22News travels to storm-damaged NY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A 22News crew will be sent down to New York Thursday morning, to bring western Massachusetts viewers the latest on the relief efforts and rebuilding situation after Hurricane Sandy.

22News reporter Elysia Rodriguez and 22News photographer Andrew Balise will be traveling with a member of the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter to those devastated areas in and around New York City.

Eighteen days after the storm, thousands are still without power and many people have lost everything--including their homes. Victims have also been struggling with the recent cold temperatures.

Parts of the New York metro area as well as Long Island have been described as appearing like a war zone. Homes along the coast are completely flattened, debris is scattered throughout areas, and once-picturesque  beaches are now destroyed. But like many communities struggling with this kind of devastation, the focus now is on how to move forward.

22News will bring you the latest on what's going on just 150 miles away from western Massachusetts.

Also on Thursday, President Obama will be in New York visiting storm-ravaged communities, like Staten Island and the Rockaways.