2014 Reports

New Yorkers Negatively Impacted by Hurricane Sandy: How are They Faring Since?

Wimer, Christopher T.; Raker, Ethan

Hurricane Sandy, which hit New York City on October 29, 2012, was one of the worst weather-related disasters to hit New York City in decades. In far-flung parts of the city, the storm wreaked havoc on New York City residents and their communities. Some were stranded in their homes without power, others lost vehicles, belongings, or even their homes to catastrophic damage, and still others were injured or even lost their lives. And for some, the storm was a direct hit to the pocketbook, as the results of the storm caused them to lose pay or even their job altogether. The extent of Hurricane Sandy’s immediate impact was fairly well documented shortly after the storm. This brief focuses on what happened since. We find that a year after Hurricane Sandy landed in New York City, those who were negatively impacted by the storm are experiencing elevated levels of material hardships, independent of their disadvantages and hardships prior to the storm.