Google launches crisis map to help prepare for Sandy

PanARMENIAN.Net - As Hurricane Sandy moves near the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast, Google is helping those affected prepare for the storm with a dedicated crisis map, Mashable reports.

The map tracks Sandy’s path, letting users choose between several layers of information, such as the current location of the storm, forecast track, shelter locations, cloud imagery, public alerts and more.

Google has also launched a special Sandy crisis map for New York City, displaying such info as evacuation zones, evacuation centers and Red Cross emergency shelters.

Sandy is a massive category 1 hurricane, expected to bring life-threatening storm surge to the mid-Atlantic coast, Monday, Oct 29 evening and early Tuesday.

Also helping out during the crisis are the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, who have temporarily lifted their paywalls, enabling people to freely get info on Hurricane Sandy.