OCTOBER 30, 2012 – As Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy moves northwest, the storm is creating large waves and potential damage in the Great Lakes region. While water levels are subsiding on the East Coast, the combination of tides and the storm are still causing levels to be higher than normal. OR&R responders are watching closely and standing by to assist with the recovery efforts. Initial recovery efforts are focused on safety and restoring essential services, such as power and transportation.

One of the challenges facing communities is information management. ERMA® (Environmental Response Management Application) is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) tool that assists both emergency responders and environmental resource managers in dealing with environmental impacts. OR&R scientists are ensuring that Atlantic ERMA is ready to go should it be needed.

NOAA’s Scientific Support Coordinators and others from the Office of Response and Restoration are on standby and in communication with their counterparts at the U.S. Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency to address these challenges.

Get Hurricane Sandy updates at the National Hurricane Center and see real-time tide gauges from the National Ocean Service.