Orange County digs out after one of the heaviest snowfalls in years
In Monroe, which News 12 meteorologists say saw the highest snowfall totals in Orange County, residents are still digging out after about 18 inches of snow.
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Orange County continues digging out after a powerful winter storm dropped some of the heaviest snowfall the region has seen in years, leaving behind challenging cleanup conditions in several communities.
In Monroe, which News 12 meteorologists say saw the highest snowfall totals in Orange County, residents are still digging out after about 18 inches of snow.
Orange County officials say some parts of the county may have seen even more, with totals reaching up to 24 inches in certain areas.
“We’ve had some big ones in those years, but I think this tops it all,” said Elizabeth Schieisswohl, who has lived in Monroe for decades and was seen sweeping snow from her steps as she worked to dig out.
Another Monroe resident, Jordan Campos, said the storm stood out even compared to major snowfalls from his childhood.
“This is something extraordinary,” Campos said. “Growing up in ’96 was the last time I saw snow like this and it’s quite amazing.”
A minor crash on Route 17 westbound in Monroe highlighted the lingering impacts of the storm as cleanup continued. No serious injuries were reported.
As cleanup efforts ramped up, Orange County remained under a local state of emergency until noon Monday. Public schools across the county were closed due to the storm. However, News 12 observed private school buses operating in parts of the Monroe area during the morning.
In Cornwall, the cleanup challenge shifted from roads to residential complexes and parking lots, where snow was piled high and space was limited. Video showed private clean-up crews attempting to clear parking areas while residents struggled to move their cars.
County officials say while widespread emergencies were limited, cleanup remains ongoing across Orange County as crews and residents continue working through the aftermath of the storm.
