows are shaking like SOMETHING WANTS IN

It's the crushed dreams of a million orphans watching the rain fall outside their dormitory windows..

Maybe.
posted by Skygazer at 11:42 AM on October 29, 2012

Williamsburg again. Sounds of stuff blowing around outside. There is a small garage nearby and the metal roof is flapping up and down.
posted by idest at 11:43 AM on October 29, 2012

On the plus side, our box of kitchen crap from Amazon is still supposed to be delivered today. We believe in you, UPS!
posted by backseatpilot at 11:43 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Y'all, there is a HOUSEFLY in my apartment. It's bothering the shit out of me. I am way more frustrated by it that I am by the storm. That says something about me, I think.
posted by eustacescrubb at 11:44 AM on October 29, 2012

The antena on my roof looks perilously attached
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 11:44 AM on October 29, 2012

Ahhh hoping for the best sonika (burns sage, chants)
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Already got an amazon box today. I should have ordered a case of parmalat for the baby.
posted by shothotbot at 11:44 AM on October 29, 2012

It's getting theatrical outside but more importantly I have all the ingredients for

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

I really need the power to stay on long enough to make and devour these.
posted by jetlagaddict at 11:45 AM on October 29, 2012

If anyone is somewhere and concerned that their windows might break, please take the time now to PUT ON SOME SHOES.

Oh yeah, I lived in earthquake country as well; wearing sneakers. Not sure I should fess up, but I am in basically hiking gear that will stay warm even if it gets wet. Zipper pocket on the shirt has my housekeys and ID zipped into it. Um. Sorry, the husband has infected me with that whole "semper paratus" thing.
posted by lyra4 at 11:46 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

My Engineer Husband said "They may cut the power preemptively to avoid damage if/before flooding happens. "

Aha - now my paranoia is backed by Science. I may just fill the tub some more just to see if it brings out any latent smugness. Take that!
posted by Mchelly at 11:46 AM on October 29, 2012

Wind just kicked up to warp 5 - as loud as I have ever heard it. (21st floor, Upper West Side).

I am supposedly working but cant really concentrate.
posted by shothotbot at 11:46 AM on October 29, 2012

Another one who has a normally 'hands-off' kitty who crawled in bed and nuzzled up against me this morning. She has NEVER done that in the past 7 years.
posted by ericb at 11:46 AM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Over here in Greenpoint I can faintly smell burning sage. Seems to be drifting from upper Manhattan.
posted by eustacescrubb at 11:47 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Townhouse idiots finally starting bringing things indoors.

I just saw a pigeon get pushed backward in mid flight. WTF are you even doing little dude, you need to pick up one last cigarette butt for your hatchlings?
posted by The Whelk at 11:47 AM on October 29, 2012 [11 favorites]

My cats are both still completely oblivious.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:47 AM on October 29, 2012

Hoping he is on his way home to get an earful from you, sonika!
posted by zennie at 11:48 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

That poor gazebo is still holding out despite the waves but it's looking more and more lonely and forlorn all the time.

It's going to be somewhat depressing when the storm surge comes in and knocks it off the pilings.
posted by vuron at 11:48 AM on October 29, 2012

We're on an alley. I've seen zero windiness and very little rain. Boooooooooring.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Atlantic City EMS will not be responding to calls from this point forward. Huh.
posted by mudpuppie at 11:48 AM on October 29, 2012

Manhattan: *2 Alarm* Box 916 at 157 West 57 St Second alarm being transmitted in regards to a Crane collapsed on a 75 story building.
posted by The Whelk at 11:48 AM on October 29, 2012

We believe in you, UPS!

The UPS tracker said my package went out for delivery this morning and I feel like a jerk for hoping it'll still get here today.
posted by lullaby at 11:49 AM on October 29, 2012

Unsure if people in the United States of Jolly Iffy Weather can access it, but the BBC news website has a rolling text commentary on Hurricane Sandy.

Remembering that most of the people I know, friends, colleagues, librarians, fiancee, cats of fiancee, are in the USA. Stay safe, y'all.
posted by Wordshore at 11:49 AM on October 29, 2012

CNN is showing a picture of a "partial crane collapse" dangling above 57th Street.
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 11:50 AM on October 29, 2012

According to twitter there's a collapsed crane in NYC now.

BOX 0916 | MANHATTAN | *2ND ALM* 157 W. 57TH ST | CRANE COLLAPSE 75TH FLR - MULTIPLE BLDG'S TO EVACUATE | BN-9 REQUEST 2ND ALM | AP01
posted by lyra4 at 11:50 AM on October 29, 2012

Just dumped all my remaining perishables into an epic spaghetti carbonara, let's hope the dishwasher beats the power outage!
posted by sallybrown at 11:50 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Atlantic City EMS will not be responding to calls from this point forward. Huh.

Wow.
posted by zarq at 11:50 AM on October 29, 2012

That poor gazebo is still holding out despite the waves but it's looking more and more lonely and forlorn all the time.

It's kind of interesting that the water on the side of the gazebo has been at the same height for the past few hours, despite the fact that the tide is supposed to be going out.

