This morning, New York found itself in the storm’s center as hurricane Irene prompted an unprecedented city shutdown, leading hundreds of thousands to flee in fear, uprooting trees and leaving millions without electricity.
After the hurricane battered its way up the East Coast, Manhattan transformed into a ghost town, with deserted streets.
Severe flooding fears arose from heavy rains, leaving 200,000 New Yorkers without power, particularly residents of Staten Island, Queens, and the outer suburbs as hurricane Irene tore through the city.
Experts warned that a storm surge on the outskirts of Lower Manhattan might inundate the network of underground vaults containing the city’s utilities, potentially knocking out power for thousands and incapacitating Wall Street, Ground Zero, and the luxury high-rise residences of Battery Park City. The possibility of tornadoes was also raised.
So far, the devastating impact of hurricane Irene has resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including two children. An 11-year-old boy in Virginia lost his life when a tree collapsed onto the roof of his home, while another child died in a car accident in North Carolina at an intersection where traffic signals failed.
Over three million people from South Carolina to Maryland experienced power outages as the enormous 580-mile-wide storm unleashed widespread flooding and strong winds that toppled power lines.
In an extraordinary action, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg mandated the evacuation of five hospitals most vulnerable to the hurricane’s impact. This extensive operation took place over a duration of 12 hours on Friday, involving the relocation of intensive care patients and premature infants in their incubators. Only ten patients remained at New York University Hospital due to their critical conditions, as moving them was deemed riskier.
In New Jersey, nearly half a million homes lost power, with utility companies indicating that restoration could take several days. New York, New Jersey, and Long Island remained on high alert for tornado occurrences. The Passaic River in New Jersey faced the risk of overflowing if heavy rains persisted.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that emergency shelters established for those escaping the storm would welcome pets.
He stated: ‘If you have your pet, bring them with you. No one should remain in their homes in endangered areas just because they feel they cannot take their pets along.’
A nuclear reactor in Maryland was shut down following reports that flying debris had damaged a transformer. Constellation Energy Nuclear Group referred to it as a low-level emergency, assuring that the facility remained stable. Communications director Mark Sullivan confirmed there was no danger to employees or local residents.
City officials cautioned that if Irene maintained its course, it could produce wind gusts of 85 mph overnight, potentially shattering windows in skyscrapers.
Floodwaters necessitated the evacuation of a storm shelter in Hoboken, located across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
‘Hoboken is facing the worst-case scenario. Flooding has commenced. We are relocating Wallace Shelter residents to the state shelter in East Rutherford,’ Mayor Dawn Zimmer communicated via Twitter.
Due to the risk of flooding in the tunnels, all subway services were suspended — marking the first occasion that the nation’s largest system experienced such a halt.The transit system has been shut down as a result of a natural disaster, with sandbags and tarps placed around subway grates.
In a proactive measure, authorities have closed both the Port of New York and the Port for Long Island Sound. Additionally, the entrance to the George Washington Bridge from the Palisades Interstate Parkway has been closed, as the city faces the worst weather conditions since the 1980s.
During his final address at 10:30 pm on Saturday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a tornado warning for New York, stating that it was too late for evacuations. He urged residents to remain indoors and prepare for the storm.
Mayor Bloomberg cautioned the city’s eight million residents that the storm surge expected at 8 am could result in widespread power outages.
He declared: “The edge of the hurricane has finally reached us. As tempting as it may be to say ‘I was outside during the storm’ … stay indoors. Our primary concern is minimizing harm to human lives, followed by property, but it is the safety of people that we truly worry about.”
The Mayor emphasized the life-threatening nature of the storm Irene, advising residents to avoid the risks of flying debris, flooding, or being electrocuted by downed power lines by staying inside.
While he acknowledged the dangers outside, he also affirmed: ‘New York is the greatest city in the world, and we will endure this storm.’
Times Square, known as the crossroads of the world, was largely deserted as stores boarded their windows and placed sandbags at entrances.
“We just came to see how few people are in Times Square and then we’re going back,” stated Cheryl Gibson, a visitor to the city.
Construction activities ceased, with workers at the World Trade Centre site dismantling a crane and securing equipment. Mayor Bloomberg reassured that there would be no impact on the September 11 Memorial’s opening, which is set to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
Con Edison mobilized hundreds of additional utility workers from across the country. Although Lower Manhattan has protective measures in place, vice president John Mucci noted they were prepared to disconnect power for about 6,500 customers if severe flooding occurred. He warned that restoring power could take up to three days if cables were submerged in saltwater.
A representative from the New York Stock Exchange confirmed their readiness for the worst, equipped with backup generators.
Authorities ordered 370,000 residents from low-lying neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to evacuate. Nevertheless, many chose to stay. Nicholas Vigliotti, 24, an auditor residing in a high-rise along the Brooklyn waterfront, expressed his reluctance, stating there seemed to be no need.
“Even if there was a flood, I live on the fifth floor,” he remarked.
Just hours earlier, the usually lively streets had cleared, and the sounds of the subway had fallen silent.
Many residents appeared to be embracing the situation, avoiding the streets while preparing for hurricane-themed gatherings and hot tub parties.
“We already have the wine and beer, and now we’re getting the vodka,” mentioned Martin Murphy, a video artist shopping at a liquor store near Central Park with his girlfriend. “If it lasts, we have dozens of movies ready, and we’ll play charades, plus we’re going to make cards that say, ‘We survived Irene.’”
by Robbo Green
