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This Is Google’s Interactive ‘Crisis Map’ — A Real-Time Tool That Will Help You Prepare for & Monitor Hurricane Sandy

Oct. 29, 2012 7:00am

​Editor’s note: We discussed the topic during our 1pm ET BlazeCast. Watch below:

NEW YORK (TheBlaze/AP) — Hurricane Sandy bore down on the Eastern Seaboard’s largest cities Monday, forcing the shutdown of mass transit, schools and financial markets, sending coastal residents fleeing, and threatening a dangerous mix of high winds, soaking rain and a surging wall of water up to 11 feet tall.

Sandy strengthened before dawn and stayed on a predicted path toward Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York – putting it on a collision course with two other weather systems that would create a superstorm with the potential for havoc over 800 miles from the East Coast to the Great Lakes. About 2 to 3 feet of snow were even forecast for mountainous parts of West Virginia. The tempest could endanger up to 50 million people for days.

Due to the widespread nature of the storm and the potential calamity it will bring to the East Coast, Google has developed a “Crisis Map” that provides real-time information about where the storm is moving. TheNextWeb.com has more about the map, which was produced by Google’s Crisis Response Team:

To help people monitor the size of this storm, Google has rolled out an interactive map so you can trace Sandy’s path through the country. In addition to tracking, you can get public alerts such as evacuation notices, storm warnings and more through the US government’s weather website. Radar and cloud imagery, evacuation routes and information, shelter locations, and storm footage curated by Storyful, will be available.

As the storm approaches, this map will be incredibly helpful for those of us away from the affected area, but have friends and family in the hurricane’s path. You can monitor the situation and if there are evacuations, you will know without having to try and reach your loved ones by phone — in most cases, the phone lines will be congested and it’s advised to say off of them to allow for emergency calls to get through.

TheBlaze has embedded this interactive map, below:

Many workers planned to stay home Monday as subways, buses and trains shut down across the region under the threat of flooding that could inundate tracks and tunnels. Airports also closed, and authorities warned that the time for evacuation was running out or already past. Utilities brought in extra crews, anticipating widespread power failures.

The center of the storm was positioned to come ashore Monday night in New Jersey, meaning the worst of the surge could be in the northern part of that state and in New York City and on Long Island. Higher tides brought by a full moon compounded the threat to the metropolitan area of about 20 million people.

“This is the worst-case scenario,” said Louis Uccellini, environmental prediction chief for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As rain from the leading edges began to fall over the Northeast on Sunday, hundreds of thousands of people from Maryland to Connecticut were ordered to leave low-lying coastal areas, including 375,000 in lower Manhattan and other parts of New York City, 50,000 in Delaware and 30,000 in Atlantic City, N.J., where the city’s 12 casinos shut down for only the fourth time ever.

“I think this one’s going to do us in,” said Mark Palazzolo, who boarded up his bait-and-tackle shop in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., with the same wood he used in past storms, crossing out the names of Hurricanes Isaac and Irene and spray-painting “Sandy” next to them. “I got a call from a friend of mine from Florida last night who said, `Mark, get out! If it’s not the storm, it’ll be the aftermath. People are going to be fighting in the streets over gasoline and food.’”

See live Weather Channel coverage of the storm:

President Barack Obama declared emergencies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, authorizing federal relief work to begin well ahead of time. He promised the government would “respond big and respond fast” after the storm hits.

“My message to the governors as well as to the mayors is anything they need, we will be there, and we will cut through red tape,” Obama said. “We are not going to get bogged down with a lot of rules.”

Authorities warned that New York could get hit with a surge of seawater that could swamp parts of lower Manhattan, flood subway tunnels and cripple the network of electrical and communications lines that are vital to the nation’s financial center.

Major U.S. financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and CME Group in Chicago, planned a rare shutdown Monday. The NYSE closed on Sept. 27, 1985, for Hurricane Gloria. The United Nations also shut down and canceled all meetings at its New York headquarters.

The New York City-specific crisis map is below:

New York called off school Monday for the city’s 1.1 million students and announced it would suspend all train, bus and subway service Sunday night. More than 5 million riders a day depend on the transit system.

“If you don’t evacuate, you are not only endangering your life, you are also endangering the lives of the first responders who are going in to rescue you,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned. “This is a serious and dangerous storm.”

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was typically blunt: “Don’t be stupid. Get out.”

Wary of being seen as putting their political pursuits ahead of public safety, Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney reshuffled campaign plans as the storm approached.

In Virginia, one of the most competitive states, election officials eased absentee voting requirements for those affected by the storm. Early voting was canceled Monday in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Sandy, a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph early Monday, was blamed for 65 deaths in the Caribbean before it began traveling northward, parallel to the Eastern Seaboard. As of 5 a.m. Monday, it was centered about 385 miles south-southeast of New York City, moving to the north at 15 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending an unusual 175 miles from its center.

Gale-force winds blew overnight over coastal North Carolina, southeastern Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula and coastal New Jersey.

Sandy was expected to hook inland Monday, colliding with a wintry storm moving in from the west and cold air streaming down from the Arctic, and then cut across into Pennsylvania and travel up through New York state.