Chucking it down in Baltimore, btw.
posted by carter at 11:50 AM on October 29, 2012

photo of crane
posted by The Whelk at 11:52 AM on October 29, 2012

Here's a photo of that collapsed crane.
posted by eustacescrubb at 11:52 AM on October 29, 2012

This seems sort of minimally useful when power and line-of-sight are required, but Sirius XM has The Weather Channel streaming continually on Sirius 184 and XM 1. You do not need a current subscription; those are normally the preview channels.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:52 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've never been particularly anxious, so I'm guessing this new emotion is anxiety and no sir it is not pleasant. Felt it before when idiot husband drove through a tornado. Man is obviously lacking brain cells to properly fear natural disasters.
posted by sonika at 11:53 AM on October 29, 2012

Manhattan: *2 Alarm* Box 916 at 157 West 57 St Second alarm being transmitted in regards to a Crane collapsed on a 75 story building.

what is the source? I need something else to refresh constantly
posted by shothotbot at 11:53 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

That building is One57, and was in the news recently.

One57, a 1,004-foot tower under construction in Midtown Manhattan, will soon hold the title of New York’s tallest building with residences. But without fanfare from its ultraprivate future residents, it is cementing a new title: the global billionaires’ club.

The buyers of the nine full-floor apartments near the top that have sold so far — among them two duplexes under contract for more than $90 million each — are all billionaires, Gary Barnett, the president of the Extell Development Company, the building’s developer, said this week. The other seven apartments ranged in price from $45 million to $50 million.

posted by zarq at 11:54 AM on October 29, 2012

This thread is seriously cutting in to my bejewelled time.

Just wanted to say 'good morning' from New Zealand, and will be thinking of you and hoping everyone gets through this safely.

Feeling a little like a disaster-voyeur reading this thread, but our cataclysmic events tend to strike with no warning, so the baking-bathtubs-booze stuff is fascinating. Reminds me that I need to get my sh*t together with my own emergency prep (have gin, have lemons, no tonic in the house!)
posted by Catch at 11:54 AM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

We're on an alley. I've seen zero windiness and very little rain. Boooooooooring.

You want excitement? I don't. I am happy that the worst I've seen is a roof tile blown into the courtyard. I am not going out my front door for a while, though.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:55 AM on October 29, 2012

Really the only song to play for your NYC Sandy needs.
posted by The Whelk at 11:55 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

One57, a 1,004-foot tower under construction in Midtown Manhattan, will soon hold the title of New York’s tallest building with residences. But without fanfare from its ultraprivate future residents, it is cementing a new title: the global billionaires’ club.

The buyers of the nine full-floor apartments near the top that have sold so far — among them two duplexes under contract for more than $90 million each — are all billionaires, Gary Barnett, the president of the Extell Development Company, the building’s developer, said this week. The other seven apartments ranged in price from $45 million to $50 million.

REALITY YOU NEED TO BE LESS ON THE NOSE WITH YOUR SYMBOLISM OKAY
posted by The Whelk at 11:56 AM on October 29, 2012 [10 favorites]

Yeah, I better get a Blood Bowl match in before the power goes out, see you here later if there is juice!
posted by vrakatar at 11:56 AM on October 29, 2012

MSNBC is now showing a partially collapsed construction crane on a skyscraper at 57th and 6th Avenue. They mentioned that people and cars are being evacuated from the area, including folks who are in buildings nearby which could be damaged if it completely breaks loose.
posted by ericb at 11:57 AM on October 29, 2012

Sonika, sure he's fine. Sounds like he's pretty deep in his work. Not so bad there yet, right? I believe you're in MA?
posted by Skygazer at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2012

Toilet Scientist, New Haven chapter, checking in. I'm told there are swans floating along one of the major streets in West Haven.
posted by Diagonalize at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2012

Thanks josher71! I'm near Hopkins and they just released an alert that it will be shut down again on Tuesday. I don't know what's going to happen with the Windup Space, but if tomorrow's meetup is still on and it's safe to get there, I'll see you then.
posted by mayurasana at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

this is so bizarre. it is so quiet in the wvill that i have finally realized just how loudly i chew.

thanks sandy. thanks for that.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2012

MSNBC is now showing a partislly collapsed crane on a skyscraper at 57th and 6th Avenue.

Great, that's near my office. :P
posted by zarq at 11:58 AM on October 29, 2012

what is the source? I need something else to refresh constantly

@NYScanner
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on October 29, 2012

Guy on NY1 near that crane says it is going to fall any second.
posted by vrakatar at 11:59 AM on October 29, 2012

TIme to teach my 9 year old to really belt out this vital song
posted by shothotbot at 12:00 PM on October 29, 2012

Remember that hundreds of hourly workers who will not be able to earn their wages due to closed businesses and no transportation. It's a rough spot to be in. Help people out, tip well when tips apply (not for retail workers unfortunately). It's a miserable spot to be in.
posted by jgirl at 12:01 PM on October 29, 2012 [24 favorites]

ericb: “MSNBC is now showing a partially collapsed crane on a skyscraper at 57th and 6th Avenue. They mentioned that people and cars are being evacuated from the area, including, those who are in buildings nearby which could be damaged if it completely breaks loose.”

zarq: “Great, that's near my office. :P”

That's that One57 thing, right? It's near your office?
posted by koeselitz at 12:01 PM on October 29, 2012

don;t worry guys Iron man is coming right?
posted by The Whelk at 12:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Reporting from Richmond VA! Perhaps the southern edge of the storm. Lots of moderate rain, and a bit gusty, but nothing too exciting!

We have had some doooozies over the past 10 years, and the last earthquake followed by Irene was a drag (cracked all three of my old house chimneys).
posted by tarantula at 12:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Oops, shouldn't have said it was calm – power gone now.
posted by theredpen at 12:03 PM on October 29, 2012

don;t worry guys Iron man is coming right?

It'll be Thor, surely?
posted by restless_nomad at 12:03 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Atlantic City EMS will not be responding to calls from this point forward. Huh.

