Powerball up to record-breaking $600 million

The Powerball jackpot is up to a record $600 million, the second-largest pot ever, lottery officials announced Friday. As a lump sum before taxes, the winnings would amount to $376.9 million.

Powerball ticket sales were running at "about $600K per hour," Christy Calicchia of the New York Lottery said late Friday morning. Shortly after noon, just before the jackpot shot up from $550 million, the line of customers was growing at the 7-Eleven on Route 110 and Ruland Road in Melville.

"It's crazy," said the convenience store's owner, Burak Cig. Customers usually stop in during the morning rush for coffee and doughnuts. Friday he said they were adding Powerball tickets to their purchase.

Said Cig: "It's $2 a dream."

The drawing of the numbers is tonight.