Clench your teeth against Sandy , USAns

[russ_watters]

The meaning of the word hype is being mangled here.

I've used the word and I have to admit you're right. If we had gotten 8 inches of rain, like was in the middle of the range, it would have been much worse.

 

[Astronuc]

Factbox: Storm Sandy blamed for at least 97 deaths in U.S., Canada (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/02/us-storm-sandy-deaths-idUSBRE89U1FJ20121102

The death toll may yet increase as authorities search various communities.

Sobering and somber stories in the NY Times (and why folks should stay put, prefereably in sturdy homes or away from large trees, and not go out in the storm)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/nyregion/hurricane-sandys-lethal-power-in-many-ways.html

I don't think the strength of the storm was exaggerated. While not a Cat 5, but only a Cat 1, the flooding and winds were devastating to many communities. The storm surge coincided with high tide, which is one reason the flooding was so bad. If it had been at low tide, many places may not have flooded, or the flooding wouldn't have been so bad.

 

[mheslep]

The hurricane happened to hit the shore line in conjunction with normal high tide. ...

A bit higher than normal. The moon was full.