Manhattan loses power as
Superstorm Sandy hits. Picture: Pippa Powell

More than 20 Kent pupils on a school trip to New York are among
those stranded in the city as Superstorm Sandy sweeps across
America.

The group of sixth-formers from Bennett Memorial School, in
Tunbridge Wells, have taken refuge in their hotel after their
flight home was cancelled.

Meanwhile, Kent cricketer Mike Powell is also in New York
sitting out the storm that is devastating the city where
his wife Pippa is working.

At least 17 people have been killed as
Superstorm Sandy ravages the east coast of America and
Canada.

Winds have been reaching 87mph and 13ft surges of seawater have
flooded New York's tunnels, highways, subways and the electrical
system.

Around six million people have been plunged into darkness
across the east coast.

The 22 Kent children were due to land in Heathrow this
morning after a three-day sightseeing tour, but their flight was
cancelled.

Among those who spent the night taking shelter at a hotel near
Times Square is 17-year-old Arthur Hepburn, pictured left.

His father Robin Hepburn said spirits appear to
be high among the group.

He said: "They seemed relatively unfazed by it all,
although he didn't mention that he'd had an experience of panic
buying when they'd gone into a supermarket and a lot of jostling as
people were pushing for things to buy.

"We understand they were more bored than anything while waiting
for the storm to land."

Mr Hepburn added: "We were very concerned - it's just the sense
of not knowing what to do and not being able to do anything about
it.

"We're sure they're being looked after and taken care of."

A statement on the school website said: "Students are all safe,
well and happy at their hotel.

"We have been informed that flights have been rebooked for
Wednesday evening.

"The area the students are staying in has felt very little
impact from Hurricane Sandy and all have passed a quiet night."

The pupils are now expecting to arrive back home on
Thursday.

Cricketer
Mike Powell, pictured left, said he and his wife decided
to stay in the city despite warnings to evacuate.

He told KentOnline: "We've decided to stay. We have got friends
that live about six hours away and we could have gone there,
but we thought we'd sit it out.

"They've evacuated the best part of 400,000 people from
different areas of the city.

"They had a hurricane here about 18 months ago, which was a lot
worse than they thought it was going to be so they're more prepared
this time and are putting a lot more warnings out. Some people have
boarded houses up and taped windows.

"Authorities have told us to stock up on food, water, torches,
candles that sort of thing because they're expecting the power to
go down.

"They've told people to stay inside, obviously don't use your
car and leave the streets available for emergency vehicles."

view from our apartment at the moment . . . #nyc#hurricanesandytwitter.com/pips2309/statu…

— pippa powell (@pips2309) october 29, 2012