Coastal Flood History
Sandy Storm Surge Lessons: Coastal Flooding, Power Outages, Transit, and Evacuation
Lessons from Sandy, including storm surge, coastal flooding, power outages, transit disruption, evacuation, and Northeast vulnerability.
Quick answer: Sandy showed that large coastal storms can produce severe surge, flooding, and infrastructure disruption outside the classic hurricane mindset.
Surge and size
Storm size, track, tides, and coastal shape all influenced water levels.
Category alone did not describe the risk.
Infrastructure
Transit, power, tunnels, hospitals, and coastal neighborhoods were vulnerable to flooding.
Urban infrastructure can amplify impacts.
Preparedness
Coastal flood maps, evacuation zones, backup power, and communication became major lessons.
Northeast coastal storms need serious preparation.