Mandatory evacuation there, I think, so it was expected that if you stayed you'd eventually be on your own.
posted by Jahaza at 12:03 PM on October 29, 2012

AHH SOMETHING HUGE JUST FLEW PAST MY WINDOW GOING INTO WINDOWLESS DEN NOW
posted by The Whelk at 12:03 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

HAHAH reporter in Atlanta on the Weather Channel just pronounced Con-Ed "coned."
posted by Andrhia at 12:04 PM on October 29, 2012 [11 favorites]

Yep, Hopkins is closed tomorrow. However, my girlfriend who works as an administrator for Baltimore City Schools, tells me the main office will be open tomorrow. WTF?
posted by josher71 at 12:04 PM on October 29, 2012

Photo of the collapsed crane at 57th. and 6th.
posted by ericb at 12:04 PM on October 29, 2012

I've never been particularly anxious, so I'm guessing this new emotion is anxiety and no sir it is not pleasant. Felt it before when idiot husband drove through a tornado. Man is obviously lacking brain cells to properly fear natural disasters.

sonika, I don't know if it helps, but as an anxious person who catastrophizes, keep busy! Either put something REALLY STUPID on on netflix or CLEAN ALL THE THINGS. I've been cleaning all the things, telling myself it'll be a big help not to have a dirty kitchen if we lose power.

HAHAH reporter in Atlanta on the Weather Channel just pronounced Con-Ed "coned."

Hee! Heard that too.

Headed into the windowless living room with the cat about 40 minutes ago, when I watched a huge branch come outside the window. He is very annoyed that I cut into his naptime.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Crane is on NY1 right now. It is refusing comment.
posted by shothotbot at 12:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [13 favorites]

Yeah, that photo was posted earlier, ericb – that's the same one Piers Morgan put on his twitter feed.
posted by koeselitz at 12:06 PM on October 29, 2012

HAHAH reporter in Atlanta on the Weather Channel just pronounced Con-Ed "coned."

Like "boned", but differe....well, maybe not all that different.
posted by ersatzkat at 12:06 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

HAHAH reporter in Atlanta on the Weather Channel just pronounced Con-Ed "coned."

I'm not even watching it and I bet I know who you're talking about. There was a lady on the weather channel the past few days who just seems clueless, and she was butchering names left and right and just generally seeming like she had no idea what she was doing.
posted by cashman at 12:06 PM on October 29, 2012

sio42, you will be OK. It doesn't look too bad for Harrisburg. Are you alone?
posted by zennie at 12:07 PM on October 29, 2012

Pictures of the storm in Ocean City, NJ.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:07 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Central Maryland again - wind is REALLY starting to rage. Husband moved cars from the driveway onto the street - there's a big-ass birch tree next to the driveway that is doing unnatural things in this wind, and it's not as bad as it's going to be yet!
posted by ersatzkat at 12:07 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Dear neighbors, could you please at least set your trash can upright, instead of letting it roll around and spew your trash all over the sidewalk? I know you're home, because you keep standing out on your stoop, pointedly ignoring your trash getting all over the place.
posted by mgar at 12:07 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Ali Velshi on CNN is standing in the middle of the street in Atlantic City with water standing in the street and a torrential rain falling....anddddd he almost blew over!!
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 12:07 PM on October 29, 2012

Checking in from Queens
Eating refried beans
We're in all the magazines
Gulpin down thorazines

Just got a call from my supervisor -- THREE DAY WEEKEND IS NOW A FOUR DAY WEEKEND, YO!!!! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
posted by jason's_planet at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Does that Atlantic City pigeon CNN keeps showing have a Twitter account yet?
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012

Here in Takoma Park I am sure we'll survive this hurricane, but I don't know if I can survive 3 days trapped inside with my 14-yo daughter.

Pray for us, if you're the praying kind.
posted by drlith at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Live video of crane
posted by The Whelk at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012

It is increasingly surreal to be reading this thread from the relative safety of -- wait for it -- New Orleans. Where the sun is out and it's 75 degrees.
posted by localroger at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

Cow
posted by humanfont at 12:08 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Southern RI: My favorite weatherman says this is the worst of it for wind for RI right now for next two hours should be 50-70 mph gusts. So far so good here.
posted by quodlibet at 12:09 PM on October 29, 2012

Hey, just found out that the photo of the crane was taken by a friend of mine.
posted by ericb at 12:09 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Crane is on NY1 right now. It is refusing comment.

Maybe its Spanish is not so good.
posted by jgirl at 12:09 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wait, so is trash going out tonight as per usual for tuesday morning pickup? That seems, um. Illogical.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:09 PM on October 29, 2012

Romney's cancelled all his events for the next 2 days.

Romney Reaches Out To Republican Governors; Democrats say he hasn't called.
posted by homunculus at 12:10 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

koeselitz, yeah, about 2-3 blocks away. I think my building may actually be part of the shot on NY1 right now. :P
posted by zarq at 12:10 PM on October 29, 2012

From ThePinkSuperhero's Pictures of the storm in Ocean City, NJ. link:

"No one is permitted on the beach at this time."
posted by marienbad at 12:10 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm watching some super-unorganized birds outside my window trying to flock in the wind. Must be freaky times for our bird-bretheren.
posted by ersatzkat at 12:10 PM on October 29, 2012

Wait, so is trash going out tonight as per usual for tuesday morning pickup?

NYS Department of Sanitation loves a challenge.
posted by zarq at 12:11 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Anyone else having problems with FIOS Digital Voice? I get a "sorry, your call can't be completed" message when I dial any number. My Virgin Mobile cell phone is dead too, but that thing gets the vapors pretty easily.

