BY JILL D'AMICO

The fast-moving storms that blew through New York City the morning of Aug. 8 hit Brooklyn particularly hard.

A tornado surprised residents of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, felling trees, tearing off roofs and shattering windows. The twister was the first in Brooklyn since the 19th century.

The storm proved a headache for the metro area, with property damage, people unable to get to work, and commuting nightmares.

“Our block was destroyed,” said Shane Siederman of Bay Ridge Financial Group, which is located at 69-45 Ridge Blvd.

“The City worked very effectively,” he continued. “They were on the ball, and did an outstanding job cleaning it up, roping people off and taking care of safety precautions.”

Business Assistance
Any businesses affected by the storm are urged to call 311 and ask for the Department of Small Business Services’ Business Outreach Team for assistance, an SBS representative said.

Businesses that contact the City may be able to connect with emergency aid, according to Rick Russo, director of the Brooklyn Business Solutions Center.

The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) decamped to Sunset Park on Wednesday to set up a temporary command center, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the commissioners of multiple city agencies held a briefing.

OEM Commissioner Joe Bruno told media the worst-hit areas were on 68th and 69th streets between 3rd and 4th avenues. It was reported that Leif Ericson Park in Bay Ridge lost most of its trees.

Officials said property damage is expected to be in the millions – possibly tens of millions. They said they will ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial support if possible.

Mr. Siederman put it all into perspective, however.

“The bottom line is that compared to a lot of other people in the world today, we’re pretty lucky.”

For more information, call 311 or go to the New York City Office of Emergency Management Web site.