(WXXI News & AP) The driving in and around the Rochester area was about the worst many drivers said they've seen in quite a while. A winter storm dumped around 18 inches, officially at the airport, with amounts varying, and much less to the east.
There were numerous accidents although no word of any serious injuries. The biggest problem was the number of vehicles, including tractor trailers that got stuck or stranded on area roadways during the heavy snow. Some morning commuters found themselves still sitting in their vehicles by Tuesday afternoon.
State Police called for a section of 490 to be shut down from 590 to 390 in the afternoon to help get vehicles off the highway, and get the road plowed.
There were travel advisories for a number of area counties including Monroe, Livingston and Ontario.
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo also asked people to check on their neighbors to make sure they were ok, and she activated some parts of the county's emergency operations center.
Rochester Police said it will tow abandoned cars that are creating a hazard, blocking intersections or impeding snow removal operations.
People can call 311 for instructions on towed vehicles.
The National Weather Service canceled the Winter Storm Warning at around 6:30 p.m.
Other parts of the northeast saw a mix of snow, sleet and rain. There were several cancellations of flights from the Greater Rochester International Airport, particularly to East Coast Cities on Tuesday.
A lot of schools were already off for President's week, but now many area colleges and universities closed on Tuesday as well.
In the City of Rochester, refuse collection has been delayed by a day, and although schools are out for the winter break in many places, RCSD is canceling all other activities.
Wilmorite announced the closing of The Marketplace, Eastview and Greece Ridge malls on Tuesday.
Suspected tornados tied to a vast winter storm system that pounded much of the East Coast with snow and sleet have turned homes to rubble and damaged a school in the South.
There were no immediate reports of any deaths or serious injuries from the apparent twisters though witnesses said one 94-year-old woman had to be pulled from under the storm debris in one Florida Panhandle community on Monday. State Police in Virginia reported at least three traffic fatalities on roads slickened by snow and sleet.
