Anything but a winter wonderland

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- The first day of winter in southeastern Connecticut is anything but a winter wonderland. New London's ice skating rink literally falls victim to the high winds.

"Are you staying dry," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Ah no not at all, no at all," said Jennifer Martone, East Haven.

Instead of snow, heavy rain blanketed the area knocking down street signs and forcing those heading home for the holidays to huddle up against the Greyhound bus station. Some folks stayed outside and braved the weather so they'd be the first in line.

"Well I had to put the umbrella down because it was blowing all over the place and blowing me too," said Marge Tyler, Philadelphia, PA.

"It was blowing her hair off her head," said Brian Durkson, Philadelphia, PA. "This is not going to be a fun trip."

Even the city's Christmas tree couldn't withstand winter's first storm. City workers shut off the electricity so the lights didn't cause more of a hazard.

Unfortunately city workers told News 8 they are not going to be able to put the tree back up again. That's because the top part of the tree broke off where the support cable is attached.

While News 8 was out there, the other side of the skating rink also collapsed. That workers can fix. The rain may have soaked folks to the bone, but it didn't dampen some holiday spirits.

"For December 21st this weather is not as bad as it could be," said Jennifer Martone, East Haven. "I mean it's. So it's rain not snow. Rain not snow absolutely. A white Christmas would be nice."