Welcome to our Macaulay seminar two website.

Browse our compilation of photos, interviews and research to discover the story behind the 2012 “Superstorm” Hurricane Sandy. Here, we discuss not only the extent of the devastation, but also how New York City came together to deal with its aftermath. We also have sought to address the ever-daunting question, will we be ready if it strikes again?

What started off as a harmless tropical wave became one of the most catastrophic hurricanes that the United States had seen since Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Sandy, also known as Superstorm Sandy, originated on October 22nd, 2012 off the coast of Africa where most hurricanes and storms are born. The tropical wave then developed into a tropical storm as it was pushed westward by the natural direction of the winds. The warm vapor rising from the ocean continuously fueled the storm as it traveled west over the Atlantic and within two days time, Hurricane Sandy was born, reaching winds up to 75 miles per hour. By October 25th, Sandy hit Cuba as a category 3 hurricane. Over the next two days, it weakened to a tropical storm but once again gained in power as it continued its route. On October 29th, Hurricane Sandy ruthlessly hit the east coast of the United States, releasing most of its impact on New Jersey and New York.

With a hurricane as disastrous and uncommon as this one, it would be natural to question what could cause such calamitous weather. Although scientists believe Hurricane Sandy was formed as naturally and variably as the directions of the wind, it can’t go without saying that global warming doesn’t have an impact on the development of such storms. The rising temperatures of the earth’s atmosphere have lead to abnormally warm sea temperatures, which generally incite storms. This phenomenon is without a doubt an underlying cause of Hurricane Sandy’s rapid development. Furthermore, the rising sea level due to global warming unquestionably contributes to the storm surge of any hurricane, making it higher than it would normally be. Changes in weather patterns are inevitable when there are changes in the climate.

Scroll through the above gallery or click here for more pictures showcasing the devastation and aftermath of Sandy. For recounts of the storm, visit the “Devastation” page.