Post Tropical Storm Sandy was the costliest natural disaster in Southeast New York.
Tropical Storm Sandy formed in the Caribbean Sea on October 22. After drifting slowly southwest on October 23, Sandy turned to the north and intensified to a hurricane on October 24, just before making landfall in Jamaica. Hurricane Sandy continued to the north and intensified to a strong category two hurricane before making landfall again in Cuba shortly after Midnight EDT on the 25th. Hurricane Sandy emerged on the other side of Cuba during the morning of the 25th and proceeded to drift northwest as a category one or two hurricane as it moved through the Bahamas on the 25th and 26th. Overnight on the 26th, Hurricane Sandy (Category 1) started to move toward the north northeast, a motion that continued into the evening of the 28th. From there, Sandy���s motion became driven by two factors. An anomalously strong blocking ridge over the Canadian Maritimes prevented Sandy from escaping to the east. Simultaneously, an approaching and deepening extratropical trough was about to capture Sandy. The combination of the two, turned Sandy to the north overnight on the 28th and then to the northwest on the 29th.
As Sandy continued to move northwest and interact with the mid latitude trough, its interaction continued to make it less tropical, but did not weaken it much. Sandy continued to make a harder turn to the left (west) and made landfall in Atlantic County as a post tropical storm in Brigantine City just north of Atlantic City at 7:30 p.m. EDT on the 29th. The estimated minimum central pressure was 945 millibars. The lowest recorded central pressure was 945.6 millibars at the Atlantic City Marina at 7:34 p.m. EDT.
Record breaking high tides and wave action was combined with sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph and wind gusts of 80 to 90 mph.
These extreme conditions resulted in at least 60 deaths and widespread property damage of at least 42 billion dollars.
Emergency managers recommended mandatory evacuations of more than 1/2 million people that lived in low lying areas.  Widespread significant power outages of more than 2 million lasted up to 2 weeks.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN QUEENS, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southern Queens experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along Jamaica Bay exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
The storm tide levels along the Queens shores resulted from a peak storm surge of about 7 to 9 feet that coincided with normal high tides. This resulted in up to 3 to 5 feet of inundation of communities in and along Jamaica Bay. Inundation several blocks inland was experienced across coastal communities such as Howard Beach, Brookville and Inwood. Widespread major residential damage was experienced across areas such as Broad Channel, Meadowmere Park, and Old Howard Beach, where some of the deeper inundation occurred. In addition, JFK Airport experienced 1 to 3 feet of inundation onto portions of their runways.
Across the Rockaways, up to 4 and 7 feet of inundation occurred over the peninsula due to surge from Jamaica Bay on the north side and from surge and wave action from the Atlantic Ocean on the south side. Widespread major damage was experienced across the entire length of the Rockaways, with numerous homes and businesses in Breezy Point, Arverne-Edgemere and Seaside experiencing complete destruction. Atlantic Ocean facing shoreline structures, such as boardwalks and several oceanfront homes were destroyed due to runup and setup on top of storm tide from high wave action of at least 10 to 15 feet from the Atlantic Ocean.
Six fatalities were directly attributed to the storm surge and high surf in Queens.

Coastal Flood in NORTHWEST SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Northwest Suffolk County experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along Western Long Island Sound.
Peak storm tides surpassed water levels from the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peak surges from Hurricane Irene in 2011. The record storm tide levels in Western Long Island Sound resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides.
These storm tides resulted in up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation along vulnerable shoreline communities of Western Long Island, with the greatest inundation along the low lying shoreline areas of Huntington Bay, Northport Bay, Stony Brook Harbor, Port Jefferson Harbor and Mt. Sinai Harbor.
In Sunken Meadow State Park, the largest amount of sand ever deposited was observed. While in Caumsett State Park, extensive erosion and bluff erosion was observed.

Coastal Flood in NORTHEAST SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 08:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Northeast Suffolk County experienced 2 tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread major coastal flooding occurring along Long Island Sound and Peconic and Gardiners Bays. Peak storm tides equalled or surpassed the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The storm tide levels along Long Island Sound and Gardiners Bay resulted from a 5 to 7 ft. surge that coincided with normal high tides, while surge was around 7 to 9 ft. along the Peconic Estuary. This resulted in up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation of low lying portions of communities along Long Island Sound and Peconic and Gardiners Bay. The majority of coastal communities were inundated several blocks inward from the shoreline, including along the many creeks and back bays.
In Orient State Park, the inundation and wave action caused damage to the roadway system, with over 2 feet of inundation in their maintenance barn. This inundation level was comparable to what occurred in the December 1992 Nor'easter.
From Monday into Monday night, NY 25 from Albertson Lane to Laurel Avenue in Southold, NY 25 east of the East Marion Seawall and Orient Causeway in East Marion, and the Orient Parkway in Orient were all closed due to inundation.

