Sandy Recovery Efforts Continue; Restoration Will Be Slow

Enlarge image

Credit Westchestergov.com

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino addresses reporters in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy during a press briefing.

Hurricane Sandy has left a path of destruction behind in its wake and Hudson Valley Bureau Chief reports there are ongoing problems with travel disruptions and power outages as clean-up efforts continue.

New York City bore the brunt of the storm, but damage has been reported for miles up the Hudson Valley. There have been numerous power and telephone outages, all of which are being addressed by utility crews which will be working to restore services throughout the night. Both NYSEG and Orange & Rockland are cautioning customers that power restoration efforts will be lengthy.

American Red Cross of the mid-Hudson valley Executive Director Daryl Lafferty says available volunteers will be sent south to help with recovery efforts in harder-hit areas. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino warns there's still "a lot of danger out there" - Astorino says Westchester will 'easily' qualify for federal disaster assistance; county parks sustained serious damage, including Playland in Rye.

Central Hudson spokesman John Maserjian explains Sandy's impact was eclipsed by previous storms in his company's service area. Ulster County executive Mike Hein says last year's brush with Hurricane Irene helped prepare for Sandy.

Metro-North and the entire MTA system remained shut down Tuesday while workers assessed Hurricane Sandy's damage to rail lines. MTA workers have their marching orders: The NY City bus fleet, 62-hundred subway trains, 600 miles of tracks and 468 subway stations will have to be inspected and certified operational. Officials say fully-restored public transportation is "days away.