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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a state of emergency in New York and 9 other counties in the Hudson Valley and Long Island. Specifically, the counties included in the declaration of emergency are the counties of Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk.
The governor has also issued an advisory to travelers and commuters – depending on the severity of the storm, skytrain service, as well as service on parts of the Long Island and Metro-North railroad, could be significantly delayed or interrupted this afternoon. Additionally, a number of major highways, including the Long Island Expressway, I-84 and others, could face travel bans if snowfall reaches the expected rate of two to three inches per hour. . New Yorkers are urged to avoid all unnecessary travel. New Yorkers who must travel should do so with extreme caution and try to reach their destination BEFORE 12 noon.
“This storm is no joke and the main concern right now is that the forecast snowfall rate of two inches per hour this afternoon is creating an extremely dangerous situation on our roads,” Governor Cuomo said. “When the snow is falling so quickly, it is very difficult for the plows to keep up. I want New Yorkers to hear me out loud – stay home and off the road and if you have to travel, get where you’re going before noon, and plan on staying home for a while. We have been through this before and will come back to it. “
The storm, which has already started producing snow in the upstate overnight, is expected to be a long-lasting event with snow spreading north today through tonight and continuing in some locations until Wednesday morning, particularly in parts of the North Country, Southern Tier and central New York City. The highest snow totals are expected in the New York, Long Island and Mid-Hudson areas, where some places could see up to two feet of snow Tuesday morning. Other locations in the Capital Region, central New York City, the Mohawk Valley and the South Level are expected to see up to a foot of snow or more by Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
Snowfall rates are expected to increase to 1 to 3 inches per hour later this morning as the storm progresses northward. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph or more on Long Island, particularly eastern Long Island where wind gusts of 60 mph could occur, while many places in the upstate could see wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Blowing snow and drifting snow will likely result in reduced visibility and dangerous driving conditions in some areas.
For a complete list of weather alerts and warnings in your area, visit the National Weather Service website for your area.
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