Northeast storm 'Sandy' causes wind problems

    FINGER LAKES—The National Weather Service downgraded Hurricane Sandy to Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy as the storm’s strong winds and rain hit the Finger Lakes, Monday evening, Oct. 29. According to the weather service, Sandy is expected make its way through the Finger Lakes on Wednesday and head northwest.
    The National Weather Service released a Hazardous Weather Outlook, high wind warning, and a flood watch through Tuesday for the area, which includes Yates, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties. According to the agency, the Monday night wind reached 50 miles per hour.
    Yates County Undersheriff Jack Gleason said the department received some 40 calls about downed power-lines during the night. He said downed trees blocked roads in Himrod, Italy Hill area, Torrey and Starkey, but were removed by Tuesday morning. (See storm photo, page 16.) Gleason added by Tuesday, some people in Dundee, Rushville, and Middlesex were still without power.
    Despite the downgrade in status, many business, agencies, and schools closed or reduced hours. Penn Yan, Dundee, Watkins Glen, and Odessa-Montour canceled classes for Tuesday.
    Finger Lakes Health even canceled all elective surgeries and non-emergency appointments scheduled for Oct. 30, including those at its locations in Penn Yan and Dundee. Schuyler Hospital closed all outpatient services for Tuesday while the emergency department and supporting services would remain open. The hospital announced it planned to reopen outpatient services Wednesday, pending the weather forecast.
    Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike pointed out Sandy was following a similar path to that of Hurricane Agnes in 1972. He said Agnes stalled over Pennsylvania, but flooded the Southern Tier and even caused Keuka Lake to rise three feet.