The way I heard it {not that I have nor claim to have Ruach Nevu’oh}, Irene transpired shortly after same gender marriage became legalized in NY State, whereas Sandy transpired shortly after NYC began obliterating [or should I say, attempting to obliterate] MBP.
Same gender marriage being all of NY State, the worst of Irene struck in Upper NY State, whereas MBP being a NYC Health Department Attack, Sandy struck NYC very badly.