Spring Snowstorm Causes Slippery Morning Commute, Flight Disruptions
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — A fast-moving spring snowstorm swept through the area Monday morning, spreading a wintry mix that made for a slow and slushy commute to start the work week.
A winter weather advisory was in effect until 2 p.m. for parts of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut and southeast New York.
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By noon Monday, about 5.5 inches of snow was reported in Central Park while other areas, like Whitestone, New York and Ridgewood, New Jersey, saw more than six inches.
Plows, shovels and salt trucks were all out in full force.
"When are we gonna get spring?" commuter Jim Dinatale told CBS2's Marc Liverman. "I left my house around 5:30 this morning. Roads are not plowed. It was a very bad commute here to Secaucus."
"The roads, really bad," said New Jersey resident Mike Gomez.
Dog walkers Randy and Sophia said the snowfall was impressive.
"I walked outside and it had to be 6, 8, 10 inches," Randy told CBS2's Elise Finch in Ridgewood. "It was something else."
"It does make it a little bit more work, but it's fun, because the dogs absolutely love it," Sofia added.
The dogs might love the snow, but the people? Not so much.
"I was like so disgusted, because I've had enough of the snow. I just want spring to be here already," homeowner Mary Roberts said.
"It's a bit much. I think if it hadn't been as bad a March, I think it would have been OK. But five storms in five weeks is pretty bad," John Roberts added.
"I can't believe it's April 2nd and we have snow. At least it looks like it's going to melt probably today, and hopefully be gone in a couple of days," said Kristina Laird.
Mild temperatures and bright sunshine caused quite a bit of melting by early afternoon – the one positive thing about an April snowstorm, if you believe there's such a thing.
"I don't think there's any good part of an April snowstorm," Brandon Cocherl, of Midland Park, said. "I think sunny skies and nice weather is even better."
For perspective, the city of White Plains' DPW readied its salters and plows for just 10 forecasted "snow events" last year, but had to get them ready for 16 and counting this winter, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.
In a typical April, White Plains gets 1.2 inches of snow over 30 days. This storm brought six times that amount in just a few hours.
"I was like, this must be an April Fools' joke," one resident said.
Elaine Gibson, of Hartsdale, told Aiello she's lost count of how many times she's cleared her driveway this season.
"I wasn't expecting it. It was like, maybe a little dusting or something," she said. "Eventually we're going to get nice weather… I believe so."
In the Strathmore section of Yonkers, little Jackson Owen and his sister Carina made the most of their snowy spring break. Their mom, Kathleen, wisely kept boots and gloves handy.
"March was so insane. You never know with April. You can always have snow in April," she said. "So we were ready for this."
"The weather is saying, 'I don't want it to be spring, I want it to be winter,'" said Carina. "I feel happy."
In Greenburgh, kids were equally happy to have a little more time on the sledding hill.
Some school districts closed for the day and others opted for a delayed opening.
"It's a little bit choppy though where they're in one day, they're out one day so we're getting a little tired of that," said Mahwah parent Alexa Mackey said. "It would be nice to just have one week without any challenges."
The steady snow forced the Yankees to postpone their scheduled 1:05 p.m. home opener against Tampa Bay and was also causing some flight disruptions Monday at area airports. The Mets also postponed their evening game.
"Flight is canceled," traveler Leah Stevens told CBS2's Natalie Duddridge. "I'm gonna have to fly out tomorrow."
"My flight just got canceled," said traveler Joe Johari. "I'm trying to get a new one. They told me I have to come tomorrow morning."
Travelers are urged to check their flights and leave plenty of time before heading to the airport.
Monday's snowstorm was the fifth to move through the area after four nor'easters in March.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
