Snow creates slippery conditions on Orange County roads; flakes turn to rain in New York City

NEW YORK -- Snow fell over New York City on Saturday, as the season's first significant winter snowstorm blew into the Tri-State Area. 

While the snow eventually turned to rain in the city, parts of northwestern New Jersey could see up to 10 inches. 

Watch: CBS New York viewers share photos & videos of the first snowfall of the season

Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on social media Saturday afternoon, reminding New Yorkers to stay up-to-date on the latest emergency alerts and road conditions. 

It has been over 690 days since New York City received more than an inch of snow, and the Department of Sanitation says it's more ready than ever to tackle winter weather. 

The DSNY's fleet of more than 700 salt spreaders was positioned to hit the roads as soon as the first flakes fell, and the department said it's fully stocked with more than 700 million pounds of salt. 

"Snow has (finally!) started in most of the City, and our Salt Spreaders are rolling to keep all streets open and safe," it posted on social media Saturday afternoon. 

Suburbs impacted by snow

Areas north of the city were impacted by the snowfall Saturday.

In Westchester County, the Bee-Line bus system reported several detours Saturday evening due to snow.

Route 17 in Orange County was covered in slush and snow. Crews were working to get them salted, but some drivers said it wasn't easy getting around.

From slipping and sliding on sidewalks to spin-outs on the roads, navigating Saturday night's snow in Orange County was challenging.

"It was hard to come this way because I live in Monroe and coming this way, the car started sliding, like really getting stuck in the highway," Monroe resident Lea Couz said.

"It's very slippery. I just came up to bring my mom shopping because I was away for a week, and yeah, if you don't have to drive, I wouldn't recommend it," Chester resident Rebecca Jones said.

While Route 17 was quiet, a few like David Winn headed out for some last-minute necessities at Home Depot.

"I'll be stocked up probably a month or two on salt ... This is piling up, already half an inch since I was inside," said David Winn.

Crews are working around the clock to salt the roads. They have more than 500 lane miles to cover.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus urged residents to stay home.

"Stay off the road. Make sure you yield to the DPW trucks, the fire, ambulance, emergency responders, but nobody should be out. Hang out and enjoy the snow at home. Let us do our job," he said.

If you do need to go out, AAA says make sure to accelerate and decelerate slowly, increase your following distance, know your brakes and don't stop if you can avoid it. Experts say it's better to slow down and keep rolling than to slam on the brakes.

Stick with our First Alert Weather team for the latest storm track and timing, as well as snow total projections and more.

In:
• New York City