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Hurricane Sandy 2012, Atlantic, United States
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The National Weather Service issued a storm warning for Lake Huron on October 29 that called for wave heights of 26 feet, and possibly as high as 38 feet. Lake Michigan waves were expected to reach 19 feet, with a potential of 33 feet on October 30. Michigan is being impacted by a winter storm system coming in from the west, mixing with cold air streams from the Arctic and colliding with Hurricane Sandy. The forecasts slowed shipping traffic on the Great Lakes, as some vessels sought shelter away from the peak winds, while those more prepared for extreme weather (especially salties, or sea-going vessels) continued toward their destinations on the lakes. 120,000 were without power in southeast Michigan the morning of the October 30th, with winds gusting to 50 mph. Detroit-based DTE Energy says it has released 100 contract line workers to assist utilities along the eastern U.S. with storm response. Also CMS Energy Corp.'s Consumers Energy unit says the storm has also effected 1,200 of its 1.8 million Michigan customers. Consumers Energy says it has released more than a dozen employees and 120 contract employees to assist in the eastern U.S. Due to the widespread power outages, numerous schools had to close due to not having power, most being located in St. Clair County and areas along Lake Huron north of Metro Detroit. Wave heights on Lake Huron were reported to have reached 23 feet on the south side of the lake. Heights of 24 to 35 feet are predicted.
Gale warnings were issued for Lake Michigan and Green Bay in Wisconsin until the morning of October 31, and waves of 33 feet in Milwaukee and 20 feet in Sheboygan are predicted for October 30. The village of Pleasant Prairie urged a voluntary evacuation of its lakefront area.
On October 29, residents who live in low-lying areas and along Lake Erie were issued Flood Warnings and Lakeshore Flood Warnings. Snow was reported in some parts of eastern Ohio and south of Cleveland. Snow and icy roads also were reported south of Columbus. As far as the state's western edge, areas were under a wind advisory. All departing flights at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport were canceled until October 30 at 3 pm. Gusts at Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport were reported at 68 miles per hour (109 km/h). Hundreds of school districts cancelled or delayed school across the state with at least 250,000 homes and businesses without power. Damage was reported across the state including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which lost parts of its siding. Several roads in Cleveland were closed including Interstate 90 westbound due to waves from Lake Erie crashing on the road.
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency ahead of storm on October 29. Up to 2 to 3 feet (0.6-0.9m) of snow forecast for mountainous areas of the state.
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