Last weekend, Central New York saw a record-breaking snowstorm that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow across the region. Temperatures dropped below zero, creating major challenges for daily routines and travel.
Kieran Coffey with the Syracuse Police Department says the extreme conditions led to an increase in accidents. “We saw a lot of drivers get into more accidents, obviously with the slick roads, and the temperature didn’t help us either,” Coffey said.
The storm created icy road conditions and powerful wind gusts that blew snow across highways, making driving especially dangerous. On Jan. 28, a multi-car accident on Interstate 81 sent up to 15 vehicles off the road.
Coffey says it’s not only important to drive more cautiously, but also to properly clean off vehicles before hitting the road, including the roof. “It’s going to blind the person behind you if you have a bunch of snow coming off of the roof, and even when it’s hitting their windshield, it can damage their windshield,” Coffey said. “A lot of people tend to not brush the roof of their car, but it’s very important that you do so.”
The National Weather Service is now monitoring another significant East Coast winter storm threat this weekend. Central New York could potentially face back-to-back snowstorms, though there is a good chance the system will not move through the area. Still, officials say preparation is key.
“One thing we stress is to have an emergency kit in your car if you get stuck,” Coffey said. “Have a flashlight, try to have jumper cables just in case your battery dies in this extreme cold. Try to have some food, maybe toiletries in your car just in case you get stuck.”
Safety remains a priority during what may appear to be picturesque winter conditions, but can quickly become dangerous. Coffey says local stores are also preparing in advance. “I was looking at Wegmans here, I was looking at Walmart and things like that, and it seemed like they were ready to go,” he said. “So I think the stores, when they get that advanced notice, also stock up in anticipation that people will want those necessities.”
In Syracuse, Rece Allen, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — After the major winter storm hit Central New York last weekend, some are reconsidering how to better prepare for future severe weather.
Syracuse is no stranger to heavy winter snowfall, but this past weekend was different. The storm broke records, dumping nearly two feet of snow and sending temperatures below zero. Icy road conditions and strong wind gusts blew snow into the air, creating hazardous driving conditions.
“They were doing 12-hour shifts, so I know they were working really hard to get the snow off the road,” said Kieran Coffey, public information specialist for the Syracuse Police Department. “But it’s difficult when it’s coming down faster than you can plow it. So obviously, we saw a lot more drivers get into accidents with the slick roads.”
On Jan. 28, a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 forced up to 15 cars off the road. According to Syracuse.com and state troopers, the accident occurred during the whiteout caused by lake-effect snow.
Lake-effect snow produces snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour or more, and sometimes, it creates similar conditions to a snow storm.
Forecasters projected another storm this weekend to directly impact Central New York, but it is believed to miss the region, however, they still anticipate some snowfall.
Coffey said people should start their vehicles about 10 minutes before leaving to allow them to defrost. He also advised drivers to completely clear snow and ice from their vehicles, including their roofs, and reduce their speed by 5 to 10 miles per hour below posted limits during winter conditions.
“It’s going to blind the person behind you if you have a bunch of snow coming off the roof, and even when it’s hitting their windshield, it can damage their windshield,” Coffey said. “A lot of people tend not to brush the roof of their car, but it’s very important that you do so.”
Coffey also emphasized the importance of keeping an emergency kit in vehicles in case drivers become stranded. He said kits should include jumper cables, food and basic toiletries.
The Syracuse Police Department also works with community organizations to help guide unhoused people to warming shelters during extreme cold and snow.
“There are a number of warming shelters across the community,” Coffey said. “We always try to publicize that and work with the Rescue Mission and Catholic Charities.”
Coffey says the getting people off of the street and indoors is extremely important. The department has a list of people they encounter on a daily basis, along with others to help get shelter during these times.
From a health standpoint, it is dangerous for people to have no shelter. When the temperatures drop to as low as negative 10 degrees fahrenheit, Coffey says people with exposed skin can get a frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.