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Superstorm Sandy Anniversary Report

October 29, 2013

This month marks the one year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. While not the most expensive storm to impact the US coast, particularly when adjusted for current property values, Sandy was the most costly borderline Category 1/tropical storm to make landfall in the historical record.

Sandy was unusual in many respects, but this storm clearly demonstrated that even weak hurricanes can cause tremendous damage in certain regions. This report illustrates why Sandy was unusual and why the Northeastern US is particularly vulnerable to large coastal storms and storm surge flooding. It also discusses how future storms can result in far worse damage.