Fred Stabbert III | Democrat Sean McMann of Pelton Ave., Monticello was busy Friday snowblowing out his driveway following Thursday’s blizzard. McMann said he measured 37 1/2 inches of snow in his driveway.

Snow totals reach 40" in county

By Fred Stabbert III
MONTICELLO — March 2, 2010 — Braced for what was to become a recordbook snowfall, Sullivan County residents showed their mettle last week as the Blizzard of ’10 became a reality.
“We were going around the clock, from Tuesday right through until Saturday,” Sullivan County DPW Commissioner Robert Meyer said. “The guys did an excellent job – from our mechanics to our operators.
“Things went well for us and our equipment, even under the stress and strain of the heavy snow,” Meyer said.
According to the National Weather Service, Kiamesha Lake recorded 38 inches of snow and Woodridge 40 inches, making it one of the highest storm totals of the “snowicane” (only eclipsed by Randolf, New Hampshire).
But the heavy snow did cause some problems, as several thousand county residents lost power for at least one day during the storm.
The county is served by three electric companies, NYSEG, O & R and Central Hudson.
“NYSEG is all back, O & R right behind them and Central Hudson (which serves the Grahamsville area) is down to less than 600 without power,” Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner Dick Martinkovic said.
Martinkovic said he was happy to report that there were no reported home or building collapses and the emergency and fire personnel reported no serious incidents.