Twin Tiers Slowly Returning to Normal After Snowstorm

Roads and residents in the Binghamton area are gradually returning to normal following the record-setting snowfall.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced he was lifting the State of Emergency as of 6 p.m. Friday. The emergency declaration had been issued Tuesday morning as snow was falling at a rate of up to four inches an hour.

Snow removal operations were continuing across the region and were expected to go on for at least a few more days.

Area public works and highway departments received assistance from crews and equipment provided by the New York State Department of Transportation.

Throughout the city of Binghamton, traffic was snarled on many snow-clogged streets. Some travel lanes and turn lanes downtown remained unusable because of mountains of snow.

Heavy equipment was being used on State Street and Court Street to haul away tons of snow.

Parking spaces were difficult to find for some workers and visitors. City-owned garages were filled and signs advised motorists that spaces were available only to those with monthly parking permits.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic downtown was heavier than usual because of a state high school basketball tournament being held in Binghamton.

Mayor Richard David said he didn't believe the after-effects of the storm would pose any problems for people visiting the city for the tournament.

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