Hurricane Sandy churned through the Atlantic Ocean on Monday en route to what forecasters agreed would be a devastating landfall that is expected to paralyze life for millions of people in more than a half-dozen states in the Northeast, with widespread power failures, a halt in transportation systems and extensive evacuations.
The huge storm, which has been picking up speed over water, was producing sustained winds of 90 miles per hour by 11 a.m., up from 75 m.p.h. on Sunday night, an indication of continual strengthening. Earlier on Monday, the center of Hurricane Sandy made its expected turn toward the New Jersey coast. The National Hurricane Center said the center of the storm was now moving north northwest at 18 m.p.h. […]
President Obama is back in the White House today, having abandoned his re-election campaign temporarily in order to deal with the storm. From President Obama on Frankenstorm Sandy:
This is a serious storm, but we are going to do what it takes to keep people safe and secure, and make sure the communities affected get the assistance they need. FEMA is working with state and local governments to respond effectively. We all owe a debt of thanks to the first responders who will be dealing with the immediate impact of the storm.
If you live in the storm's path, please listen to state and local authorities about where and how to take shelter and stay safe -- and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
If you are asked to evacuate, please take that seriously.
For more information on how to prepare for this storm, visit Ready.gov.
And if you'd like to find out how to support relief efforts where they're needed most, please visit the Red Cross or your local relief organization:
http://my.barackobama.com/Red-CrossMichelle and I are keeping everyone in the affected areas in our thoughts and prayers. Be safe.
Barack
This thing is being billed as a real monster, a “frankenstorm” if you will, so please take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
If you’re interested in how Sandy might affect the election, Nate Silver breaks it down.
If you’re curious as to what constitutes a “frankenstorm”, Joe Romm has the info.
Think Progress has related articles:
. Hurricane Sandy: The Worst-Case Scenario For New York City Is Unimaginable
. How House Republicans Would Make It Harder To Provide Hurricane Relief
. Trenberth: Hurricane Sandy Mixes Super-Storm Conditions With Climate Change
. How Romney And Ryan Would Severely Impair Disaster Relief Efforts
Image credit: Steve Helber/Associated Press
