Americas News
Frankenstorm Sandy Heads for the East Coast
The U.S. East Coast is bracing itself for the impact of so-called Frankenstorm Sandy, with forecasters today warning it could have a bigger impact than last years Hurricane Irene that caused some $15.6 billion in damage and left 47 dead.
The storm is currently moving northwards from the Bahamas parallel to the U.S. coast but on Tuesday is predicted to collide with cold fronts from the north drawing it west onto land.
If that happens, there was "no doubt" that Sandy could effect deliveries, a bunker supplier on the coast told Ship & Bunker.
New York's governor Andrew Cuomo today declared a state of emergency ahead of the predicted arrival, saying they were "working with federal and local partners to follow storm developments and organize a coordinated response plan."
"As we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York State, I am activating all levels of state government to prepare for any potential impacts," Governor Cuomo said.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said evacuations of coastal neighbourhoods was a possibility, adding it was a "very dangerous storm" and that people "should pay attention to the various media outlets."
Whether or not the storm will make landfall is still uncertain though.
"At the moment this storm could be a time when we say, 'boy, it's raining,' and nothing more. Let's hope that's the case," Bloomberg said.