I'll probably go over to the Verizon FIOS forum and complain over there, not that it will do much good. Sometimes I wish I still had my copper line.
posted by Currer Belfry at 12:11 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wind is really starting to pick up here in the Bronx. Leaves are blowing off the trees straight up into the air like gravity doesn't matter.
posted by sciencegeek at 12:11 PM on October 29, 2012

that shit cray
posted by poffin boffin at 12:11 PM on October 29, 2012

The Whelk: “don;t worry guys Iron man is coming right?”

restless_nomad: “It'll be Thor, surely?”

Yeah, pretty sure it's Aquaman for this kind of stuff.

Basically, you probably shouldn't hold your breath, I guess.
posted by koeselitz at 12:11 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Meanwhile, far away and yet still affected, Chicago has winds N 21 gusting 33, and Gary, IN has N 27 gusting 41....

And the storm is 1000 miles away, and it's doing that.
posted by eriko at 12:12 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Live video of crane

I need to watch things die. From a good safe distance.
posted by cashman at 12:13 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Bed-Stuy here again. Went out for a smoke and saw the wind move a car a few inches. It's picking up.
posted by dysh at 12:14 PM on October 29, 2012

Officially joined Metafilter Toilet Science with a full bathtub of water.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 12:14 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

egads. ativan and whiskey, help me now.
(my escape bag is packed and by the door. i may have said that already. i'm really freaked out.
sio42- If you're living next to the train tracks (from your location), it's my recollection that that part of town was under water during Agnes. This might be worse than Agnes.
posted by MtDewd at 12:15 PM on October 29, 2012

There was a lady on the weather channel the past few days who just seems clueless

They're all just pawns in Cantore's game.

Wind is getting super serial here in Passaic County.
posted by mintcake! at 12:15 PM on October 29, 2012

FYI my water bathtub is turning my tiny bathroom into a sauna...the magick of science, I guess. Maybe it will come in handy if the heat goes out!
posted by sallybrown at 12:16 PM on October 29, 2012

Okay, the wind just got really scary. Either that or the Luftwaffe is about to begin strafing.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:17 PM on October 29, 2012

Finally called me back. Finishing immediate task and coming home. PHEW.
posted by sonika at 12:18 PM on October 29, 2012 [39 favorites]

The Whelk: “don;t worry guys Iron man is coming right?”
restless_nomad: “It'll be Thor, surely?”
koeselitz: Yeah, pretty sure it's Aquaman for this kind of stuff.

Nah, this is Storm's territory.
posted by royalsong at 12:19 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

What Happens When a Frankenstorm Hits the Madhouse
posted by homunculus at 12:19 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yeah, that photo was posted earlier, ericb – that's the same one Piers Morgan put on his twitter feed.

Yeah, the photo was taken by Jonathan Wald, Executive Producer for Piers Morgan. Jonathan and I were at summer camp together ages ago.
posted by ericb at 12:20 PM on October 29, 2012

(lets out sigh of relief for sonika)
posted by The Whelk at 12:20 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Whoa. Did anyone else in DC just get a feeling in their head like they crested the hill of a roller coaster? Was that air pressure dropping? Weird.
posted by EvaDestruction at 12:20 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Yay! Sonika I'm so happy to hear that. Be sure to report back when he makes it.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 12:23 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

wolverine would just get blown about like a small angry patio chair
posted by The Whelk at 12:23 PM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

The only serious preparation I've done, beyond pushing forward some grocery shopping and checking the flashlight, is to fill the bathtub. Because it could be the difference between flushing and not flushing the toilet. That's a big quality of life issue.
posted by benito.strauss at 12:24 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sonika - glad to hear it.
posted by dismas at 12:24 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just popping in here to say I hope everybody stays safe and warm. Cold and cloudy here in central NC. We're getting an early snowstorm in our western mountains they're blaming on Sandy. And yesterday we were going west on I-40, heading east were lines and lines of power company trucks.
posted by marxchivist at 12:24 PM on October 29, 2012

UPS GUY JUST DELIVERED THE AMAZON BOX

NOW WE HAVE A JUICER FOR HURRICANE COCKTAILS
posted by backseatpilot at 12:25 PM on October 29, 2012 [12 favorites]

Be careful of filled bathtubs if you have small children.
posted by zeikka at 12:26 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

sonika: Yay!
posted by rmd1023 at 12:26 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Heard a *whump* from outside. Our first branch came down. Whee.

I went out for a walk earlier in the afternoon and while it was too windy for my umbrella it was no so bad otherwise. Now we're watching the winds blow and hearing about the other side of town evacuating.
posted by Karmakaze at 12:26 PM on October 29, 2012

Forget Thor, Storm, et al...

We just need to find Rob McKenna and politely ask him to go somewhere else.
posted by eustacescrubb at 12:27 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

GOD but I hate all you people with days off work and cocktails. (Stupid essential worker status grumble grouch grump.)
posted by shiny blue object at 12:27 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Southern NJ, within sight of Philadelphia: We're on an upper floor of a 10 story apartment building and the wind is REALLY starting to beat against the building. Our power flickered once this afternoon. We have showered and I'm about to fill the tub juuuust in case.

Management just shoved a memo under everyone's door reminding us to take things inside from the balcony, that they're not responsible for damage to our personal possessions due to floods or winds, and "Should a hurricane watch/warning be issued for our area we will send another advisory letter to update you on the situation."

