Recognizing Sandy 2012

On October 29, NOAA Research remembers and recognizes Sandy, a monstrous storm in 2012 that pummeled the Caribbean and along the US East Coast particularly focused its deadly energy on the Northeast Atlantic. Sandy was a complex storm, generating in excess of eight feet of storm surge and up to three feet of snow in some places. Seventy two deaths across eight states were attributed to Sandy, and at least 75 indirect deaths.  Nearly 1,000 miles in diameter, it was among the largest storms ever to strike the United States and is on record as second-costliest after Hurricane Katrina, with damages estimated at $65 billion. 

The storm caused impacts in 24 states and stands as a stark reminder that hurricane season does not conclude at summer's end, and Atlantic tropical systems are not just limited to southeastern states or the Gulf of Mexico.

Timely and accurate forecasts from NOAA's National Weather Service in collaboration with NOAA Research and other industry partners provided nearly six days of advance warning and likely saved many lives. Although forecasting efforts were successful, Sandy presented new challenges and lessons to research and operational communities.

Subsequently, Congress passed the Sandy Supplemental Appropriation which was signed into law on January 29, 2013 as part of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013.

An overview of how NOAA Research is applying this funding can be found here. Additional links documenting reaction and response to Sandy are also provided below.