First snowstorm of the season causes power outages, car accidents in Orange County
Parts of the area saw several inches of thick, slushy snow during the overnight hours into the morning commute.
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From wildfires to snowstorms, Orange County has experienced a wild week of weather that’s now left thousands without power as of Friday afternoon.
Parts of the area saw several inches of thick, slushy snow during the overnight hours into the morning commute. And while the precipitation is much needed after months without rain, the sudden conditions downed utility lines and trees; caused outages and, according to state police, dozens of accidents.
Slick roads and high winds remain a concern and utility officials say, as of late afternoon, there were more than 4,000 customers without power. In Warwick, a transformer fire on Newport Bridge Road left dozens in that neighborhood without power.
“I look out up on the hill. There was a bright red light, and it lit up everything,” says Bob Howe, who was awoken by the bright sparks overnight.
I-84 westbound was shut down during the morning commute from exits 15 to 4 due to multiple disabled tractor-trailers and motor vehicle accidents, according to state police. The roadway opened by late morning.
“It’s quite unexpected and a lot of people who aren’t used to driving in these conditions can be kind of reckless,” says motorist Naomi Miller who’s from the City of Newburgh.
News 12 viewers shared photos of what the wintry conditions looked like in their neighborhoods while many families and kids are home on a snow day.
Officials say DPW crews have been out clearing trees and roads since the overnight hours and are urging people to be careful if they head out. O&R says most of the power outages should be restored by tonight.