Uh...a bit late there guys...
posted by kimberussell at 12:28 PM on October 29, 2012

Well, dammit. The backyard greenhouse is now in the front yard, being held back by my laundry line. Please God, don't let the pigloo fly away. As of an hour ago, the piggies were warm and dry under all of that straw (to the point of being dusty!). Creek is on the rise. But we have the woodstove going, and we're all here together, so there's that. Please, folks, be safe.
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:28 PM on October 29, 2012 [9 favorites]

Hi Mass. folk, I don't know if you saw blahblahblah's post to the blue, but David Epstein's posts on boston.com are pretty informative. The latest one, posted around 3 p.m., says:

The sunset is around 5:30 this afternoon and it will get dark fast.That is also about the time time of the peak wind so it's really going to seem ferocious at that time.

Not to scare anyone, just the opposite - I like to know when the scares are coming!

Full post here.
posted by Currer Belfry at 12:29 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

I just wanted to say, good luck. We're all counting on you.

(Seriously, from a survivor of Hurricane Ike: Be safe! Stay away from fallen powerlines.)
posted by BeeDo at 12:29 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

As a nice nerdy aside, the ASL interpreter from before is Lydia Calas, who can also be seen interpreting in a video from earlier.
posted by lauranesson at 12:29 PM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

EvaDestruction, yep, and me too! The pressure has been dropping steadily since this business started.
posted by argonauta at 12:29 PM on October 29, 2012

ABC also has a live feed of the crane.
posted by zarq at 12:30 PM on October 29, 2012

NY Scanner ‏@NYScanner

Manhattan: FDNY at the One World Trade Center with a Crane on top of freedom tower broken.
posted by The Whelk at 12:31 PM on October 29, 2012

I just wanted to say, good luck. We're all counting on you.
posted by mudpuppie at 12:32 PM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

Typical New Yorkers. A crane breaks and dangles precariously 90 stories above the street, and people gather underneath it and look up.
posted by zarq at 12:33 PM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

A little freaky, but the One57 model on Google Earth includes the crane.
posted by dhartung at 12:34 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Yeah, they've been working on the building for a while. Long enough for the crane to look like a permanent fixture.
posted by zarq at 12:34 PM on October 29, 2012

I just went out down here near the Freedom Tower. There is a loud whistling/screeching noise that's been going on for hours. It's either coming from the subway, or from wind blowing in the tower. Hard to tell, it seems to be coming from everywhere.
posted by StickyCarpet at 12:37 PM on October 29, 2012

Maryland put a 45 MPH speed restriction on the highways.

Windy and raining, but it doesn't look like more than a normal storm so far. Maybe less so, since my wireless Internet connection is still up and Weather Alert Doggie is nonplussed.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 12:39 PM on October 29, 2012

Did anyone else hear the red dress lady on the weather channel say the North Carolina governor was "really getting hard"? No? Just me?
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:44 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

DC is about to start getting the worst of it (starting around 4 pm.) I feel like we're at the top of the rollercoaster and the people up front are screaming that the track ahead is broken but the rest of us are still wishing the ride would start and thinking this is going to be fun.
posted by anotherpanacea at 12:44 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

lights flickering here slightly less of Philly, FIOS keeps cutting out on my watching of MST3K, it's a bleeping tragedy
posted by angrycat at 12:45 PM on October 29, 2012

The North Carolina Governor is a woman so I don't know if that makes it better or worse.

Nothing is happening in Central NC. I am at work and it's cloudy outside. Sigh.
posted by something something at 12:47 PM on October 29, 2012

Back from my milk run here in Greenwich Village: Wind and rain still light; streets are empty but for our hardy homeless people. Gristedes supermarket on University Place is open and well-stocked. NYU kids are buying beer.
posted by nicwolff at 12:47 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Our little girl just turned 3, and she has just today learned to keep herself occupied with her toys. She has given a giant stuffed tiger emergency surgery with her doctor kit, enacted a raucus round of errand-getting with the inhabitants of the doll house, made special apple pie soup with her play kitchen, and is now merrily trend-setting with a magnetic dress-up doll set.

This is a miracle, as my wife is out of it with a stomach bug, and I'm working from home.

Also, she has just expressed her disappointment that there's no thunder, it's not a good storm without thunder.
posted by Slap*Happy at 12:47 PM on October 29, 2012 [11 favorites]

Make me proud Stonewall Inn, make me proud.
posted by The Whelk at 12:48 PM on October 29, 2012 [7 favorites]

The North Carolina Governor is a woman so I don't know if that makes it better or worse.

The whole sentence was "The governor of North Carolina is really getting hard, getting hit hard by the force of the storm" or something along those lines. She did a good job of picking up and moving on but I still giggled like an idiot.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:49 PM on October 29, 2012

Let us not speak of Bev Purdue. *shudder*
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 12:49 PM on October 29, 2012

Regarding your windows, we in tornado alley can tell you it's pretty rare for high winds alone to blow out even pretty shitty windows, even in high-rises ... roofs start ripping off things long before windows fail. It's the debris that's the problem; close the blinds and stay away from the windows if there's airborne debris. You can hang blankets and things over them, to help contain the glass shatter if the window breaks.

But even if it's super-rattly and fairly terrifying, the window will probably hold up just fine to the wind.

