Google updates Crisis Map to help with Hurricane Sandy
updated 04:47 am EDT, Mon October 29, 2012
Map system tracks hurricane, weather patterns, escape routes
Google has updated its Crisis Map to cover Hurricane Sandy, with a view to helping people survive the weather event. The map can be used to track the storm, as well as provide regional alerts and other information that would be useful in such an emergency, and is similar to the Crisis Map used by those affected by Hurricane Issac.
While similar to the Public Alerts system, the Crisis Map offers a wealth of information about a specific event. The path of the storm, expected rainfall, cloud imagery, traffic conditions, and hurricane evacuation routes are included on top of public alerts, in order to give as full a picture as possible for storm observers, reports Engadget.
The US Stock Market will be closed on Monday and possibly remain shut until after Tuesday, according to Reuters, citing the need to protect its employees. Wall Street Banks are conducting their own emergency plans, while staff at bank offices in evacuation zones and most non-critical employees have been asked to work from home, if they are not in danger from that location. Google's own Android event, canceled because of the weather, has yet to be rescheduled.
