Strong Winds, Arctic Cold Transform Upstate Lakefront Homes Into Ice Palaces
WEBSTER, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Last week's double whammy of hurricane-force winds followed by an arctic blast has turned several homes along Lake Ontario into ice palaces.
CHECK: Forecast | Radar | Schools | Traffic | App | More...
A thick layer of ice coats a row of lakeside homes in the town of Webster thanks to five straight days of strong winds and freezing cold. Everything is frozen solid -- even the grass and patio furniture.
A violent windstorm last Wednesday produced wind gusts of 70 mph to 80 mph along Lake Ontario's southern shore, knocking out power to more than 100,000 utility customers in the Rochester area, including the now-ice-encased lakeside homes in Webster.
The spray from the high waves crashing on shore froze as temperatures plunged into the teens.
Temperatures aren't expected to climb above 32 degrees until Friday.
Closer to the city, the approaching storm was surprising to a lot of people after the mild winter we've had.
CBS2's Elise Finch was in Bronxville on Monday, where -- after several cold days -- snow will stick on roads and sidewalks, not just on grassy surfaces as was seen on Friday.
"I think it's a little whacky considering we had 60 degree weather a few days ago," Isabel Stronski said.
"I can't believe we went through an entire winter with barely any snow, and now we're about to get hit pretty hard in March. It's a little crazy," Devin Conroy said.
Elaine Megna said the timing of the weather only seems crazy to people who haven't lived as long as she has.
"I think it's just normal because years ago I remember the same type of weather," she said.
Most people weren't questioning the mid-March storm, but were anxious to see it materialize.
"We work at a college, and we're actually excited about the possibility of a snow day," Talib Nichiren said.
One woman pointed out that the storm will be beautiful but dangerous, which is a possibility. Even if you are delighted about the storm it's important to be careful and check on neighbors in need.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
