“Superstorm” Sandy will go down as one of the most destructive storms in the history of the United States. Total losses may exceed $50 billion, and estimated losses for the airline industry are near $500 million. More than 20,000 flights were canceled starting Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, and continuing through Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Particularly hard hit was the New York City area. LaGuardia Airport, which is located on a waterfront, suffered significant damage, with the tarmac flooded, and did not reopen until Nov. 1. In anticipation of Sandy’s strong winds, New York City’s three major airports closed Sunday night. Weather conditions steadily deteriorated overnight. Winds were gusting over 40 kt by morning. In the evening, wind gusts near 70 kt were recorded, and at times, wind-driven rain severely lowered visibility.
The magnitude of the storm can be seen by looking at the peak wind gusts reported at various airports along the U.S. East Coast: Dulles International Airport outsi…
