New York – New York City officials are urging people to stay off the roads as a massive snowstorm bears down on the area.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for the city, where a winter storm warning is in effect. The governor said expected snowfall totals have increased with six to 10 inches of snow possible Thursday.
“Snow is one thing. We can handle snow. It’s snow plus the wind which is going to cause the trouble today,” he said. “The situation is going to get worse as the day goes on.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio called it a “very serious storm” and also declared a winter weather emergency for the city.
“That will give our agencies the ability to take additional actions to keep us safe,” he said.
The mayor said any vehicles blocking roadways will be towed.
“Stay inside if you can,” he said. “If you don’t have to be on the roads, don’t be on the roads.”
De Blasio warned of “tough conditions for days to come,” as temperatures are expected to plummet on Friday.
“On Friday and Saturday night we expect the temperature to feel like minus-20 degrees,” he said. “That’s some thing to take very, very seriously.”
City Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said the wind is making traveling dangerous.
“Stay off the roads if you can and if you are out there, please take it very slowly. We are actually anticipating for there to be somewhat of a lull in the afternoon and then for the winds to pick up again then pick up again right around the evening commute, which means we’ll have drifting snow,” she said.
nothing surprising here.
what a joke. this was poorly handled. the streets were not plowed if barley at all. no one bothered to shovel their sidewalk. the roads were very dangerous.