More Snow Settles In As Another Winter Storm Sweeps Into Tri-State Area
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Snow fell across the Tri-State area as another winter storm swept through the region and persisted all day.
The snow was over by Thursday night, but extreme and dangerous cold was setting in yet again. Early Friday morning, temperatures were expected to drop to 10 degrees in Central Park and single digits elsewhere.
And as temperatures fell both puddles and snow piles were at risk of turning to ice.
CBS2's Tracee Carrasco was on the road in Mobile2 checking out conditions on the Garden State Parkway.
Blankets of snow covered New Jersey roads at times making it nearly impossible to see lane markings.
Drivers said despite convoys of snow plows to clear the roads, they just couldn't keep up with mother nature.
"They're working hard. The plows are everywhere. There's just so much snow, it's just too much to handle I guess," one motorist said.
Even with the reduced 35 mph speed limit, vehicles were sliding off roads, and at times ended up facing in the wrong direction.
"There was a lot of accidents, a lot of vans, and a lot of cars, on the side and cops everywhere. You just got to be really careful out there," Enrique Pantoja said.
The National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning for New York City, Long Island and areas of New Jersey that lasted until 7 p.m. Thursday.
The forecast called for 4 to 8 inches, and many areas got even more than that. Staten Island topped off with 9.5 inches, Queens with 9, Brooklyn with 8.5, Manhattan with 7, and the Bronx with 6.6.
In New Jersey, totals ranged from 8.8 inches in Scotch Plains and 8.2 in North Bergen, to 4.9 in Paramus. On Long Island, Melville and East Northport each topped out with 9 inches, and in Connecticut, New Canaan topped the list with 6.4 inches.
CHECK: Forecast/Alerts | School Closings | Flight Delays | Photos: March 5 Snowstorm
The New York City Office of Emergency Management issued a hazardous travel advisory for the morning rush, warning of dangers on the roads caused by reduced visibility, icy roads and snow accumulations.
2nd time today, same location. PLEASE SLOW DOWN says P.O. G. Kimbro #368 who's back on the scene. pic.twitter.com/8I65UuAGTO
— ParkwayPolice (@ParkwayPolice) March 5, 2015
Ahead of the storm the OEM said snow could fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour during the morning rush, reducing visibilities to a quarter-mile or less. Alternate side parking rules are also suspended.
"Take it slow on the roads," Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia told 1010 WINS. "There are going to be very difficult conditions, particularly in the afternoon."
Some schools in Westchester County and on Long Island were closed for the day.
News of another round of wintry weather left many people frustrated and annoyed.
"I've had it," said Tarrytown resident Helen Volpe. "I started to cry when I heard Thursday's weather forecast."
"I've been getting that dreary feeling," one man told 1010 WINS' John Montone. "I can't wait till it's over. Hopefully it's the last one."
In New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency and asked motorists to stay off the roads if possible.
With more homes separated by yards in areas like Middlesex County, where a good chunk of snow has fallen, neighbors m
Middlesex County Emergency Management Spokesman Rob Sklans reminded folks to check on those who are elderly or need assistance.
"Not only just check on them, but I'm sure the people appreciate the phone call and a little conversation," Bergen County Executive James Tedesco told WCBS 880's Levon Putney.
Tedesco said with even more snow than expected, they have crews countywide helping clear roads.
"Salt has been a little bit of a challenge and getting the salt deliveries," he said.
NJ TRANSIT buses and trains are crossing honoring tickets while Amtrak says the forecast is forcing the railroad to reduce the number of trains operating on its Northeast Corridor.
The reductions will be most significant between New York and Washington. The railroad says a combination of its Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains will still operate.
There will also be fewer Keystone service trains between Pennsylvania and New York.
"We've had enough now, I can't wait for the spring," Yhonne Beckford told WCBS 880's Jim Smith as she shoveled snow in Roselle Park.
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Nathan Reilly, of the Upper West Side, shared the sentiments of many about this winter.
"I've had enough," he told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond. "I mean, it doesn't stop. It's supposed to be a light snow, and this is much more than a light snow."
Sidewalks were once again covered in slush.
"It's slippery, and I'm 72," Reilly said. "I don't want to fall."
Added Stephanie Factor, as she waited in the snow for the M96 bus.
"We're under siege," she said. "We're absolutely under siege."
Meanwhile, on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, Mother Nature was blamed for humongous potholes flattening tires.
"I actually saw it a second before I hit it, but there was traffic on the sides," one driver said. "There was no avoiding it."
A tow operator told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane she usually hears the same gripe from victims of potholes: "It's just crazy how these highways are not fixed up correctly."
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