Hurricane Sandy may be unprecedented, according to some forests, but New York has survived major storms in the past. A look at the worst in history:
1821: In these pre-name days, the “Norfolk and New England Hurricane” passed directly through the city and created a 13-feet storm surge that flooded all of Manhattan under Canal St. Only few fatalities were reported, however, due to the sparse population in that area back then.
1938: The Great New England Hurricane – also known as the Yankee Clipper — cost 60 lives in New York State. The Empire State Building was reportedly swaying in the wind gusts, the East River overflowed and the city lost power.
1954: Hurricanes Carol and Edna passed near the city in the span of two weeks, causing cumulative damage to the area. Carol virtually cut off travel across Long Island and Edna also caused floods and evacuations.
1985: Hurricane Gloria resulted in extensive damage even as it spared the city from its potential might, arriving at low tide and moving swiftly. Its significant rainfall and high winds still cut power and blew out trees.
1999: Hurricane Floyd killed two in the city and caused extensive flooding, but didn’t live up to predictions, which led to preemptive school closings and evacuations.
2011: Hurricane Irene wasn’t even a hurricane anymore when the city ordered mandatory evacuations of low-lying areas. But in the end, the major damage was caused by flooding upstate.
