Locals stuck in East Coast blizzard

The massive winter storm burying much of the East Coast is causing travel nightmares for people across the country including some from Colorado Springs.

One family is stuck in New York, a state that is dealing with their third-largest snowfall on record.

“There was about a foot of snow on the road. You couldn’t get around, not even with the snowplows going. The snow is coming down so fast,” said Cari Noriega.

Noriega and her sister in-law left Colorado Springs Thursday for Brooklyn in New York City. They planned to celebrate a birthday, but Mother Nature had other plans for them.

“We’ve been stuck in the hotel pretty much all day. They’ve shut down some of the subway lines. There are no buses running, no cabs. They won’t allow any cars that aren’t emergency vehicles in the city,” said Noriega.

Driving in the city is off-limits.

“There is very poor visibility outside. There is very poor roadway conditions outside,” said Ronnie Hakim, president of MTA New York City Transit.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio warned people will be arrested if they try to drive

“If you want to avoid these enforcement actions, get off the streets now,” said De Blasio.

Noriega was planning on flying back to Colorado Spring Monday, but hundreds of flights have already been canceled at New York airports.

“Every airport in New York City has delays. I know Newark has cancelled all their United Airlines flights,” said Noriega.

As a Colorado native, Noriega says the snow is something she’s learned to deal with.

“I think everyone is making the best out of the situation. Everyone is stuck here,” said Noriega.

The travel ban in New York remains until 7 a.m.