You guys are making me want liquor and cookies.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:51 PM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

Once again, Federal government offices in the DC area are closed tomorrow.
posted by malthas at 12:51 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

The prognosis is even creepier when announced by a computerized voice.
posted by mudpuppie at 12:52 PM on October 29, 2012

I really want cookies. Why did I not buy any cookies? All I have is healthy food.
posted by idest at 12:53 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Yikes, the pictures of the crane collapse in NYC are making me paranoid about the stability of the giant crane a block away from me in downtown Bethesda, MD. That thing doesn't look like it's going to hold up to 75 MPH winds...
posted by rhymeswithcheery at 12:53 PM on October 29, 2012

Wind and rain just started getting serious here in Rochester, NY. My building is closed tomorrow and we're supposed to work from home (if we have power and/or Internet). The Red Cross has shelters open already, area fire departments are on standby and the amateur radio ARES/RACES group has been activated to support the Red Cross.
posted by tommasz at 12:53 PM on October 29, 2012

Boston.com's Live Blog poll:
How are conditions where you are now?
Bad
Worse
Worst

Uh, I really wanted to contribute to this poll but I don't think I understand it.
posted by bobobox at 12:53 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

DC government (city government) is closed as well.
posted by inigo2 at 12:54 PM on October 29, 2012

MICROWAVE MUG BROWNIES WHILE YOU CAN, PEOPLE.
posted by iamkimiam at 12:54 PM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Maybe it's cause I just re-watched Contagion but the live feed of the National Guard (I assume?) prepping their trucks and supplies is both distressing and comforting.
posted by The Whelk at 12:55 PM on October 29, 2012

That crane must be rated for lifts of several tons. Now the wind collapses the boom... WTF?
posted by Huplescat at 12:55 PM on October 29, 2012

I really want cookies. Why did I not buy any cookies? All I have is healthy food.

I know, right? What was I thinking not getting all the Doritos in the world? Sometimes an apple is just not enough. My husband is desperate to go out anyway, I might send him on a Doritos finding mission.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:55 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Live crane cam
posted by maggieb at 12:55 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Power flickering a little, but nothing seriously threatening yet. Toddler in solitary for losing his damn mind repeatedly. Realizing I should have bought more Goldfish crackers as I don't think I have enough to ration out for days.

Husband not home yet, but I'm not calling in case he's on the road as I'm sure it's going to take him a while and he'll need to concentrate. Will update from my phone when he gets here if power is out at that point.
posted by sonika at 12:56 PM on October 29, 2012

TELESCOPE PHOTO OF CRANE

AHHHHHHH
posted by The Whelk at 12:56 PM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

Yeah, the whole crane thing has me remembering being in the CNA tower in Chicago at night (24/7 support situation) during a bad storm. The building was being repainted and some painters' rigging came loose and started flopping wildly against our windows -- I think we were on the 18th floor. My colleagues were all jokey, but I had more paperwork than they did, and as a precaution I moved it into the next room. I couldn't imagine the prospect of recreating those records if half of them blew out into the Loop. The window survived, in the end.
posted by dhartung at 12:56 PM on October 29, 2012

Lights flickering. How long can these electric lines last....?
posted by caddis at 12:57 PM on October 29, 2012

The Whelk, you must follow the same twitter feeds I do; every time I see a tweet with info & come to this thread, you've just posted it.
posted by eustacescrubb at 12:57 PM on October 29, 2012

iamkimiam, printing recipe NOW.
posted by Currer Belfry at 12:57 PM on October 29, 2012

I know, right? What was I thinking not getting all the Doritos in the world? Sometimes an apple is just not enough. My husband is desperate to go out anyway, I might send him on a Doritos finding mission.

Could you have him swing by my place with some Red Hot Blues? And cookies?
posted by idest at 12:57 PM on October 29, 2012

Clearly.
posted by The Whelk at 12:57 PM on October 29, 2012

Friend of mine has a crane photo from his hotel room.

I think if I was close enough to take that picture, I would probably GTFO as they say.
posted by zempf at 12:58 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

You got it, babe.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:58 PM on October 29, 2012

That man of yours is a good one. I'll be expecting him.
posted by idest at 1:00 PM on October 29, 2012

Maryland's Bay Bridge is now closed.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 1:00 PM on October 29, 2012

NY Scanner ‏@NYScanner

U/D Manhattan: *3 Alarm* Box 916 at 157 West 57 St 3 Alarm being transmitted for the Crane that is about the fall onto the street.
posted by The Whelk at 1:00 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Minor leak in the basement. Crap.
posted by josher71 at 1:00 PM on October 29, 2012

Reading all this has made me nervous.

It's still sunny and clear here in Las Vegas, but I'm wondering if I should go home anyway.

posted by mmrtnt at 1:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

I am, in fact, weirdly jealous of everyone that's holed up with something interestingly terrifying going on. You all with your excitement and your four day weekends and your boozeahol.

I'm not, however, jealous of the whole threat-to-life-limb-and-property. Please stay safe, everyone. Candles will be lit for you here.
posted by WidgetAlley at 1:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Don't know if this information will be useful to anyone at all, but I just wanted to point out that, if you're looking for scary horror movies, John Carpenter's best is probably The Fog. It's actually a fair bit more chilling than Halloween, I happen to think. And it incidentally happens to be about a natural-disaster-based horror that rolls in from the ocean and terrorizes a seaside town. Also, it's available for streaming on Netflix.