Coastal Flood in ROCKLAND, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:18:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:07:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Low lying areas along the Hudson River experienced moderate coastal flooding as storm surge moved north along the river Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey. This coincided with widespread record coastal flooding occurring in Lower New York Harbor exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
Up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation occurred in low lying areas along the Hudson River causing moderate to major damage. The towns of Stony Point and Piermont sustained the most widespread major damage. Due to the inundation, mandatory evacuations were ordered in the Grassy Point section of the Town of Stony Point along the Hudson River.  Approximately 400 people were evacuated from their homes.  Over 100 of these individuals were still not able to return to their homes 3 weeks later.  In the Village of Piermont, approximately 300 individuals were directed to evacuate their homes and businesses. Up and down the Hudson, boats pushed ashore and all manner of debris could be seen.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN NASSAU, NEW YORK
From 28-OCT-12 19:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southern Nassau County experienced four successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along the Western Great South Bay exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The storm tide levels along the Southern Nassau County shore resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 9 feet that coincided with normal high tides. This resulted in up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation of communities in and along Southern Nassau County. The majority of locations south of Merrick Road and Atlantic Avenue were completely inundated, with waterfront communities along creeks and streams being inundated up to Sunrise Highway. Areas of major residential damage were experienced across low lying areas such as Inwood, Meadowmere Park, Bay Harbor, Island Park, Baldwin Harbor, Freeport, and Massapequa.
The most widespread major damage was experienced along the barrier beach communities, where the surge was amplified by the runup and setup from 15 to 20 foot breakers along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Numerous homes and Atlantic Ocean facing structures, such as boardwalks and piers, in Long Beach and Lido Beach were completely destroyed.
At Jones Beach, extensive damage and flooding occurred through out the park, both on the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay side. Just over 1/2 mile of boardwalk was damaged or destroyed. Two fishing piers on the Bay side were damaged or destroyed. Jones beach theater was completely flooded, including the orchestra section and up to four feet of water in the promenade and concession areas.  Field 6 parking field partially collapsed in one section. The floor also buckled in the Central mall concession stand.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 09:30:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southern Westchester experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding on Monday, October 29th. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along the Southern Westchester coast.
Peak storm tides surpassed water levels from the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peak surges from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and the 1938 Hurricane. The record storm tide levels along Western Long Island Sound resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides.
These storm tides resulted in up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation of several blocks inland along Long Island Sound. Along the Hudson River, up to 2 to 5 ft. of inundation occurred in low lying areas along the Hudson River causing moderate to locally major damage.

Coastal Flood in NORTHERN NASSAU, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 09:30:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Northern Nassau County experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread major coastal flooding occurring along Western Long Island Sound.
Peak storm tides surpassed water levels from the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peak surges from Hurricane Irene in 2011. The storm tide levels in Western Long Island Sound resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides.
These storm tides generally resulted in up to 2 to 3 feet of inundation along shoreline communities of Western Long Island, with up to 3 to 4 feet of inundation across the low lying shoreline areas of Bayville, Glen Cove, Lattingtown, and Oyster Bay. Widespread minor inundation damage was reported in these locales.

Coastal Flood in NORTHERN QUEENS, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 09:30:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Northern Queens experienced two successive tidal cycles  with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread major coastal flooding occurring along Western Long Island Sound. Peak storm tides surpassed water levels from the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011. The storm tide levels in Western Long Island Sound resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides.
These storm tides resulted in up to 3 to 6 feet of inundation within a few blocks of the East River and Newtown Creek in Hunters Point as well as Astoria along the East River.
Additionally, 2 to 4 feet of inundation was observed over runway 13 and the northern portion of runway 22 at LaGuardia Airport, with water making it all the way to the terminal building.

Coastal Flood in BRONX, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 09:30:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along the Bronx experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread major coastal flooding occurring along Western Long Island Sound. Peak storm tides surpassed water levels from the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011. The major storm tide levels in Western Long Island Sound resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides.
These storm tides resulted in up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation several blocks inland along Long Island Sound, East River and Harlem River and in adjacent communities in areas such as Harding Park, Port Morris, Mott Haven, Locust Point, Clason Point, City Island and Edgewater Park. Two or more Harding Park homes were condemned and a handful of Edgewater Park homes were completely destroyed. Flood waters also surged in Mott Haven late Monday, inundating the intersection of Bruckner Blvd. and Alexander Ave. for several hours. Warehouses and monuments in Port Morris suffered water damage.

Coastal Flood in NORTHERN WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:18:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:07:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Low lying areas along the Hudson River experienced moderate coastal flooding as storm surge moved north along the river Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey. This coincided with widespread record coastal flooding occurring in Lower New York Harbor exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
Up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation occurred in low lying areas along the Hudson River causing moderate to locally major damage. Up and down the Hudson, boats pushed ashore and all manner of debris could be seen.

