Google Launches Interactive Hurricane Sandy Crisis Response Map

Google's Crisis Response team has constructed an interactive map designed to help make sense of the epic weather phenomenon. Built upon a foundation of standard Google Maps data, the default presentation of the map offers a view of Hurricane Sandy's path, a precipitation radar overlay (with adjustable translucence), public alert zones, and Red Cross safety shelter locations represented by Google's well-known red location pins.


However, it's important to note that this isn't simply a map with static graphics and an array of clickable location pins displayed. The map's side bar features a very deep menu containing vital information for local residents and concerned observers. The sidebar controls feature traffic condition overlays, neighborhood flooding zone estimates, satellite-resolution cloud imagery, high wind probability graphics, area webcams offering a peek at real-time conditions (and associated YouTube videos), and a wealth of other information, all interactive and updated as the storm progresses.

The rich trove of aggregate data is augmented by information from the NOAA National Hurricane Center, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Weather.com, the National Weather Service, and the United States Geological Survey. Experts are predicting that the super storm will affect up to 50 million people within an 800-mile area on the East Coast, putting roughly 10 million people in danger of massive power outages.
Forecast to last until mid-week, the super storm has also made business history by causing the shutdown of Wall Street, with both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq stock markets suspending all trading on Monday. For residents in the New York area, Google has created another crisis map dedicated to the city's five boroughs. Both interactive maps can easily be embedded on anyone's personal website and shared via Google+, Facebook, or Twitter.


Please Click Here to use the Google Map