Superstorm Sandy went easy on Western New York, causing some minor damage and power outages, but in other parts of the state, things are much worse.

Packing 85 miles-per-hour winds, Sandy came ashore as a post-tropical storm Monday.

The storm has left nearly 50 people dead, and more than 8 million homes are without power in 17 states.

In New York City, a wall of seawater and high winds slammed the city, destroying buildings and flooding tunnels.

All three New York-area airports are still closed but Amtrak says it will resume some service in the Northeast on Wednesday.

New York's subway system is expected to remain closed for days because of flooding.

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New York City's utility company says it could be anywhere from several days to a week before people who lost power during the superstorm get their lights back.

President Obama has signed a disaster declaration for the state of New York and also ordered federal aid to help the state and local communities with recovery efforts.

Much of the federal funding will be focused on New York City and Long Island, where large amounts of damage occurred. However, federal funding will also be available for hazard mitigation measures statewide. FEMA says damage surveys are continuing across the state.
More counties and additional assistance could be designated once those assessments are complete.

Senator Charles Schumer says the president has given "aggressive orders" for New York to receive whatever aid it needs.

"I've gotten a whole bunch of calls from my colleagues this morning pledging support, and we're going to have to stand behind, as a nation, New York. Fortunately, the loss of life and property was not as great as 9/11, but it's a terrible tragedy and I believe our country will stand behind us when we seek the reimbursement funds that are needed," said Sen. Schumer, (D).

Schumer says the federal reimbursement program is very generous.