NYC’s Morningside Heights In Hurricane Sandy’s First Hours
The streets were oddly quiet this morning. No buses belched along Broadway and no subways rattled below. The pavement was wet, but no rain fell. The wind gusted intermittently. I went out for a short walk a couple of hours ago, my first time out since I had foot surgery on Thursday.
The light was strangely dimmed, the air was misty, and dog walkers, knowing what is in store later in the day, were out in force.
Riverside Park is officially closed, but a little bit of tape didn’t stop anyone.
Well, it stopped me. I longed to go down to get a good look at the Hudson while it was still possible, but I had gone as far as I could manage, lurching along like Quasimodo with my surgical shoe and cane.
Glimpses of New Jersey across the river.
Runners, walkers, curiosity seekers, all were out and in good cheer.
Runners needed to run.
Runners also needed to stretch.
Lookers needed to look.
And walkers needed to walk.
Riverside Drive was empty of cars.
A few shops and restaurants had taped their plate glass windows.
Like most local businesses, the great Manchester Diner had closed for the storm.
“Thank you and stay safe!!”
But O’Connell’s Pub was ready to receive with the door flung wide.
As I write now at 1:15 PM, the rain has begun and gusts continue to pick up. We hear that water has already breached its walls in parts of Battery Park and the Gowanus Canal is flooding.
More updates will follow. Meanwhile, stay safe.
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Tags: frankenstorm, hurricane sandy, hurricane update, nyc in hurricane sandy, NYC monringside heights in hurricane
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Out walking the dog 
October 29, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Stay safe. My poor dog protests going outside when it rains. I think we’re in for a few interesting days…
October 29, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Yes, I’ve had dogs like that in the past. Good luck, keep us posted, and thanks for following Out Walking the Dog.
October 29, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Please all of you in the City – stay safe and warm and dry.
October 29, 2012 at 1:48 pm
I’m here in Putnam Valley. I walked Marcos at 11:30 so we’re good for a while. Didn’t see any other dogs but I thanked the trusty Garbage men who picked up our garbage and wished them safety. The Hudson River has overglowed into the Peekskill train station’s back parking lot and flooded the River Green park and marina. Stay safe, you and Esau!
October 29, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Good luck. Yes, more power to our city workers! My husband noticed some trash piles that were staring to blow around this morning – hope they got picked up.
October 29, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Too bad you couldn’t get to the Hudson…
Yes, the Battery flooded a bit and I’ve seen photos of the FDR drive under water…. the water should now recede a bit (falling tide) and then come back, possibly much worse, this evening…