Just trying to do whatever I can to help out.
posted by koeselitz at 1:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

Why did I not buy any sweet or savory junk food? How come I decided to be good and only get reasonably healthy things?? I don't care if my Trader Joe's fiber bars have chocolate on them THEY ARE NOT DESSERT.
posted by booksherpa at 1:02 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

My power is cutting out once every five minutes or so now. Might be near the end of news access for me...
posted by pemberkins at 1:03 PM on October 29, 2012

Oddly quiet and calm in the Fredericksburg VA at the moment. My wife sent me out to get the mail as USPS did deliver today. I really didn't get wet. I expect all hell to break loose any minute.
posted by COD at 1:03 PM on October 29, 2012

what the. crane cam is now showing some guy talking. I WANT CRANE CAM.
posted by Stynxno at 1:03 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

you and me both mmrtnt. I'm in Michigan but I have loved ones in Connecticut (who's been evacuated) and Maryland.
posted by royalsong at 1:04 PM on October 29, 2012

I can't get sound on the no-crane crane cam.
posted by dhartung at 1:04 PM on October 29, 2012

Lol crane jokes.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Why did I not buy any sweet or savory junk food? How come I decided to be good and only get reasonably healthy things?? I don't care if my Trader Joe's fiber bars have chocolate on them THEY ARE NOT DESSERT. Yes, the one thing I have learned while waiting out stores is one can not have enough junk food...and alcohol...lots of alcohol.
posted by govtdrone at 1:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sandy in Hell's Kitchen.
posted by nickyskye at 1:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

WCVB just posted on Facebook a photo of a billboard atop a building near Fenway that has been ripped down.
posted by ericb at 1:05 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Sound just kicked in on the interview on the crane cam.
posted by COD at 1:05 PM on October 29, 2012

Not only is this thread reminding me to update my emergency earthquake supplies, I am realizing that my current stock of emergency supplies lacks both booze and chocolate. I am woefully unprepared in that regard. Also, cheeze doodles.

The more you know...

Hope everyone stays safe.
posted by ambrosia at 1:06 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Greenpoint: Dark Sky says "Possible light rain in 4 minutes."
posted by eustacescrubb at 1:06 PM on October 29, 2012

Crap, all I have is peanut oil for the mug brownies. I don't think olive oil or walnut oil would work very well, and I am NOT melting Crisco. Will post the results for posterity.
posted by Currer Belfry at 1:07 PM on October 29, 2012

Right now, my favorite sound is hearing the sump pump in my basement go on, run for a short time, and shut off. It means everything is running and in control. Fuck yeah.

Also, I just got word that my relative who lives near south coast on Cape Cod has left the damned house and gone to stay with a friend further inland. Fuck yeah^2.
posted by rmd1023 at 1:08 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

All the bridges closing at 7 tonight sounds like.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:08 PM on October 29, 2012

For us, the toll thus far: 1blunt, 1 chicken parm/prosciutto sub with cheese, 1 Box of canollis, 1 Big ginger ale, 1 thing of brownie & cheesecake ice cream...when will end?
posted by shushufindi at 1:09 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Climate Change: "Do you see what happens, Larry? Do you see what happens when you F*** A STRANGER IN THE A**?!!!"
posted by nowhere man at 1:09 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just saw that most of Atlantic City is under water. Gee, the Donald could have taken his $5 million and used it for infrastructure improvements instead of going on and on about Obama's college transcripts, etc. but that might not have gotten him all the attention he craves.
posted by govtdrone at 1:10 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Is my headache from too many special brownies or the dropping pressure
posted by angrycat at 1:10 PM on October 29, 2012

This just posted to my local DFW FB scanner account: firefighters battle a LI housefire in the middle of a flood.
posted by emjaybee at 1:10 PM on October 29, 2012

THAT'S RIGHT SHE'S INTO THE BROWNIES HA HA HA YOU ALL ARE DOOMED
posted by angrycat at 1:11 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?!
posted by MaritaCov at 1:11 PM on October 29, 2012 [13 favorites]

Pressure drop just whonged my sinuses. Wow.
posted by sciencegeek at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2012

It's too early for bourbon right?
posted by The Whelk at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2012

I thought it was "fellate a stranger in the attic."
posted by eustacescrubb at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2012

nickyskye: “Sandy in Hell's Kitchen.”

(Psst – that first image of the statue of liberty has been discredited as fake; it's from a movie, although I forget which one. Here's a legitimate Statue of Liberty pic.)
posted by koeselitz at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

Why did I not buy any sweet or savory junk food? How come I decided to be good and only get reasonably healthy things?? I don't care if my Trader Joe's fiber bars have chocolate on them THEY ARE NOT DESSERT.

You and me and The PinkSuperhero make three.
posted by idest at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2012

It's too early for bourbon right?

It is never too early for bourbon.
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

It is never too early for bourbon. Nor too late.
posted by argonauta at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

It's too early for bourbon right?

When the stormclouds are grey
It's a bourbon day.
posted by emjaybee at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

It's too early for bourbon right?

Sun's over the yardarm *somewhere* on the planet.
posted by eriko at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2012

Bridges will close when we hit 60 mph.

Tappan Zee Bridge closed.
posted by ericb at 1:14 PM on October 29, 2012

It's too early for bourbon right?

I WAS LITERALLY JUST CONTEMPLATING THIS
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:14 PM on October 29, 2012

It's too early for bourbon right?

I'm on white russian #2...
posted by eustacescrubb at 1:14 PM on October 29, 2012

I have the end of a pitcher of Tropical Storms from last night...
posted by ersatzkat at 1:15 PM on October 29, 2012

MSNBC just reported that the midtown crane collapsed in just 20 m.p.h. winds (with occasional 30 - 40 m.p.h. gusts).
posted by ericb at 1:15 PM on October 29, 2012

> It's too early for bourbon right?

Oh hey, has The Whelk's account been hacked? Can someone local go check on him?
posted by rtha at 1:15 PM on October 29, 2012 [10 favorites]

I've been working through my rum for the last hour. Unfortunately no passion fruit, so I cant make a Hurricane.
posted by modernserf at 1:16 PM on October 29, 2012

If whelks drinkin I'm drinkin. Didn't buy ginger ale for nothing.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:16 PM on October 29, 2012

Crap, all I have is peanut oil for the mug brownies. I don't think olive oil or walnut oil would work very well, and I am NOT melting Crisco. Will post the results for posterity.

