Hurricane Sandy Has Struck

Although I needed to get that rant off my chest yesterday (you know how it is in a breakup; you really have to talk about it), it was definitely a first-world complaint, and I am very aware there are far more important issues going on. The current big one is far too close to home, sadly; it is the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Sandy hit the U.S. East Coast on Monday, spiralled all the way up to Ontario, and is drifting off through Quebec and the Maritimes now. She was a "superstorm"; the most unfortunate convergence of at least three separate weather systems. And she unleashed devastation the likes of which has not been seen in the region for decades. Houses were washed away, others burned in uncontrollable fires. Streets, tunnels, and the New York City subway were flooded. Roads, bridges and boardwalks were washed out - or away. Millions were without power (still over four and a half million households as of yesterday evening), and some will be for a long time yet. There are gas shortages. And over a hundred people were killed - including a woman in Toronto hit by a falling store sign.

The pictures and videos you see are extraordinary. It's hard to believe water can do so much damage, though of course it can. The most iconic one for me is the fleet of cheery yellow NYC taxis sitting submerged in a parking lot. It sort of symbolises the storm bringing one of the world's greatest cities to a halt. The flooded subway station is sort of surreal too. And equally strange was the two feet of snow that fell in parts of West Virginia. Weather certainly can do extraordinary things. You have to respect and fear it.

All pics from nbcnews.com

It was all especially hard to believe when here, a mere six hours away, Monday and Tuesday were among the more beautiful fall days we'd had all month. There was the odd shower and a couple of pretty strong gusts of wind Monday afternoon and evening, but nothing near what had been predicted. The rest of the time it was sunny and warm - bordering on hot Tuesday. Short sleeves were the norm and shorts wouldn't have been out of place - in fact our mailman did have his shorts on. Incredible. We did get our share of rain and cold yesterday and today, but really nothing you don't expect in November either.

Back in the States, the cleanup is progressing. The Red Cross, FEMA, the National Guard and others are working tirelessly. Hydro crews from Quebec are down in Vermont. NBC is running a benefit concert tonight. And nightly there are stories on the news of just ordinary people doing extraordinary things - serving meals to relief workers around the clock, climbing twenty storeys in the dark to bring fresh water to apartment-bound seniors. It will take a little time, but Americans will emerge, as they always do, stronger and more resilient than ever. Sandy may have destroyed many things, but she could never break the indomitable American spirit. And that you have to admire.