On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Sandy caused many problems during its life. Here are some of the most impressive statistics from the storm.
SANDY DEBUNKED:
Sandy is not the strongest hurricane north of Cape Hatteras.
A near-record low barometric pressure occurred with Sandy offshore Monday afternoon. The pressure bottomed at 27.76 inches. For a storm north of Cape Hatteras, N.C., Hurricane Gladys of 1977 holds the record at 27.73 inches. Gladys was a Category 4 hurricane which remained off the coast of the U.S.
HIGHEST RAINFALL TOTALS BY STATE:
Andrews AFB, Md.: 15.3" (unconfirmed)
Easton, Md.: 12.55"
Wildwood Crest, N.J.: 11.67"
Virginia Beach, Va.: 9.57"
Milford, Del.: 9.55"
Maysville, W.Va.: 7.75"
Hanover, Pa.: 7.61"
Washington, D.C.: 5.44"
Lorain, Ohio: 4.29"
East Milton, Mass.: 3.03"
Jaffrey, N.H.: 3.83"
Niagara Falls, N.Y.: 3.02"
HIGHEST WIND GUSTS BY STATE (>74 mph):
Eatons Neck, N.Y.: 94 mph
Montclair, N.J.: 88 mph
Westerly, R.I.: 86 mph
Madison, Conn.: 85 mph
Cuttyhunk, Mass.: 83 mph
Allentown, Pa.: 81 mph
Highland Beach, Md.: 79 mph
Chester Gap, Va.: 79 mph
HIGHEST SNOW AMOUNTS BY STATE:
Redhouse, Md.: 26"
Bowden, W.Va.: 24"
Champion, Pa.: 13"
Newfound Gap, N.C.: 22"
Wise, Va.: 24"
Mt. Leconte, Tenn.: 20"
Payne Gap, Ky.: 14"
Bellefontaine, Ohio: 3.5"
POWER OUTAGES: CNN reported more than 7.5 million
By comparison, Hurricane Ike had 7.5 million over his entire path.
TOP WAVES:
39.67 feet (Buoy #41048)
TOP STORM SURGES:
The Battery, N.Y.: ~9 feet above normal
Kings Point, N.Y.: ~12.5 feet above normal
New Haven, Conn.: ~9 feet above normal
RECORD LOWEST PRESSURE (ON LAND):
Atlantic City, N.J.: 948.3 mb (28.00" Hg)
Philadelphia, Pa.: 953mb (28.23" Hg)
Harrisburg, Pa.: 963mb (28.46" Hg)
Scranton, Pa.: 971mb (28.69" Hg)
Trenton, N.J.: 958mb (28.31" Hg)
Baltimore, Md.: 965mb (28.49" Hg)
Harrisburg, Pa.: 964mb (28.46" Hb)
Reprinted with permission from AccuWeather.com. The original story was published on October 30, 2012.