NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Falling ice on Wednesday forced the closure of the George Washington Bridge's upper level and several Manhattan streets.
A 55-year-old man was also struck by falling ice, leaving him with cuts to his nose and lips, on Broadway near 58th Street around 10:15 a.m. He declined medical attention.
Following the street closures, a snow squall warning was issued for the city by the National Weather Service. It was in effect for most of the day.
Winds as high as 40 mph were expected to slam the region.
Authorities announced that three lanes on the eastbound upper level of the GW Bridge would be closing at first, because of falling ice around 10 a.m. on Wednesday."The GWB Upper to NY is closed due to an icing condition. Passenger cars are advised to use Lower Level. The GWB Upper to NY is experiencing a delay of 60 minutes due to emergency maintenance for an icing condition," The Port Authority said in a statement. "The GWB south walk will have a delayed opening today because of icing. Updates on the opening will be posted." The Port Authority announced they would be closing some streets in Lower Manhattan, near the World Trade Center site, in the Church and Dey streets vicinity.The area around 58th Street and Broadway at Columbus Circle, also closed for falling ice as well."Due to police activity, expect traffic delays, road closures and a heavy presence of emergency personnel on West 58th Street between 7th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time," the city said in a statement.