Over 360,000 without power in New York blizzard

A major nor'easter packing wet, heavy snow has sent tree limbs crashing down, left more than 363,000 customers without power and closed schools across upstate New York.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a travel advisory for all areas north of New York City, requesting limited travel due to dangerous driving conditions.

The National Weather Service says Buffalo received 8.4 inches of snow by 7 a.m., and areas south of the city were under 20 inches or more. Forestville in Chautauqua County had already reported 22 inches by 7 a.m. Sonyea in Livingston had 19 inches by 10 a.m.

The Rochester area was closing in on a foot of snow.

Blizzard warnings were posted until 1 a.m. Saturday in Otsego, Delaware and Sullivan Counties in New York.  The National Weather Service warned that wind gusts as high as 50 MPH would create whiteout conditions in blowing snow.

Accumulation was lower in eastern parts of the state, but the heavy mix of snow and rain made traveling hazardous, especially in the high-elevation areas like the Catskill Mountains.

In New York City, flight operations were suspended at LaGuardia Airport with no flight arrivals or departures until further notice due to high winds.

 

With the Associated Press