2011 & Beyond: New York City in Brief

From snow storms to smoking bans, 2011 in New York City was eventful. The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks went by, as did Hurricane Irene. Here is a compilation of some of New York City’s big moments.

A man lays sandbags near the Staten Island Ferry in preparation for Hurricane Irene. Amal Chen/The Epoch Times

Hurricane Irene
Evacuation warnings and an MTA system-wide shutdown on Aug. 27 preceded Hurricane Irene. The Category 1 hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached New York, but still cost the state almost $7 billion in damages.

Earthquake
The internet exploded with chatter as an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude shook New York. The epicenter of the quake was in Virginia, and it was felt as far away as South Carolina, Ohio, and Toronto, Canada. 

Dominique Strauss-Khan Sex Controversy
The managing director of the International Monetary Fund was arrested for alleged sexual assault and placed under house arrest in 71 Broadway, prompting media to camp-out near the building. The charges against him were later dismissed, though his French presidential aspirations are reportedly ruined.