Forecasters said the combination could bring close to a foot of rain in places, a potentially lethal storm surge of 4 to 11 feet across much of the region, and punishing winds that could cause widespread power outages that last for days. The storm could also dump up to 2 feet of snow in Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia.

Airlines canceled nearly 7,500 flights and Amtrak began suspending train service across the Northeast. New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore moved to shut down their subways, buses and trains. Those cities shut down their schools, as did Boston. Non-essential government offices closed in the nation’s capital.

Pennsylvania’s largest utilities brought in hundreds of line and tree-trimming crews in anticipation of several days of power failures or intentional shutdowns in areas with heavy flooding.

In New Jersey, where utilities were widely criticized last year for slow responses after the remnants of storms Irene and Lee, authorities promised a better performance. Bob Hanna, president of the state’s Board of Public Utilities, noted that this storm has the potential to threaten even large transmission lines.

Nearly 100 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., a replica of the tall ship made famous in the film “Mutiny on the Bounty” was taking on water and without propulsion with 17 people aboard, the Coast Guard said. Officials were monitoring the situation early Monday.

On Sunday evening in Rehoboth, Del., only a few cars rolled along Route 1, an artery that is often bumper-to-bumper in summer.

“We were told to get the heck out. I was going to stay, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Hugh Phillips, who was one of the first in line when a Red Cross shelter opened Sunday afternoon in neighboring Lewes.

Despite the dire warnings, some refused to budge.

Jonas Clark of Manchester Township, N.J. – right in Sandy’s projected path – stood outside a convenience store, calmly sipping a coffee and wondering why people were working themselves “into a tizzy.”

“I’ve seen a lot of major storms in my time, and there’s nothing you can do but take reasonable precautions and ride out things the best you can,” said Clark, 73.

The storm threatened to drench areas still recovering from last year’s deluges.

In Pompton Lakes, N.J., where record flooding inundated homes a year ago, some residents were already putting belongings out near the curb in advance of the storm.

“They’re figuring, divide and conquer,” said resident Kevin Gogots. “They’ll take the stuff they want to save and put the rest out. Of course, if the street floods again, we’ll just have things floating around.”

–

Related:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (35)

  • Bro Geo Too
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 5:28pm

    `
    This morning at approximately 8:00 A.M.m The Blaze posted a satellite view of hurricane Sandy. There, shaped in the clouds, was the upper torso, right shoulder and arm, and head and face of a man. Call me crazy if you wish, but in that image I saw God delivering judgment.

    Since God is sovereign, might this be his judgment on America for our continued promotion of abortion and the trashing of traditional marriage? Might it also be a warning that we must vote for candidates who adhere to Biblical standards.

    If, as the scriptures say, God can be in a still, small voice, then surely he can be in the roar of the hurricane. And if He is, might he not be saying “repent”? Please America, vote for candidates who uphold scripture, life, and traditional marriage. Thank you.

    Report this comment

    Bro Geo Too  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:38pm

      Think I’m far enough inland, Phoenix….I’ve got my sand bags
      at the ready though..for when Mexifornia falls off into the Pacific..
      That can’t come soon enough…Take it. all the way to Canada….
      obama would lose about 80% of his base..Good Luck East Coast..

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  
  • jimbobjim
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 4:44pm

    At a press conference this afternoon regarding hurricane Sandy, Obama claimed that due to his policies, he has saved or created 5 million lives.

    Report this comment

    jimbobjim  
  • Jenasus
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:04pm

    Hurricane Sandy was created using HAARP.
    Check it out at HaarpStatus.com

    Report this comment

    Jenasus  
  • Benjamin Jarvis
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 1:10pm

    Obama said. “We are not going to get bogged down with a lot of rules.”

    AWESOME……..

    Report this comment

    Benjamin Jarvis  
  • AmericaMustBeFree
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 12:31pm

    http://beforeitsnews.com/conspiracy-theories/2012/10/was-sandy-planned-back-in-1997-1997-drill-was-based-upon-1938-killer-hurricane-2445656.html

    Report this comment

    AmericaMustBeFree  
  • voting-for-romney
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 12:21pm

    The media throwing President Obama “Under the Bus” simply means ignore him and and his demands to prop him up in front of the public, not a suggestion of physical harm to the President?

    Thank you for pointing out the obvious, Rush?

    Report this comment

    voting-for-romney  
  • voting-for-romney
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 12:18pm

    I’m listening to the inter-active political map called Rush Limbaugh, describe how people in the media have the perfect excuse to throw President Obama under the bus (if you can hear the dog whistle?)?

    God works in mysterious ways, when it comes to removing dictators who bear the name Hussein?

    Report this comment

    voting-for-romney  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 12:57pm

      God does work in mysterious ways. Yes, Rush is explaining it quite well. ROMNEY/RYAN 2012.
      We can’t take another term from this incompetent man. Even his own advisers don’t trust him.

      God protect those in harms way.

