Rain, Ice More Than Snow Falling On Tri-State Area
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - All three major airports are seeing delays and cancellations as a wintry mix of rain and snow moved east into the Tri-State Area.
In New York City, buses, plows and salt spreaders were set to hit the streets, but much of the original seeding got washed away by increasingly heavy rains. Officials estimate over the weekend, about 700 spreaders and 1,600 plows will be deployed.
Extra precautions were taken to make sure the city is better prepared than it was just a few months ago.
In New Jersey where a state of emergency is in effect, travel restrictions are in place north of I-95 and people were urged to remain at home and avoid creating any traffic.
"Haven't seen that many cars, trucks - not really that many trucks either," said Long Island Resident Mike Sanpietro. "It seems like they're listening to the signs."
Manhattan snow is in play but it is currently only creating puddles on the streets. pic.twitter.com/U3oAQGG20i
— Lonnie Quinn (@LonnieQuinnTV) January 20, 2019
"Our biggest problem is not going to be the snow-our biggest problem is going to be wind, and ice and that's why I want our county residents to stay off the roads," said Essex county executive Joe DiVincenzo.
"It's been wet and getting icier," said Emry Dagdagan of Tarrytown. "(I'm) trying to slow down a little bit."
New Jersey Remains Under State Of Emergency
"If ever there was a weekend to stay in and binge watch something, this may be it," Murphy said during storm preparations on Friday.
Thousands of drivers were stalled in traffic all night during November's minor snowstorm. Mayor de Blasio and his administration was publicly slammed for not being ready to deal with two inches of snow on city roads.
"Thank goodness it's Saturday and tomorrow's Sunday, so tomorrow's going to be spent inside making some food, relaxing, getting ready for the games," said Bryan Delrio of Waldwick, N.J.
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This time, public works and utility crews were all out getting prepared Friday. Salt was put down on the roads in Staten Island.
MTA buses now have chains on its tires that deploy at the push of a button.
"Just not wanting to go out this week, especially Monday because it's brutal," said Jamie Hamill or Orangeberg, N.Y. "I can feel it and I hate the cold."
Due to the partial government shutdown, the TSA says it's sending reinforcements to Newark Airport to help with security screenings.
Eight million people are expected to be screened nationwide by Monday and more than 3,500 flights have already been delayed or cancelled.
Gov. Cuomo has banned tractor trailers and buses on most interstate highways in advance of the storm.
Amtrak schedules are modified on Saturday and Sunday for cities including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago.