East Rochester, N.Y. - Slip, slide and sloppy describe Friday morning's commute as a lake effect snow band settled in over the Rochester area.
The storm system reduced travel to a crawl on just about all major highways.
Cars bumped into guardrails and each other; even side roads were slow moving.
The roads were so congested, walking was the preferred choice to get around for some, but for those driving, it became a battle to stay on the road.
An SUV flipped on its side in the town of Sweden.
"Snow fell right before the morning commute so whenever that happens, it doesn't add up to be a good morning commute," said Lori Maher, a spokesperson for the New York State DOT.
Maher says crews reported to work three hours early on Friday morning, but even so, there was nothing plows could do because the storm system hit during rush hour.
"Patience on behalf of the motorists is really key, we can only go out there and plow the snow away as best as we can," Maher said.
The weather was a challenge for landscaping companies also.
"Right during the morning commute - it's tough," said Shelby Boden with Natale Landscape in Fairport.
Boden says he got a late start trying to clear driveways and parking lots because of traffic.
"With the cars on the roads and people trying to get to work, we're trying to get around, get people out of their driveways so they can get to work" Boden said.
