Strict NYC storm regulations enacted by Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio could be the new normal

They appeared to be scenes from a frozen apocalypse.

Streets across New York City were empty. The subway system was shuttered, the city's pulse rendered still. Hardy souls who braved the snow were threatened with fines or arrest.

And it could be the new normal.

Though the snowstorm largely missed New York City, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio staunchly defended their unprecedented, stringent restrictions.

They both say they believe in landing on the side of caution and suggest they would take such measures again.

De Blasio calls the tough regulations a "no-brainer."

For both men, the mishandling of previous storms informed their decisions to seemingly over-prepare.

Tough restrictions like travel bans previously were unheard of but were enforced for two recent hurricanes.