Bryan Norcross on the expected Hurricane Sandy storm surge.
Waves of 10 to 20 feet on TOP of the storm surge and the tide are forecast for the south-facing beaches of Long Island. This will likely be the highest water and the most damage in many decades. On the north shore of Long Island and the south shores of Connecticut and Rhode Island, the water will be exceptionally high as well – likely exceeding Irene, which did major damage. Evacuations have been ordered. And water levels exceeding Irene are expected at many locations along the coast.
Hurricane Sandy spins counter clockwise. The track of the storm means the northeast quadrant where the wind and waves move in the same direction will funnel the storm surge towards New York City, on the ocean side and through Long Island Sound.