Kari Bowen, 29, of Malabar in Arima, is happy to be alive, after riding out the fury of superstorm Sandy in New York city on Monday night.

Based in Brooklyn, East New York, for well over a year after moving from another state, she is thankful there was no major flooding in her area.

Contacted yesterday via Facebook, she said all was well. The Express communicated with Bowen via the social network between Monday night and yesterday, receiving updates on the storm as the night progressed into morning.

"There was a lot of wind, branches down in the streets, people's car alarms going off constantly because of the intensified winds. There was no flooding in our area. I was not really worried about the storm because you never really hear about New York being hit by a storm. Snowstorm yes, but nothing like a hurricane or anything of that sort," Bowen said.

Bowen, who lives at an apartment in Brooklyn, said the wind and rains started around noon on Monday, and since she was home all day, she tried to sleep through the storm, but was awakened by the howling caused by the wind.

"I turned the television on as I was scared before to be alone. All I am hearing is wind and sirens outside. Police sirens, fire sirens. So I know it is bad out there. I bought water, and foodstuff and I have a book lamp nearby," Bowen said.

There was no major flooding in her district, and while the storm has moved on, this Trinidadian has plans to return home.

"I'll be fine, I prayed and asked God to be with me. I am already in the process of making plans to move back home. The storm was not the deciding factor in moving, because you can't really outrun natural disasters. New York is not really for me. It's busy and cold. So maybe home or another State, not sure yet," she said.

She said looking at the news all the devastation around has her shocked.

"My cousin in Baltimore said it is bad there also. I am trying to get hold of my dad in Virginia, but not getting through. I know there was a snowstorm there so I am worried," she said.

The Express contacted Bowen's mother, Yvonne Bowen, a nurse in Trinidad, who expressed joy that her daughter was safe and the storm had moved away from her state.