NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in 44 counties, including New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island, as a major winter storm wallops the area.
At a news conference with Cuomo on Monday, NYC Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg confirmed that all aboveground, outdoor subway service will be suspended after 2 p.m.
She noted that bus service was continuing to operate because roads are being cleared and there is still moderate visibility, but warned that bus service could be suspended later in the day.
MTA Chairman and CEO Pat Foye also confirmed that the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North will be suspending service after 3:30 p.m.
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Later Monday, Cuomo put in place a ban on all commercial vehicles on New York's entire I-84 corridor between the Pennsylvania and Connecticut state lines.
The commercial vehicle ban was lifted on Tuesday morning and service also resumed early Tuesday ahead of the morning rush on aboveground subways, Metro-North and the LIRR.
At the height of the storm, the governor had cautioned the closures could be possible along the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, I-84, Spring Parkway and Saw Mill River Parkway.
In an interview with WCBS 880 anchor Wayne Cabot earlier in the day, the governor noted that people could get stranded if they’re not off the roads or relying on public transportation during the height of the storm.
The governor is urging New Yorkers to avoid all unnecessary travel. He said those who must travel should do so with extreme caution and try to get to their destination before noon.
“It is seriously dangerous and there’s no reason to be out on the roads,” Cuomo said at his press conference. “If you are not an essential worker, you should not be on the roads when there is a state of emergency.”
The governor said the storm is predicted to bring about 2-inches of snowfall per hour, which will create increasingly dangerous situations on the rails and roads.
"This storm is no joke and the main concern right now is that the expected snowfall rate of 2-inches per hour this afternoon creates an extremely dangerous situation on our roadways," Cuomo said. "When snow is falling that quickly, it makes it very difficult for plows to keep up with it. I want New Yorkers to hear me loud and clear - stay home and off the roads and if you must travel, get where you're going before noon, and expect to remain home for some time. We've been through this before and we will get through it again."
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In light of the weather, Cuomo said all state-run vaccination facilities will be closed on Tuesday and all appointments will be rescheduled.
Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has said airports in the New York City area have already suspended a majority of upcoming flights due to the storm.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio has also issued a local state of emergency for New York City, banning nonessential travel on city streets and highways.
The storm could dump up two feet on New York City and surrounding suburbs before it starts to taper off to flurries Tuesday afternoon.
Wind gusts could reach 50 miles per hour or more on Long Island, especially out east where gusts could be even higher.
Blowing and drifting snow will likely cause reduced visibilities and treacherous driving conditions.
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