Go for the olive oil! There are some nice brownie recipes that use olive oil. I'd also imagine that walnut oil could work, it would have a great flavor.
posted by lyra4 at 1:16 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

NOAA station at Logan is reporting gusts of 60 mph as of 3:54 p.m.
posted by Currer Belfry at 1:16 PM on October 29, 2012

Ugh I wish I'd bought bourbon! I have beer but no liquor, and you can't add beer to hot chocolate.
posted by dismas at 1:17 PM on October 29, 2012

Nothing to report from Greenpoint except that my landlord put sandbags against the front door, so I'm not going anywhere! Also I am making sausage and peppers. That is all.
posted by silverstatue at 1:17 PM on October 29, 2012

Let it be known that if you have rum and ginger ale and you're NOT drinking a Dark N Stormy right now, I'm judging you.
posted by WidgetAlley at 1:17 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

It's too early for bourbon right?

Nope ... it's 5:18 p.m. out in the Atlantic ... time for cocktails!

Vodka and Lemonade here.
posted by ericb at 1:18 PM on October 29, 2012

Richmond is chilly ands rainy, but not too bad. Employer went to code red at 3 today, and I'm hoping it will stick tomorrow too.
posted by emelenjr at 1:18 PM on October 29, 2012

Some of my brilliant neighbors are lighting off fireworks.
posted by nowhere man at 1:18 PM on October 29, 2012

lyra4, hmmm, maybe I should give one of those other oils a try.

And there's nothing that says that I should stop at ONE mug brownie, after all!
posted by Currer Belfry at 1:18 PM on October 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Huh. My Dark Sky app now crashes when I try to start it. Sandy must be too much for it.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 1:20 PM on October 29, 2012

And there has to be a Greenpoint meetup very soon. All these neighbors popping up on metafilter are making me happy :)
posted by silverstatue at 1:20 PM on October 29, 2012

If there's one thing I've learned from this hurricane, it's that there are hella MeFites in Greenpoint. Meetup in Matchless or The Pencil Factory if we survive all this light rain?
posted by eustacescrubb at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

There's an official Dark N Stormy that's trademarked and everything, but I've never actually had one. I make mine like this:

1.) Take a tall glass. Put in ice.
2.) Put in rum until it looks like slightly more than you really think is a good idea.
3.) Put in ginger ale.
4.) Squeeze in lime.
5.) Consume. Aaah.
posted by WidgetAlley at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012 [8 favorites]

Philly -- rain is picking up and gusts are wincingly loud. Time to nervous-bake some cookies and snuggle with the freaked-out kitty.
posted by coppermoss at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012

My current mood
posted by The Whelk at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]

I tried that NYC Google Group but I got like 1600 emails a day and had to un-join.
posted by eustacescrubb at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm in York, PA and my mailman rang my doorbell about an hour ago with (wet) packages for me.
posted by MegoSteve at 1:21 PM on October 29, 2012

It's too early for bourbon right?

My half empty glass says no. I went the Manhattan route. In solidarity. Or maybe just because they're tasty. Something like that.
posted by bowmaniac at 1:22 PM on October 29, 2012

I thought a dark -n- stormy is made with ginger beer, not ale.

(*whump* second branch lands on roof.)
posted by Karmakaze at 1:22 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yield 1 drink:

Ingredients

Ice
1/4 lime, cut into two thick slices, one for garnish, one to squeeze over the ice (optional)
2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Bermuda black rum
4 ounces ginger beer (Gosling's makes one just for this purpose)

Method

Fill a highball glass with ice. If using lime, squeeze a slice over the ice. Add the Gosling's rum. Add the ginger beer and place a slice of lime on the rim of the glass for a garnish.
posted by ersatzkat at 1:22 PM on October 29, 2012 [6 favorites]

I now wish I had been less brave and gone over to spend the hurricane with other people. Loud wind in the dark may be too much for me....
posted by Unred at 1:23 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I got like 1600 emails a day

You can adjust the email frequency. I get one "digest" email per day.
posted by davidjmcgee at 1:23 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

...and ginger beer makes more difference than the Gosling's brand rum. Just use any dark rum.
posted by ersatzkat at 1:23 PM on October 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

eustacescrubb: I tried that NYC Google Group but I got like 1600 emails a day and had to un-join.

You can set it so you just get a single summary mail every day or nothing at all. Click My Membership to change these settings.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:24 PM on October 29, 2012

Ersatzkat has the 'real' version, listen to them if you can find those ingredients. Down here in this crappy military town in Tennessee, the only ginger beer we have is Reed's, and it's almost $10 a pack. So I substitute (I will sometimes add extra ginger syrup, which is very very easy-- melt equal parts sugar and water in a small pot and add a bunch of grated ginger root. Keep it on low heat for a while. Stir it some. Get out as much of the ginger root as you can via cheesecloth. Add to just about everything.)
posted by WidgetAlley at 1:24 PM on October 29, 2012 [3 favorites]

lyra4, hmmm, maybe I should give one of those other oils a try.

And there's nothing that says that I should stop at ONE mug brownie, after all!

Taste test ... for science!
posted by bowmaniac at 1:25 PM on October 29, 2012

Crap, all I have is peanut oil for the mug brownies.

Peanut flavouring with chocolate brownies? That'll never work.
posted by jacalata at 1:25 PM on October 29, 2012 [4 favorites]