A dangerous ice storm has struck Upstate NY – including Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster Counties. YWN had posted an alert earlier this morning in our ‘News Alerts’ section regarding the storm (HERE). Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the NY State Police told YWN that the NYSP is warning drivers not to drive unless necessary, and to use extreme caution due to the increasing icy road conditions.

The ice storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service until 5 this afternoon as freezing rain and sleet developed this morning, and will possibly mix with snow.

Dozens of accidents were reported throughout the area – with many accidents taking place on NY Route 17. One NY State Trooper suffered a leg injury while operating at the scene of a car accident on Route 17 a short while ago, and there was a one accident on Route 17 which involved seven vehicles. As we were publishing this article there was another MVA on Route 17 near Exit 126 involving multiple vehicles.

Earlier this morning, a person was killed in a crash in the town of Goshen due to the icy conditions, and First Responder Wireless News is now reporting that three people have just been killed in East Fishkill (Dutchess County) – when a snow-plow rammed into their vehicle.

YWN is urging all readers in the Catskills, and the Kiryas Yoel areas to only drive if extremely urgent – and as always, remember to say Tefillas Haderech.

In related news, heavy rains were falling in the NY/NJ causing flooding and severe traffic problems. According to the National Weather Service, the rain and ice storm are remnants of a massive storm that blanketed the Midwest with heavy snow – as reported HERE on YWN. Between eight to 12 inches of snow was forecast for the Chicago area by Friday afternoon.

The storm was expected to slowly push out of the NY region later in the evening, but breezy conditions will remain overnight, making way for a beautiful weekend. Expect temperatures in the upper 40s near 50, with plenty of sunshine.

Drive safe, and Good Shabbos.

(Source: NYSP / 1RWN / YW-112)