Debris is piled along Michigan Street in Long Beach's West...

Debris is piled along Michigan Street in Long Beach's West End on Nov. 18, 2012, as people strip their houses and throw out belongings destroyed by superstorm Sandy, which hit Long Island three weeks earlier. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara

Superstorm Sandy’s impact on Long Islanders was as dramatically varied as fate usually is. For some, the storm of October 2012 was over when the rain stopped, or when power was restored. But for thousands, it meant gut-churning losses and a tough haul to a new normal — a haul that for many isn’t over. Those in South Shore communities that were the hardest hit are still struggling to recover five years after Sandy swept in and changed their lives. Others are enjoying water views from an elevated house.
SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME