Winter Storm Rocks NYS, New England

12/12/08:
A coastal storm ramped up and slammed into NYS and New England Thursday and Friday, leaving a massive streak of ice and flooding in its wake. Not even Albany was spared from the onslaught of ice, which accumulated up to an inch or more in areas. Due to the nature of the storm, with a warm layer aloft and northerly winds at the surface bringing in subfreezing temperatures to all local areas, despite the difference in elevation. This caused the entire region to get freezing rain, which was in abundance due to the high amount of moisture that was drawn northwards by the storm.
-----
While the city kept its power going throughout most of the storm, many others in the outlying neighborhoods spent the weekend without power, which may not return until later this week.

Many schools canceled afternoon activities on Thursday, as the winter storm crept its way into the region. The storm dumped heavy rain over the region Thursday evening into Friday morning, which turned to ice due to the below-freezing temperatures at the surface. Tens of thousands lost power overnight, as ice caused power lines and trees to fall. Many people spent their Fridays at home, stranded because of the ice storm.

Some of those without power also suffered from flooding, as sump pumps sat idle without a power source. A fortunate few without power were able to purchase a generator to keep their losses to a minimum. One person I spoke to visited as many as 15 stores looking for this weekend's number one most-sold product in the region before finally getting the last available generator at that store.

The University At Albany, one of the few schools to have power on (most) of the campus Friday, remained open for finals, despite the inability of some students and professors to commute to the school.

Cleanup will continue through the week, as energy companies rush to restore power throughout the region.