5 PM Update: Plane Crash in Hudson River

A happy ending to a scary situation in New York City earlier this afternoon.

Reports indicate all 146 passengers and five crew members have been rescued from a US Airways flight that made an emergency landing in the Hudson River around 3:30 this afternoon.

The plane took off from LaGuardia Airport bound for Charlotte North Carolina. Initial reports indicate a flock of birds may have been sucked into two engine causing them to fail. The pilot was able to make a safe and heroic landing in the river, where ferries and rafts rescued the passengers and crew from the 42 degree water. It is currently not believed anyone suffered serious injuries in the accident.

Family members who had relatives on board can call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215. A staging area has been set up at the LaGuardia Holiday Inn.

BREAKING NEWS: US Airways Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Hudson

4:30 PM UPDATE:
US Airways flight 1549 from LaGuardia Airport bound for Charlotte North Carolina has made an emergency landing in New York's Hudson River.

Emergency personnel from both New York and New Jersey are on scene. The Airbus 1549 is partially a float in the river, where the water temperature is 42 degrees with a wind chill of 11 degrees. There were 146 passengers on board and 5 crew members. Survivors are being picked up by ferries and rafts and taken back to shore for medical attention.

Reports are telling us the plane may have lost an engine about 6 minutes after take off.

Individuals who believe they have family members on board the flight can call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215.

US Airlines flight crashes into

US Airlines flight crashes into Hudson River in NYC

1/15: Early Dismissal

1/15: 1 HR EARLY DISMISSAL

Breaking News:

SMITHTOWN SCHOOLS: ONE HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL / ALL AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITES AND EVENING ACTIVITIES CANCELED

SmithtownRadio.com Weather Center Alert

For those of you who like the winter chill and snow you're going to enjoy the next 72 hours - the rest of us will need to buddle up.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, which is in effect until 1 pm Thursday.

A low pressure system approaching from the west is expected to bring us 2-3 inches of snow by Thursday evening.

Snow developing overnight Thursday should leave about 1 inch of the white stuff on the ground by about the time your kids are heading out to the bus stop Thursday morning.

Steady snow will continue into early afternoon with the heaviest of snow falling between 7 am and 11 am. This is expected to bring another 1-2 inches, bringing total snow accumulations to about 2-3 inches. The east end is expected to see higher snow accumulation. Gusty northwest winds are expected to develop during the early afternoon hours making traveling difficult due to decreased visibility. As well, road conditions will quickly become slippery at the onset of precipitation as very cold air is in place over the region and the snow is not expected to melt on contact with roadways.

In addition, these gusty northwest winds will also blast an artic air mass over the region. Sub zero wind chills expected both Thursday night and Friday. Frigid temperatures will grip the area right through Saturday and untreated roadways are expected to remain hazardous into the weekend. Be sure to use extra caution when driving.

For Thursday, a high of 22 is expected but will drop to 7 degrees Thursday night. A high of 19 is expected Friday, which will drop back into the single digits Friday night. Saturday a high of 19; a high of a 30 for Sunday. The wind chill will make it feel like the temperature is around zero.

You can get the latest forecast at the top and bottom of every hour on SmithtownRadio.com.

Man Suffers Burns after Motor Vehicle Crash

Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Smithtown today.

James Gilleo was driving his 1986 Chevy van northbound on Route 25A when he lost control of the vehicle, traveled across the southbound lanes, and crashed head-on into a tree on the west side of the road. Gilleo’s legs were pinned under the dashboard when a fire ignited.

Fourth Precinct Officer Laura Lopreto was the first officer to arrive at the scene. Officer Lopreto entered the back of the van and used a fire extinguisher to keep the flames from reaching the victim. Lopreto was unable to extinguish the fire completely and called for back-up. Officers Brian Nortillo, Robert Williams and Frank Messana of the Fourth Precinct and Officer Jeanne Riley of the Community Outreach Bureau responded and used several fire extinguishers to keep the fire from fully engulfing Gilleo.

Smithtown Fire Department responded, extinguished the flames, and freed Gilleo from his vehicle. Several civilians assisted in the rescue, including Tony Monterosso of Kings Park, Thomas Baker of Miller Place and Jeffrey Tiu of Smithtown.

Gilleo, 51, of Smithtown, who suffered a broken femur, broken ribs and burns to his legs and face, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center. Officers Lopreto, Riley, Nortillo, Messana and Williams were taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center where they were treated for smoke inhalation and released.

The investigation into the crash is continuing.