Coastal Flood in NEW YORK (MANHATTAN), NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:18:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:07:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Southern, Eastern and Western portions of Manhattan experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring in Lower New York Harbor exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
The record storm tide levels along the south shore of New York City resulted from a peak storm surge of about 8 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides. These storm tides resulted in up to 3 to 6 feet of inundation along the south shore of Manhattan, with up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation along the East River and Hudson River neighborhoods.
Two fatalities were attributed to the storm surge in Manhattan.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHEAST SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
From 28-OCT-12 22:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southeast Suffolk County experienced 2 to 3 successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding, with 2 of those tidal cycles well above major flood thresholds. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread major coastal flooding occurring along the Great South Bay, Atlantic Ocean and Peconic and Gardiners Bays. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The storm tide levels along the Great South Bay, Gardiners Bay and Atlantic Ocean resulted from a peak storm surge of about 5 to 6 feet that coincided with normal high tides, while surge was around 7 to 9 feet along the Peconic Estuary. This resulted in up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation of communities in and along Great South Bay, Atlantic Ocean and Peconic and Gardiners Bay. The majority of coastal communities were inundated several blocks inward from the shoreline. Areas of major residential damage were experienced across low lying areas such as Mastic and Moriches. A few feet of  inundation of streets and neighboring properties also occurred in low lying areas of Southampton, Quogue, Sag Harbor, and Riverhead. In Riverhead, surge up the Peconic River caused the closing of the traffic circle on Peconic Avenue at the intersection of CR 104 and CR 63.
Additional major damage was experienced along the barrier beach communities, where the surge was amplified by the runup and setup from 15 to 20 foot breakers along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Several homes along Dune Road experienced major damage between Moriches Inlet and Shinnecock Inlet. A complete breach of the barrier island occurred just west of Cupsogue Beach and East of Moriches Inlet. In the Montauk area parks, severe erosion and flooding occurred throughout all beaches, with significant bluff erosion.
One fatality was directly attributed to the storm surge and high surf in southeastern suffolk county.

Coastal Flood in RICHMOND (STATEN IS.), NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:18:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:07:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Widespread record coastal flooding occurred in Lower New York Harbor exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations.  Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
The record storm tide levels along the Eastern Shore of Staten Island resulted from a peak storm surge of about 9 to 11 feet that coincided with normal high tides. These storm tides in conjunction with several feet of wave action resulted in up to 5 to 8 feet of inundation along the northeast coast of Staten Island. Townships such as South Beach, Midland Beach, New Dorp, Oakwood Beach, and Great Kills sustained widespread major property damage and loss of life.
Up to 4 to 6 feet of inundation was experienced across the southeast tip of Staten Island, with 2 to 6 feet of inundation along the Arthur Kill in Western Staten Island.
Twenty three fatalities were directly attributed to the storm surge and high surf in Staten Island.

Coastal Flood in KINGS (BROOKLYN), NEW YORK
From 29-OCT-12 07:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southern Brooklyn experienced two successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along New York Harbor and Jamaica Bay exceeding the FEMA 100 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Donna in 1960.
The storm tide levels along the Brooklyn shores resulted from a peak storm surge of about 7 to 10 feet that coincided with normal high tides. These storm tides resulted in up to 3 to 5 feet of inundation along the northeastern and southern coasts of Brooklyn.
The hardest hit area in Northeast Brooklyn was Red Hook getting inundated from Upper New York Bay. Additionally, other areas hard hit were Greenpoint and Williamsburg from inundation of Newtown Creek; and Brooklyn Heights from inundation of the East River and Upper New York Bay.
In southwest Brooklyn; the shoreline communities including Sea Gate, Coney Island, and Manhattan Beach, experienced significant inundation from storm tide and wave action. Numerous homes in this area experienced major structural damage. Inundation extended inland to Avenue X into Bensonhurst, Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay, shutting down the Belt Parkway.
In southeast Brooklyn, the hardest hit areas were Gerritsen Beach, Floyd Bennet, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, and Canarsie due to inundation from Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Inlet several blocks inland.
Five fatalities were directly attributed to the surge in Brooklyn.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHWEST SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
From 28-OCT-12 22:00:00 to 30-OCT-12 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Coastal communities along Southwest Suffolk County experienced four successive tidal cycles with at least moderate coastal flooding, with 3 of those tidal cycles well above major flood thresholds. The peak of this surge occurred Monday Night as Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey, with widespread record coastal flooding occurring along the Great South Bay exceeding the FEMA 100 to 500 year base flood elevations. Peak storm tides surpassed all previously documented high water marks, including the October 31, 1991 and December 11, 1992 nor'easters and the recorded peaks from Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The storm tide levels along the Southwest Suffolk County shore resulted from a peak storm surge of about 6 to 7 feet that coincided with normal high tides. This resulted in up to 2 to 5 feet of inundation of communities in and along Great South Bay. The majority of locations south of Montauk Highway from Amityville to Islip were completely inundated, with areas east to Brookhaven inundated several blocks inward from the shoreline.  Areas of major residential damage were experienced across low lying areas such as Amityville, Lindenhurst, and Babylon.
The most widespread major damage was experienced along the barrier beach communities, where the surge was amplified by the runup and setup from 15 to 20 foot breakers along the Atlantic Ocean coast. On Fire Island, up to 30 ocean front homes and other ocean facing structures, such as boardwalks and piers, were completely destroyed by the storm tide and battering waves. A full breach of the barrier island also occurred just west of the Smith Point Bridge on Fire Island. In Robert Moses State Park, partial roadway collapses occurred along the south side of water tower and eastbound park road. Severe erosion occurred throughout the park as well as extensive boardwalk damage.