Winter nor'easter brings windswept rain, some snow to parts of Tri-State
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A winter nor'easter moved through the Tri-State area with a mix of rain and snow in some parts Thursday evening and could last through Saturday.
While areas in and around New York City saw mostly rain Thursday night, several inches of snow were seen during the day in West Milford, New Jersey.
About 30 trucks were out salting and plowing throughout the Passaic County town. However, roads were in decent shape. After snow came down heavy in the morning and dropped a few inches, it slowed down, giving the plows and salters a chance to catch up.
Storm conditions are expected to continue overnight into midday Friday before tapering to showers at night, so the real question is what people will wake up to on Friday morning.
Crews in West Milford say they are hoping for the best but are prepared for the worst.
"Depends on the temperature you know," said Greg Visser of the West Milford Public Works Department. "The guys can get the road handled and cleaned but you gotta watch for that flags freeze or any sleet that comes in."
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to take caution ahead of the winter storm that was expected to impact most of the state and surrounding area Thursday through Saturday.
The wintry weather caused hazardous travel conditions in several regions and a potential for power outages in areas with heavy snowfall was also expected.
However, Hochul said last month's massive snowfall in western New York meant her team was ready to respond to this storm.
"We are experienced," the governor said. "I was experienced before but that was next level."
Hochul said strong winds in the forecast were what she's most worried about this time around; something that didn't feature as much in the last storm.
"When you have the wind event coupled with this, whether it's the rain downstate or snow upstate, that's when you have the vulnerable situation where power lines can come down," Hochul said.
The governor urged no unnecessary travel from Thursday afternoon through Friday in impacted regions.
Safety Tips
Travel
Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:
-Do not drive unless necessary.
-Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
-If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
-If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling.
-The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
- It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
-Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.
Heavy Exertion
Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack. To avoid problems:
-Stay warm, dress warm, and slow down when working outdoors.
-Take frequent rests to avoid overexertion.
-If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm, stop what you are doing and seek help immediately.
Power Outages
-Call your utility to determine area repair schedules.
- Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
- If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
Heating Safety
-Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
-When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation.
-Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
-Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
- If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, use only the correct fuel for your unit. refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool, keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects and use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
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