The Real "October Surprise" : Hurricane Sandy

In an election year, especially a presidential one, there is always the rumor of an "October Surprise" by either political party to assume the office. But, mother nature may have the last laugh with hurricane Sandy looming offshore and already affecting land . The storm is predicted to have an 800 mile expanse. The storm is estimated to be a "perfect storm" that will dump gallons of water on land with over 10 inches in some places along with whipping winds. With there being a full moon the tide will rise over 8-10 feet. The lunar effect will pontentiate the surge of the dual counter spinning arms. But, that will not be the end of it. The storm will probably last for a week stalling out in the Ohio Valley on its way out to Canada. But, the worst is still to come. A snow storm dumping a lot of snow may occur after the tropical effect. What may happen is electrical power shut downs, airline cancellations, local metropolitan services being closed, stores and super markets going empty, streets and highways closed and now numerous "States of Emergencies" being issued from federal authorities in Washington D.C to states and cities all up and down the east coast. The potential property damage may be the largest in U.S. history(estimated $3.2 billion USD). We haven't even gotten to the potential morbidity, mortality and public health effects from such a storm. But, the duration of the storm has been rumored to be able to extend as long to effect the presidential election potentially if it turns out to be a protracted event. Early voting and actually election day may become an issue due the storm's impact. What would this cause , a voting delay, a postponement, who knows? The storm could literally "freeze" the electoral process temporarily or at least affect voter turn out for many who can only get to the polls physically on election day in the midst of mounting flooding or infrastructure failures. This may or may not turn out to be a larger issue that will not only "surprise" this years election outcome , but threaten the electoral process and protocols.Should there be concern? This all is occurring while the west coast from Seattle to Alaska has also experienced 2 earthquakes this weekend , one measuring at 7.7 on the Richter scale.

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