Drivers Report Dangerous Conditions As Nor'easter Continues To Pummel Westchester County
LARCHMONT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Roads in Westchester County late were wet, slushy, and in some cases dangerous after the region's fourth nor'easter in three weeks continued to dump heavy spots of snow early Thursday morning.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. for the area, where the National Weather Service says six to 10 inches of snow are possible.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City.
"It's a heavy, wet snow combined with high wind gusts, and that is the combination of a nor'easter that creates problems," he said. ""It's going to get worse in the afternoon, worse in the evening."
By midday, the governor said 5,500 utility workers had already been deployed and 300 National Guard troops were at the ready. He also said the state has sent equipment and supplies, including generators, light towers and plows, to areas downstate.
The backroads felt even more narrow than usual as snow piled up into hilly streets.
"Don't go out, don't do it," Yonkers resident Rafael Cruz said.
His daughter says she's worried about riding the school bus through the slippery streets tomorrow.
"If it doesn't come on time I won't go to school," Kricia said.
Driving conditions in Westchester were bad all day. CBS2's Tony Aiello caught up with Larchmont residents as they stocked up on supplies earlier in the day.
"I have a feeling that we're going to get slammed. So I don't think I'll be going outside tomorrow," Rita Tynan said. "I'm fine with it, I'm off from work, I'm a school teacher -- schools are closed. So I'm just going to stay in, relax and catch up on my rest. So I can go back and give my energy to the kids."
"I lost power for five days, so I'm just hoping that the law of averages is in my favor and I get through this one without losing power again," said Bruce Stockler.
The March 2nd storm also toppled a 10,000 pound tree onto the Gensburg home, doing more than $75,000 in damage. On Wednesday, Robin Gensburg had fingers crossed the only thing falling on her house this time is snow.
At Flint Park, kids burned off any symptoms of cabin fever with football and taking advantage of a slick, new layer of white on the sledding hill.
Some told Aiello that while they enjoyed their snow day, they're worried about how many they've had, because it's starting to cut into their spring break and may even mean extending their school year.
Officials urged drivers to use caution and stay off the roads Wednesday.
CBS2's Ali Bauman spoke with some in Yonkers who ended up getting stuck in the snow.
"The guy was slowing down, but I must have hit the brakes too hard, and he T-boned me. He slammed me in the back," one man said. "I'm fine."
"Small roads, they're not good," said another man.
"I'm going to pick up two bottles of wine and some pizza pizza, and go to my girlfriend's house," a man added.
Tens of thousands of customers lost power during the previous nor'easters – some for 10 days.
On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators held a special meeting on the outages, grilling representatives from Con Edison and NYSEG. The governor has ordered the state Public Service Commission to investigate the utility companies' readiness and response.
"They have to do a better job, period. People pay them to supply power to the home – not just when it's sunny, but also when there's a storm," he said during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.
Travelers should check the latest traffic, transit and flight changes.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
