I don’t want to seem paranoid, but since I moved to Washington less than two years ago, I’ve had to deal with two hurricanes and one earthquake. And I’m sitting here blogging while trees are bending outside my window. Here’s a slice of what I’m dealing with.
Hurricane Sandy, one of the largest and fiercest storms to menace the East Coast in years, lost some power but still packed a devastating wallop that slammed into New Jersey on Monday evening with torrential rains, howling winds and a widespread flooding.
With meteorologists and public officials warning that the unusual combination of elements had unleashed a superstorm spanning nearly 1,000 miles, Washington, New York and other cities launched the type of extensive shutdowns that typically occur after several feet of snow.
The Washington region’s entire public transit system — Metro, Virginia Railway Express and the Maryland Transportation System — ceased operation, leaving residents to either drive themselves to work or stay home. Shortly after federal officials announced that the government would remain closed Tuesday, Metro officials canceled rail, bus and MetroAccess service for a second day as well.
Winds are gusting at 45 mph. It’s raining and it’s cold. And I have to get up in a few hours for work. I don’t think this city likes me.