Heavy snow strands New York drivers for over 12 hours
December 2nd, 2010
12:15 PM ET

Heavy snow strands New York drivers for over 12 hours

Heavy snow has shut down Interstate 90 near Buffalo, New York, leaving motorists stranded for more than 12 hours as of Thursday morning, with more snow on the way.

Shifting winds from the storm front that is moving through the eastern United States this week have put the city of Buffalo in the path of a lake effect snow band that forecasters said covered some areas with as much as 24 inches of snow in 24 hours.

Sam McMahon, who has been trapped on the interstate since 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, told CNN meteorologist Reynolds Wolf that while he has seen snow like this before, there is something unique about this storm.

"In terms of snowfall, I have seen snowfall like this before but I have never been stuck in a situation like this on the thruway this extreme," he said. The University of Buffalo student was heading home Wednesday evening and when he hit slow traffic. "By 9 o'clock we were stopped," he said. "Since 9:30 last night I haven't moved an inch."

Authorities are trying to keep the stranded motorists warm and hydrated. Officers and firefighters have been delivering water and gasoline to vehicles in need throughout the morning hours.

FULL STORY
Filed under: Weather
soundoff (11 Responses)
  1. dannymiamibeach

    If they can go get water and gas for them, why can't they take the people from their cars back to the places they are getting supplies?

    December 2, 2010 at 12:51 pm | Report abuse |
    • Frank

      Danny,
      In brief, NYS DOT is not a taxi service.

      December 2, 2010 at 1:30 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Nat

    too many people to rescue and when they can move their vehicle...no one will be in it too move it..

    December 2, 2010 at 1:02 pm | Report abuse |
    • Frank

      Nat,,
      Youv'e got it right.I wish I was In Miami Beach right now
      Danny you are a lucky guy!

      December 2, 2010 at 1:43 pm | Report abuse |
  3. DaveinBuffalo

    Gotta be those wussy southern truckdrivers who panic at a flake. If you live here, you know how to drive in it. Rednecks, go home to your sisters' beds.

    December 2, 2010 at 1:32 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Kimski

    Welcome to Buffalo!

    December 2, 2010 at 3:24 pm | Report abuse |
  5. WoooooW

    didnt know it was that bad...glad I live in the metro area 🙂

    December 2, 2010 at 4:00 pm | Report abuse |
  6. 911 call

    H-hello n-n-nine wha wha wha one one? C-C-Can yyou hear m-me?

    December 2, 2010 at 5:59 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Cesar

    @911- No stupid, I can't hear you, I'm in Texas, now go stand in the corner for 10 minutes, you block head.

    December 2, 2010 at 8:53 pm | Report abuse |
  8. 911

    Oh. C-C-an you hhhear m-me n-now?

    December 3, 2010 at 4:01 am | Report abuse |
  9. Cesar

    Yes, I can hear you now. Amazing voice. Comes all the way to Texas. You don't need a cell phone then.

    December 3, 2010 at 6:59 am | Report abuse |
« Back to main