What is the importance of Hurrican Sandy in the collection, Let Me Be Frank With You?

Hurricane Sandy happens shortly before the beginning of the novel. It is the significant action that causes the main plot of the first story, "I'm Here", as the hurricane causes a large amount of destruction on the Jersey Shore, including the annihilation of Arnie Urquhart's house. This causes Arnie to set the story in motion by calling Frank to come with him to view the remnants of the house as property flippers have offered to buy it from Arnie.