Nation goes into high alert as Sandy pummels the east coast

Nonprofit organizations from as far away as Oklahoma are gearing up for coming to the aid of those most impacted by Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Sandy as it pummels the east coast. The full impact can only be determined after the storm passes but thousands of people have already been affected. According the National Hurricane Center, hurricane force winds extended outward up to 175 miles while tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 485 miles. Storm surge in the Long Island Sound, Raritan Bay and New York Harbor areas was expected to be between 6 and 11 feet. Residents across nine states retreated into shelters to get protection from the storm as it approached. According to available reports 10 people have already been killed and 5.2 million are without power. Many have stuck to their posts though, figuratively and literally. The U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, is maintaining watch over Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns. The Guard has patrolled the site since 1948 without a single moment’s lapse, and it looks like Hurricane Sandy will be no exception. Members of the Coast Guard have kept rescue operations running as ships capsize and sailors are lifted from the stormy sea. New York City police continue to patrol the streets despite widespread blackouts.