Disasters Untold: The Northeast Blackout of 2003

Today, we’ll remember one of the most widespread power outages in recent memory, an emergency that put our great City to the test. 

On a warm late summer afternoon 18 years ago this week, all of a sudden, it seemed as though the world went dark. On August 14, 2003, the Northeastern US and parts of Southeastern Canada, an area with a population of 50 million people, lost power. In NYC it would last more than 24 hours.  

The summer heat, hours without electricity, communications disruptions, and memories of 9/11 brought with it a host of worries and hazards. But New York City came together.

In this episode we’ll be hearing from some of the agencies and organizations, including the Red Cross, tasked with keeping New Yorkers safe and informed. 

The following individuals are featured in the episode:

• Robert McGrath, volunteer, American Red Cross in Greater NY
• Sharon Hawa, former employee, American Red Cross in Greater NY
• Thomas J. Richardson, Chief of Department, FDNY
• Glenn Schuck, 1010WINS reporter

News Clips: NBC Nightly News, Eyewitness News ABC7NY

 

Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres
Editor: Mackenzie Lynch
Story Editor: Chi Kong Lui