Tracking Hurricane Sandy
How to read this map:
The map on the front of this page shows the actual track of Hurricane Sandy, a severe hurricane that hit the northeast coast of the
United States in late October 2012. The line shows where the storm began, where it traveled, and where it ended. The numbers on the
line correspond to the dates of its duration (October 22-31). It began as a tropical depression in the Caribbean Sea, but was quickly
upgraded to a tropical storm. It was a Category 1 hurricane when it hit Jamaica on October 24th, and a Category 3 hurricane when it
hit Cuba the next day. On its movement northward, it did weaken back down to a tropical storm. However, it gained strength again.
When it hit the U.S., it was a Category 1 hurricane.
One thing to keep in mind: the line on the map shows the track of only the storm’s center (the “eye of the storm”). You must
remember that winds circulate outward from that center. This was a huge hurricane. While it was a off the coast of the northeastern
United States, the storm became the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, measuring 1,100 miles across. 1,100 miles is 10 times the
size of Connecticut! Bringing wind, rain, and storm surges, Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states – from Florida to Maine, and west to
Michigan and Wisconsin.
PART 1: Answer these questions by referring to the map
Where was the weather system on October 22nd (latitude and longitude)? ______________________________
Label Jamaica on the map.
Label Cuba on the map.
Label New Jersey on the map.
Label Connecticut on the map.
On what date did the hurricane hit land in the United States?
______________________________
What state did the hurricane hit most directly?
______________________________
What happened to the hurricane after October 29th?
______________________________
Why do you think this happened?
______________________________
PART 2: Prepare yourself!
Below is a list of actions that people may take in preparation for an approaching hurricane.
You will be given a series of scenarios.
Based on each scenario, decide what actions from the list you or other people should take.
In making your decisions, keep the following in mind:
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You do not want to die.
You would like to stay in your home if you can, but again, you do not want to die.
Government officials have to balance two competing priorities: 1) informing people what to do so they will be safe, and 2) not
overreacting so as to create panic among the population.
If evacuations are necessary, should all people evacuate their homes? Should they all evacuate at once?
Damage from hurricanes is different in different areas. Those who live on the coast may experience storm surges, high winds,
and rain. Those further away from the coast may experience wind, rain, or both.
You do not need to use all the actions below. Some scenarios will require more actions than others. Some actions you may
even feel do not need to be taken at all.
LIST OF ACTIONS TO TAKE
Stock up on food and fresh water
Gas up your car
Board up windows on your home
Close down highways and major roads
Issue public advisories on what people should do
Stay indoors
Secure any loose items that are outside
Seek shelter in a bathroom or basement
Evacuate coastal areas
Set up shelters in the area
Evacuate areas inland from the coast
Set up shelters outside the area
Turn off the electricity and gas in your home
Ask the federal government for extra help
Stock up on first aid supplies
SCENARIO 1
You live in Hartford, Connecticut. It is October 28th. The governor of the state has been working with officials at the weather center,
and has been informed that Connecticut will probably not see storm surges on its coast. However, winds will be strong to severe
throughout the state. As a private citizen, what actions should you take?
What actions should you take that are not on the list?
SCENARIO 2
You live in Hartford, Connecticut. It is October 29th. The storm has shifted its path. It is no longer projected to hit land in New
Jersey, but will now hit land directly on the coast of Connecticut. You still have no word from state officials as to whether or not you
need to evacuate your home. As a private citizen, what actions should you take?
What actions should you take that are not on the list?
SCENARIO 3
Assume the same scenario as #2, but this time you are the governor of Connecticut. What actions should you inform the citizens of
Connecticut to take? Will you give different directions to those that live near the coast versus those that live inland?
What actions should you take that are not on the list?
Explain why you took the actions you did as governor. What was the most difficult part about making these decisions?