Midlands expats describe the ordeal of Hurricane Sandy

Pupils and staff from Idsall School in Shifnal re currently holed up in a hotel in New York after travelling there for a school trip. A total of 18 pupils and six staff flew out to the USA on Saturday for a five-day long art trip, but only just made it safely to New York City before airports were closed as the storm drew nearer.

Forty seven pupils and eight staff from Lakelands School in Ellesmere, Shropshire, are also caught up in the drama.

Andrew Lacey's two daughters who both attend Idsall School – Frances, aged 17 and Kira, 15 – are on the trip.

The Shifnal resident said he has received a message from his eldest daughter but had not spoken to her.

He added: "I think they are all okay. I heard from Frances on Sunday saying that the weather was getting worse.

"She sent a message on Facebook and said that Kira was okay too but I haven't heard from them again.

"The school phoned to let us know the students are safe and that they are staying in the hotel.

"They are following the guidelines being given out there, obviously I am worried but I am not too concerned as they are being well looked after."

Torch

Each pupil from Lakelands has been given a torch in case of a power cut and all have contacted their parents.

They spent Sunday stocking up on supplies and planned to sit out the storm in their hotel after their flight that was due to bring them home today was also cancelled.

Stuart Bingham, chairman of the governors at Lakelands, said: "We are speaking with the staff in New York to get as much information for parents as we can.

"We appreciate parents may be worried, but we can assure them that the pupils are safe and in good spirits, with teachers following the appropriate advice from the New York authorities."

Josh Martin, who went to school in Wolverhampton and is originally from Bridgnorth, is currently staying in Manhattan for a month.

He described the scenes from the 16th floor of an apartment block last night when the storm was taking hold with wind speeds of 44mph. He said: "The wind is howling and swirling around as the rain lashes against the window."

"We went to the supermarkets yesterday to get supplies and managed to get essentials and non perishable food.

"I have never seen shelves so bare, not much water left and long, long lines.

"It is an experience like no other – I expected rain and possibly snow, but never anything like this."

The storm arrived in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at around midnight GMT and much of the city was soon underwater.

Former Fallings Park resident Dennis Fieldhouse, who now lives in East Brunswick, New Jersey, said last night there had already been "total devastation" to areas close to the east coast.

"What we are witnessing right now is strong gale force winds around 45mph and heavy rain widespread, but it is going to get worse," he said.

"There has been total devastation to areas close to the east coast shoreline."

Elizabeth Felt, aged 20 and from Finchfield where her family still lives, is currently studying at Harvard University in Boston.

She said the entire university had been closed for the day apart from core operations.

"This is the first time since 1978 that the school has closed for the day," she added.

• Are you originally from the West Midlands, now visiting or living in the USA and caught up in Hurricane Sandy? Email us newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk or leave a comment below.