What do you get when you combine a hurricane, a full moon, an arctic front, a winter storm and a high pressure system off of the coast of Greenland?
We do not know, but apparently we will find out within the next few days.
Meteorologists have been forecasting a “superstorm” which could be a historic event for the record books. Hurricane Sandy — which is only a part of this potentially massive storm — is already responsible for at least 43 deaths in Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas and Haiti, where more deaths are expected due to potential mud slides and flooding.
Hurricane Irene — which was nowhere near as large or as intense as the storm that is predicted — caused approximately $14 billion in damage last year. The predicted massive “superstorm” has the potential to dwarf Irene in almost every way.
Because of the sheer size of the potential “superstorm” — which could extend for at least 900 miles — combined with its intensity, as many as 66 million people could be affected with up to twelve inches of rain, ten feet of storm surge during high tide along coastal areas, up to several feet of snow inland, high winds, flooding and anticipated widespread power outages as a result.
The United States Navy has ordered a fleet of 21 ships to be sent out to sea away from this storm. Several oil refineries are on alert as well, which could prompt increases in fuel prices.
Not including states such as Florida which have already been affected, of the 18 states and two provinces to be affected by this storm, three have already declared states of emergency — and additional declarations are expected as the storm nears the northeastern coast of the United States.
Consider altering your travel plans within the next week if your destination includes such cities as New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Buffalo, Portland, Asheville, Pittsburgh, Montréal, Norfolk, Boston, Atlantic City, Albany, Trenton, Providence, Syracuse, Toronto, Richmond, Cleveland, Roanoke, Detroit, or Charleston in both South Carolina and West Virginia and Wilmington in both North Carolina and Delaware. Most airlines are offering changes in travel plans at no cost, so please check with your airline to see if your flight is affected.
Meanwhile, get provisions and supplies now or as soon as possible to be prepared if you plan to stay in the affected areas during the “superstorm”.
Here is an updated list of the discussions on FlyerTalk pertaining to Hurricane Sandy which — despite its eventual weakening to tropical storm status, in a confluence with both a winter storm heading east and a cold blast of air from the north — is predicted to help create a historic meteorological event:
- Hurricane Sandy, DL, and Mid-Atlantic States Delta SkyMiles forum
- Trying to avoid hurricane Sandy and related issues (consolidated) American AAdvantage forum
- Hurricane Sandy and Potential Impact to UA’s Operations? United MileagePlus forum (Consolidated)
- Hurricane Sandy threatens to slam East Coast and linger for several days OMNI forum
- Hurricane Sandy Virgin American Elevate forum
- Flying into JFK with Hurricane Sandy Emirates SkyWards forum
- Hurricane Sandy – Emergency Measures and Travel Impacts (Oct 2012) New York City forum
- Hurricane Sandy Advisory (Fall 2012) Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan forum
- advisories for Sandy added for the northeast jetBlue TrueBlue forum
- Sandy Travel Advisory US Airways Dividend Miles forum
