TRANSCRIPT: Hurricane Sandy hits Toronto live blog

Real-time coverage from CityNews & 680News as the effects of Hurricane Sandy hit Southern Ontario and the greater Toronto area.

RT @cnnweather: JUST IN: RT @NWSNewYorkNY: Already 2-3 ft STORM SURGE in NY Harbor, LI Sound, Raritan Bay, & South Shore Bays! #citystorm

by CityNatasha via twitter 10/29/2012 2:58:22 AM
RT @dmvfollowers: This bridge in Newport News is almost underwater. p.twimg.com #citystorm

by CityNatasha via twitter 10/29/2012 3:00:33 AM
Tomorrow we are on storm watch! #citystorm. Watch @BTtoronto & @CityNews for updates!

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 3:00:38 AM
RT @sangita_patel: Tomorrow we are on storm watch. #citystorm. Watch @BTtoronto & @CityNews for updates!

by CityNatasha via twitter 10/29/2012 3:06:18 AM
Check flights in/out of Pearson, a lot of cancellations #citystorm

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 3:15:34 AM
RT @WeatherBug: More power outage numbers: Long Island, NY 10k+, Norfolk, Newport News, VA: 2k+ #sandy #poweroutages

by CityNatasha via twitter 10/29/2012 1:37:33 PM
Expect a gradual deterioration in our weather today, stronger winds, more rain. Gusts peak later tonight. Wind warning in effect #TOSandy

by CityNatasha via twitter 10/29/2012 1:39:05 PM
RT @twc_hurricane: New Jersey --> RT @jasonnark: twitpic.com - And here's a street on the bay in Brigantine. #Sandy

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 1:58:42 PM
RT @Newyorkist: Same shot as earlier from battery park esplanade, but water now about 4-5 inches deep #sandy twitpic.com

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 1:59:23 PM
RT @WSJweather: New data from the Hurricane Hunters (945mb) confirms #Sandy is now the most intense hurricane ever north of NC, beating ...

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 2:02:55 PM
Wind will gradually increase through the day today and become the strongest tonight. Wind warnings are posted. We are tracking #sandy at 5&6

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 2:21:28 PM
RT @twc_hurricane: RT @MartinMMC: Norfolk continues to get hit hard by #Sandy #HRSandy p.twimg.com

by Sangita Patel via twitter 10/29/2012 2:23:10 PM
Environment Canada issues wind warning for Hamilton - Severe winds of 60 km/h gusting up to 100 km/h beginning this evening

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 2:35:15 PM
New York governor Andrew Cuomo urging residents to stay indoors, keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.

"You don't need to be going to beach to take pictures."

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 2:36:07 PM
11.7 foot surge plus tide predicted for New York this evening - about a foot higher than Hurricane Irene, officials say.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 2:41:41 PM
Check out this map from Wall Street Journal comparing Hurricane Irene to Hurricane Sandy online.wsj.com

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 2:46:01 PM
Following @CityNews for full updates on #Sandy #TOSandy tweet pics of damage with #citystorm

by Frank Ferragine via twitter 10/29/2012 2:49:21 PM
London's Heathrow airport has grounded all flights to the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including New York, Baltimore, Washington, Boston and Philadelphia.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 2:57:12 PM
Myles Currie: biggest concern in Toronto is blocked catch basins. Check drains around your homes and businesses.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:05:30 PM
Other concerns is flooding near rivers and streams, city's transportation director Myles Currie says.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:06:37 PM
Get duct tape: You'll be surprised how many things you need to fix after a storm, Red Cross advises.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:08:31 PM
Just took a few minutes to clean up the back patio. Took down all loose items, the umbrella and chairs. You may want to do the same. #Sandy

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 3:11:31 PM
Take @AdamStilesCITY advice. Clean up the backyard. Like him, I too put the patio furniture away and the kids stuff in the garage #TOSandy

by Francis DSouza via twitter 10/29/2012 3:16:10 PM
Toronto District School Board warns that high winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding could result in road closures and power failures.

Parents and students are encouraged to listen to their local media on bad weather days for transportation and school updates.

More information on the TDSB's Severe Weather Policy: www.tdsb.on.ca

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:23:54 PM
Red Cross tips [VIDEO] www.citytv.com

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:25:27 PM
GTA Police services remind ppl 911 is for emergencies ONLY. Fallen trees, backed up drains, etc call the City at 311

by Francis DSouza via twitter 10/29/2012 3:32:48 PM
RT"@cityfrancis:GTA Police services remind ppl 911 is for emergencies ONLY. Fallen trees, backed up drains, etc call 311" #Sandy #citystorm

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 3:39:11 PM
RT "@cnnbrk: Weather service reports 24-foot seas off New Jersey ahead of Hurricane #Sandy on.cnn.com"

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 3:39:38 PM
For all of you on the Niagara Peninsula. Highest waves from Lake Ontario will impact your shoreline. STAY AWAY from the water. #Sandy

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 3:41:06 PM
The biggest danger in Toronto will likely be from falling trees & tree branches.

The city has an enormous green canopy, including large mature trees, which will likely be damaged from the predicted high winds.

Falling trees can cause power outages, property damage, injury and even death.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:49:26 PM
No exact time as to when Sandy will hit, CityNews meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai explains - but winds will get stronger every hour all throughout the afternoon.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:52:09 PM
Rainfall totals over next 24 hours 15 to 25mm. Nothing crazy. Winds will be wild tonight gust to 90 km. #sandy #TOSandy

by Frank Ferragine via twitter 10/29/2012 3:52:53 PM
We asked how you were preparing - here are some of your replies:

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 3:54:36 PM
@CityNews Emergency kit and extra water at the ready. Making warm food today. Stocked up on trail mix, beef jerky, cookies. #tosandy

by sarahemmn via twitter 10/29/2012 3:54:44 PM
@CityNews New batteries in flashlights,camplamps. Battery packs & gadgets recharging. Wine cellar full. Ready. #sandy

by TorontoViewer via twitter 10/29/2012 3:55:00 PM
Keep cash & medication on hand as Sandy approaches, Toronto Hydro advises.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:16:19 PM
New Jersey governor Chris Christie: Biggest flooding will be in southern part of state

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:28:14 PM
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch due to rain.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:40:46 PM
MT "@Zaffino: Things I never thot I'd see in my career: Hurricane Advisories from Natl Hurr Center talking about 3 feet of snow. #Sandy "

by AdamStilesCITY via twitter 10/29/2012 4:41:49 PM
Hamilton issues high-water safety bulletin: www.conservationhamilton.ca

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:44:20 PM
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issues flood watch: trca.on.ca

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:47:27 PM
The latest weather webcast from Natasha Ramsahia [VIDEO] www.citytv.com

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:49:18 PM
Durham Region reminds residents to be prepared www.durham.ca

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 4:59:29 PM
Several U.S. states have declared state of emergency, including District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 5:05:58 PM
This is going to be a big and powerful storm: President Obama

by erin.criger 10/29/2012 5:06:09 PM