Snow, freezing rain hits eastern New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Parts of upstate New York are buried under more than 2 feet of heavy snow, with freezing rain, sleet and 30-mph winds added to the mix, closing scores of schools and knocking out power to more than 40,000 customers.

The National Weather Service reports 15 to 27 inches has fallen across much of the state's eastern half, with the heaviest snow totals reported in the Adirondacks and areas east of Syracuse.

Monday's wintry mix created treacherous driving conditions during the morning commute, slowing Albany-bound traffic to a crawl and temporarily closing some interstate highways in the Syracuse area.

Flooding has closed several roads in Ulster County and other areas south of Albany.

About half of the 42,000 power outages are in the Albany area, with another 8,500 in Dutchess County.