      Report this comment

      oneshiner  
  • lembrandt
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 11:44am

    I don’t think this will hurt Obama at all. In fact, I think it will help him. Those areas that will be hit are very heavily populated by liberals – the kind of people that believe in man made global warming. They will see this as proof that Republicans, conservatives, and especially Mitt Romney are evil and are responsible for this storm…it will cause them to come out in record numbers so they can cram their sick, twisted belief system down the 80% of the USA that doesn’t agree with them at all.

    If this storm was coming the day *before* election day, I’d agree that it favored Romney, but it isn’t, so it won’t…

    Report this comment

    lembrandt  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:52am

    Praying for all in it’s path, may God be with you. Pay attention.

    Report this comment

    pwatkins  
  • Vezzy
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:14am

    Glenn needed more time to warn more people and God answered his prayers!

    Report this comment

    Vezzy  
  • ZAP
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 9:55am

    HELP it’s coming right at meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

    Report this comment

    ZAP  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 9:22am

    Help
    I can’t keep the leaves out of my spouting!
    Hang on folks.

    Report this comment

    PA PATRIOT  
  • tajloc
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 9:06am

    you choose to be there and yet you are not prepared to live through… You must rely upon EMT’s and police. Gee I hope they are prepared to live through it and get you through it. I wonder what folks did in the midwest for tornados before the net and EMT’s. Oh I bet they had storm cellars and their neighbors and church community helped out.
    You are a joke of a people. Gee I wonder if we will get two feet of snow this year. I better check to see if I have my kerosene lamp.
    Rom 8:28

    Report this comment

    tajloc  
  • Militiaofone
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:51am

    If you live in a storm surge area you need to move to the high ground.If you think that staying in your house is a good idea ; forget it; a small craft moving as flotsam could easily take your house out. I have seen it happen!

    Report this comment

    Militiaofone  
  • ThomasUSA
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:19am

    I’m near Columbus, Ohio and we are expected to get the edge of it all… Probably see fallen powerlines and trees.. but we had those high winds in the Summer that sort of cleaned out some of that… Those who are in the worst of it… I hope you error on the side of safety not convenience.. those who stay.. God’s blessing and protection…

    A side note.. if you see any Obama supporters, staring up at the sky in awe…(or looking for Obama to stop the storm, save them, etc. ) … please lead them inside, or they’ll just stand there till they have drowned.

    Report this comment

    ThomasUSA  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:45am

      I saw on Fox News this morning they are sandbagging the White House (really)
      I guess that makes sense since the 0bama admin has been sandbagging EVERYONE over the Benghazi debacle!

      Report this comment

      poorrichard09  
    • TONY BOLOGNA
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:10am

      I was wondering how long it would take for some idiot on this site who just read an article about a large storm and contained nothing political, to start making political comments. Both Tom and dick above did not disappoint me as both tom and dick both made stupid political comments about this non-political story about a hurricane and peoples safety.

      Report this comment

      TONY BOLOGNA  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:33am

      Its a storm for sure, but you know this president will turn it to his advantage in some form or fashion. Maybe this is how he gets himself back into office….suspending the election until further notice maybe.

      Report this comment

      ChiefGeorge  
    • toomuchgovt
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 3:06pm

      Tony Bologna you must have loved “Morning Joe’ that was sickening to watch and listen to Obama campaign spinning who they were going to make this storm a gold mine for Obama. Not hardly a mention of the people that could be harmed.

      Report this comment

      toomuchgovt  
  • LIBERTARIAN T38
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:14am

    I’m glad I move to the coast of NC where we don’t get hurricanes.

    Report this comment

    LIBERTARIAN T38  
  • TROONORTH
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:12am

    HEY! That little hurricane symbol at the east end of Lake Ontario is right over my house! Must go outside and look up . …. . .. .

    Report this comment

    TROONORTH  
  • shorthorn
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 8:02am

    This is Wundermap and Weatherunderground has had this for years.

    Check out http://www.weatherunderground.com

    Report this comment

    shorthorn  
  • willbedone
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:53am

    This is natures way of thinning the herd

    Report this comment

    willbedone  
  • freenj
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:48am

    It’s still early in the storm cycle and already we’re getting heavy rain, sustained winds about 25 mph and increasing by the hour. According to weather gauge we are in direct path of Sandy. We’re about 12 miles inland from the Atlantic, 50 miles north of Atlantic City. Time will tell if we get hit hard. We’re prepared for the worse, and praying for a good outcome. Good luck everyone that will be affected by Sandy.

    Report this comment

    freenj  
  • yougottabekidding
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:45am

    Anyone that does not get out, becomes trapped, and calls for help should be charged with a crime. Especially if a rescuer is injured attempting to rescue them!
    The shame of it is there should be a law against terminally stupid people!
    Most first responders are volunteers that put their lives in jeopardy for stupid – ignorant people.

    Report this comment

    yougottabekidding  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on October 29, 2012 at 7:33am

    People need to heed the warning and get the heck out of the way before it hits.

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on October 29, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Think I’m far enough inland, Phoenix….I’ve got my sand bags
      at the ready though..for when Mexifornia falls off into the Pacific..
      That can’t come soon enough.

      Report this comment

      MIBUGNU2  

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