Sandy #7: Andrew Cuomo says "Last Chance" to get out

Hello again, Freeport,

So far, no darkness here at my Hurricane Hideaway (my girlfriend's).  Here's the latest...

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Governor Andrew Cuomo, Nassau Executive Ed Mangano, and Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone (namecheck?) just finished up a presentation, along with other emergency management officials, as to what the status of the area is.  Here's what we know...

 - After ignoring a mandatory evacuation notice, a number of Fire Island residents realized they were indeed crazy and started requesting aid in evacuating.  Fourteen were successfully rescued, at the cost of only an emergency vehicle.  Others were not candidates for assistance, and have been abandoned.  This emphasizes very clearly how serious this storm is.

 - Governor Cuomo has already closed the Tappan-Zee Bridge, and many others (including the Throgg's Neck) are closing around 7:00, if not earlier.  In short, many of the ways off of Long Island are being shut down.  If you want to get off the island, now is the time.

 - The Hurricane is reaching land a little earlier than planned.  This means it may leave a little earlier, maybe, but there's no way to be sure.

 - Approximately two thousand National Guardsmen have been called up in NYS; one thousand are recently activated, and many of them are headed to Long Island to help out.

 - Finally, and most importantly, if you want to get out of the flood zones, you have maybe another thirty minutes.  Find a friend, a family member, or a local shelter.  Get out.  If you were thinking of riding this storm out, you might well be wrong.  Especially if you are not experienced at this kind of thing; get out.  Just do it.  You aren't the only one you're responsible for; if you later need help, you're putting rescue personnel at risk.

Some other facts and news tidbits...

 - ABC News:  An old boat sunk off-shore.  14/16 of the crew have been found, but two are still missing.

 - To the best of my knowledge, the damaged crane in NYC is still clinging on to it's building.

 - We're getting a lot of wind on Long Island; New Jersey is getting a lot of the rain.

- About 200,000 without power in the region.  Con Edison may choose to shut down some areas of NYC if there is risk to the basic infrastructure.  I've heard reports of 10,000,000 people standing at risk of losing power for at least some time.



Be safe.