A vehicle is submerged on 14th Street near the Consolidated Edison power plant, in New York. Sandy knocked out power to at least 3.1 million people, and New York's main utility said large sections of Manhattan had been plunged into darkness by the storm, with 250,000 customers without power as water pressed into the island from three sides, flooding rail yards, subway tracks, tunnels and roads. (AP Photo/ John Minchillo)

Students and staff from the Norwich School are among thousands of tourists still facing an uncertain return home, after the disruptions caused by superstorm Sandy.

Superstorm Sandy pictures: Submitted by James Copland

Airlines cancelled more than 12,000 flights yesterday and millions of people along the US east coast are facing life without power or transport for days to come, with the death toll continuing to rise overnight.

As reported, 51 sixth-formers from Norwich School, along with seven members of staff, had been due to travel to New York as part of a history, politics and art trip, but were told to wait in Washington for the storm to pass. Lara Pechard, from the Norwich School, said last night: “We are still in DC for a second extra night. The situation in DC is much improved weather-wise, but all federal buildings, museums and galleries remain closed.

“However, we have missed our Broadway show, visit to the United Nations and the Empire State. If we can leave for New York tomorrow we will have a day-and-a-half in the Big Apple. The mood is still positive and upbeat, if masking some frustration.”

Justin Koplin, 39, who is chairman of the New York Canaries supporters’ club, lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

He has three daughters aged eight, six and two, and said the oldest ones were worried before the storm hit on Monday night. He said the children were not allowed to watch too much television and did not see footage of a crane collapsing on 57th Street.

Mr Koplin said last night: “Things in my neck of the woods are okay, but lots of trees are down and schools are closed tomorrow. There are big trees down on the sidestreets and the parks are an absolute mess. But NYC is resilient.”

Meanwhile, Norfolk sporting stars Barbara Parker, a City of Norwich AC runner and British steeplechase record holder, and former Norfolk cricket captain Paul Bradshaw, are believed to be in New York at the present time.

Do you have a story about friends or family caught up in the superstorm? Call David Bale on 01603 772427, email david.bale2@archant.co.uk