Wicked winter weather hits the Hudson Valley

A winter storm pounded the Hudson Valley region Sunday night and Monday morning and plunging temperatures posed a threat to drivers.
The storm dumped several inches of snow across several counties and up to 10 inches accumulated in some areas. Orange and Putnam counties saw between 5 and 8 inches of snow by the end of the storm.
Snow emergencies were declared in Newburgh, Peekskill and New Castle, and hundreds of schools across Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties were closed Monday. Some power outages were also reported in Rockland and Orange.
Drivers faced messy commutes throughout the day. Roads remained wet, so drivers were urged to use caution and allow extra travel time. Strong winds and cold temperatures made the roads even more dangerous.
Highway departments across northern Westchester were also dealing with another challenge - depleted budgets.
?I have about $80,000 left in my budget for the year and that has to take me through November and December of [2009],? says Eric DiBartolo, of the Yorktown Highway Department. ?So it's tough ... it's a tough year.?
But not everyone is seeing red. Richard Russo, of Two Plus Three Cleaning Service, says snowstorms are good for business.
?You're glad to see this,? say Russo. ?It keeps us going and we keep busy and do the walkways and it's been a lot of work.?
Gov. Paterson checks in on storm response
Orange County residents clean up
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