[...] small last minute changes in the air morphed what was supposed to be crippling feet of snow into a handful of inches, leading forecasters to apologize, politicians to explain themselves and some Northeast residents wondering where the much-hyped snow went. Meteorologists say the nor'easter stayed about 75 to 100 miles east of its predicted track, which meant the western edge — New York and New Jersey — got 10 inches less than forecast. Before heavy snows began falling, officials shut down roads and public transportation across in New York City, in New Jersey and on Long Island. Amtrak suspended train service and air traffic slowed to a stop. New Jersey Gov.