IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: Tim Hansen lives in Brooklyn and is one of several ex-patriots from Orange and millions of Americans who have experienced hurricane Sally. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
TIM Hansen is well known for his humour and at the height of the storm when hurricane Sandy hit New York, he settled down with his American flatmates to show them the Kath and Kim series.
“The wind is howling outside and its pouring - its quite insane really,” the former Orange resident told The Central Western Daily.
“Last year when we went through hurricane Irene it wasn’t a patch on Sandy, “ he said.
Earlier in the day the weather in New York was gloomy but calm.
“But just a few hours ago (6pm New York time) I could see electrical transformers sparking over parts of the city that have no power,” he said.
Mr Hansen, who moved to the United States in 2010 to study for his masters degree in composition, said initial reports in New York indicated the subway between New Jersey and New York would potentially be closed for days.
“Millions of people rely on the transport network and it looks as if it will be out for days - its going to get pretty crazy,” he said.
“Milk, bread and bottled water can’t be found now for love or money in New York.”
Mr Hansen phoned Orange earlier in the day yesterday to reassure parents Fran and Nick Hansen he was taking all the precautionary measures necessary, but queuing for food at supermarkets was the order of the day as New Yorkers prepared to baton down.
“We have plenty of food and water in the apartment and a couple of good bottles of red and I think this is the perfect time to introduce my American flatmates to the humour of Kath and Kim,” he said.
Orange dancer Ellie Switkaiwsky, who celebrated her 21st birthday just a couple of days ago, was also weathering the storm, but had family close by.
Her mother Donna flew over to mark her daughter’s birthday and the pair stayed safe.
“Our school (Julliard School) has closed down because of the hurricane and mum and I are just here together,” she said.