Digging out from Hernando, the major storm that pounded the Northeast with heavy snow and high winds, got underway in earnest on Feb. 24, which greeted snowed-in residents with a bright, blue sky. More than 40 million people had been under blizzard warnings as a result of Hernando moving up the coast from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the highest wind recorded in Westchester during the storm was in Somers, which was hit by a 67 miles per hour (mph) gust. The peak wind at Westchester County Airport was 52 mph. In Fairfield County, Bridgeport Airport reported a 53 mph gust, while in Stamford the peak recorded wind was 41 mph.
The NWS reported that Bridgeport Airport recorded 20 inches of snow from the storm. In Danbury, 18 inches fell. Snowfall in Greenwich was recorded at 13 inches, while Stamford had 16 inches.
In Westchester, just one mile southeast of Hartsdale 24 inches of snow were recorded. A measurement taken one mile south of Valhalla also recorded 24 inches of snow on the ground. Mount Vernon had 18.8 inches of snow.
In Providence, Rhode Island, almost 33 inches of snow had fallen at the city’s major airport. More than 27 inches were reported at Newark Airport and more than 22 inches had fallen at LaGuardia Airport.
Most schools remained closed for a second day on Tuesday throughout the New York metro area, including Westchester and Fairfield County in Connecticut. New York City schools did open. All Broadway show performances were canceled for Monday night. New York City reported that the storm brought down more than 300 trees throughout the five boroughs.
Bans on road travel for nonessential personnel in Westchester and around most parts of the New York Metro area had been extended until as late as 6 p.m on Monday. On Tuesday, roads and highways were not entirely clear and drivers were urged to use caution. Especially tricky were on- and off-ramps for highways. There were numerous reports of accidents in the New York metro area, including some overturned vehicles. Bee-Line buses and Paratransit Service in Westchester that was suspended for Monday resumed on Tuesday. Metro-North rail service was affected with reduced service and train delays.
Con Edison on Monday afternoon was reporting localized areas of Westchester without power, affecting more than one thousand customers. As of Tuesday morning, two areas in Westchester remained without power affecting 25 customers. At Westchester County Airport, on Turesday there were scattered cancellations of both arrivals and departures with some flights running late.
Before the storm hit, Gov. Kathy Hochul speaking at a state snow removal equipment depot in Latham, New York, declared a State of Emergency in 22 counties. They included Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. She also activated the New York National Guard.
In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol with the activation remaining in effect until at least noon on Tuesday.
The purpose of Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
“It will be extremely dangerous to be outside during this storm, and we want to get the word out that shelters and warming centers are open statewide for anyone who needs a safe place to stay warm,” Lamont said.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins had declared a State of Emergency for the county effective Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Jenkins said, “We are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of our residents.”
When he declared a State of Emergency, Rockland County Executive Ed Day said, “This decisive action is necessary to protect lives and ensure our road crews can clear snow as quickly and safely as possible.”
A forecast discussion by meteorologists for the National Weather Service that was reviewed by Westfair’s Westchester County Business Journal explained that with most storms one inch of water from the storm produces 10 inches of snow, but this storm was so intense that one inch of water is expected to produce 13 inches of snow.
New York Attorney General Letitia James urged residents to be aware of possible price gouging by unscrupulous merchants seeking to make extra money as a result of the storm.
“Winter weather is no excuse for price gouging,” James said. “I encourage everyone to be vigilant and report examples of price gouging in their community to my office.”
She said that New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.
