Governor, senators fly over storm-damaged areas [Updated]

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and other state officials conducted a helicopter tour Wednesday morning of areas damaged by superstorm Sandy, including Long Island Sound, Fire Island, Jones Beach and Long Beach.

Cuomo, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and others flew over Long Island, New York City and Westchester County during the tour. Other observation points included Breezy Point — where 80 homes were destroyed by a storm-related fire, including Rep. Bob Turner’s house — JFK Airport and the Metro-North Hudson River line.

Officials planned to give a briefing at noon, according to Cuomo officials.

 Cuomo: NY death toll statewide "has gone up to 26 people."

 Cuomo: President Obama has suggested that "FEMA will largely pay those expenses" for recovery — 90 or possibly 100 %

 Cuomo: "Part of learning from this is the recognition that climate change is a reality, extreme weather is a reality."