It’s been three weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast and destroyed numerous homes and cars along the way. I live in Long Beach, New York. This was the first hurricane that my town endured since the 1930s, and it was a bad one.
Long Beach is situated off the coast of Long Island. It’s a small island that encompasses Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Point Lookout. When Hurricane Sandy hit on October 29th, the ocean met the bay and the entire town looked as if it was underwater. My neighbors described it as a river running through the neighborhood.
I wasn’t home when it hit. I had a scheduled flight that was cancelled coming from Florida to New York. I was visiting my dad. It was the first time I was back to see him since my mother passed nearly six months ago. To say the least, it was an emotional visit.
Even though there was an emergency evacuation, my husband was home and so were all of our neighbors. A year ago, there was another emergency evacuation and it was a false alarm. When that happened, everyone left. This time, no one left. Most people were there to witness the effects of the storm.
Everyone was touched by the storm, no matter if they lost a car, a home, electricity, cell service, or just watched as the island looked as if it were to float away.
When I finally got a flight out Wednesday night and tried to get into town, I was told to turn around. There was a curfew and no one was allowed to enter or leave after 7 p.m. I stayed with my sister who lives in the center of Long Island.
The next morning, my son and I drove through Oceanside and Island Park into Long Beach. As we were driving, we noticed that there were boats everywhere but in the water. It was a sight to see. If we hadn’t witnessed this, I would have never believed that this could happen.
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
I am so sorry to hear of your situation, Hilary. I wish you all the best as you deal with so many issues. Good luck!
2 - hilary topper
Thank you Victor... It's a scary time...
3 - Mara Nesbitt
Have you been to Lido? I grew up there and am eager to find out whatever information I can. I wish you strength as you rebuild your life.
4 - hilary topper
Yes, actually I live on Regent Drive in Lido Beach. The whole Island is a mess... It's going to take time...
5 - laura abrams
Thinking of you. In my prayers. Laura Abrams
6 - Hilary Topper
Thank you Laura! xoxox
7 - Karen
Thank you for writing what you did...sometimes I feel so many have been forgotten about,the sick, ill, those w/no help.Yes, they do exist all this time later..I finally got a loaner car (lost 2). I am one of the lucky ones, electric 15 days later.NO heat,hot water,blown out windows,tarp on roof & a ton of beauracracy, & my immediate family who live in England & Ireland think by now all should be back to "normal" thay ony get limited coverage..Though help still arriving, Samaritan's Purse (non profit org) who were stationed in Lynbrook & going out to help in Long beach,Island Park & Oceanside is moving their caravan to Full Gospel Church on Austin Blvd. Island Park. they are gutting, aiding in anyway they can.I am in Oceanside by water, all I have seen is Nat'l. Guard & volunteer fireman.It seems the world is back to normal,still trying to find those lil things, sentimental..but,grateful to be alive, so I can now try & help other's...
8 - hilary topper
Thank you Karen for your comments. Hang in there... We're going to get through this together!