Hurricane Sandy puts a damper on traveling plans in northeast
-->By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: October 30, 2012
The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has left some people stranded in New York City and even here at home. Eyewitness News Reporter Jennifer Lee spoke to travelers who say they've been stuck in Utica for the past few days.
Many people at Union Station in Utica on a Tuesday afternoon would be waiting for a bus to get to their next destination. But, it's a different story today and maybe for the next 48 hours as transportation agencies assess the damages done by Hurricane Sandy.
"I wish I had a car now because if I had a car I would be home," said Larry Briggs of Canton, NY.
Briggs was visiting some friends in NYC, but ended up in Utica on his way home.
He says he knew there was a hurricane coming, but he took the chance to travel Monday afternoon.
However, the 52-year-old says he's regretting it now. "I spent the night here. I had to get a motel room," said Briggs.
He says he's taking a bus to Syracuse and he will have to figure out his next move when he gets there.
It's the same story for one 19-year-old from the Bronx visiting his girlfriend in Central New York.
"There is no bus running and Amtrak is running but its only stopping at Albany. So I'm taking a trip to Albany and then I don't know what's next. I probably have to wait a day or two," said Shiek Bacchus.
Both Greyhound and Amtrak has suspended services in the northeast until further notice. Amtrak says only one train is traveling east as far as Albany.
"The bus system is totally shut off. For Greyhound a lot of buses go through New York City. Amtrak has completely shut off to go to NYC because of all tunnels have water in them," said Ed Welsh of AAA.
Welsh says New York City is a junction for most buses, trains and planes traveling up and down the east. Between yesterday and today, 13,000 flights have been cancelled to and from NYC and 500 are already cancelled for tomorrow.
"According to the airport council international, they claim it may be up to a week before the New York City airports are back to normal operations," said Welsh.
AAA encourages customers to monitor services for the next couple of days.
