NEW YORK (WABC) — Windy weather overnight knocked part of a tree into a roadway in Mount Pleasant, Westchester County, leaving branches dangling into traffic and setting the stage for a deadly crash during the morning commute.
Town officials say a driver swerved to avoid the fallen tree and slammed into another tree around 7:30 a.m. along the Mount Pleasant border with Briarcliff Manor.
According to Mount Pleasant police, a motorist driving behind the victim saw the vehicle swerve, lose control, and crash. First responders arrived within minutes and pulled a man from the wrecked vehicle. He was rushed to Westchester Medical Center, where he later died.
“The tree had come down and partially blocked the left lane,” said Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. “Unfortunately, this driver maybe last minute saw it, tried to divert, and ran into a tree on the right shoulder of the road.”
Fulgenzi called the crash a tragedy, adding, “You never want this to happen to anyone. We feel for the family.”
There was also heavy fog in the area at the time, causing limited visibility, though it is unclear whether that contributed to the crash. Officials have not yet released the name of the victim.
In New York City, Emergency Management has issued a Weather Alert for Monday due to heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected during the evening hours.
GET THE LATEST ACCUWEATHER FORECAST
Periods of rain evolve into windswept downpours, which could cause flooding. Also, embedded thunderstorms can be strong to severe, especially south and west of the city.
New Yorkers should allow extra travel time during periods of heavy rain.
Rain will gradually taper early Tuesday morning. A brief rain or snow shower cannot be ruled out on Tuesday morning as cooler air moves into the region.
A truck ban was issued on seven bridges at 4 p.m. Sunday due to the forecast of high winds:
The seven bridges where the prohibition will be in effect are:
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
Cross Bay Bridge
Henry Hudson Bridge
Marine Parkway Bridge
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Throgs Neck Bridge
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
It is expected that the ban will remain in effect until 12 a.m. Monday.
CeFaan Kim reports from Mount Pleasant, New York.
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