Cuomo Issues Travel Advisory For Tuesday

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a Travel Advisory for portions of New York Tuesday. The storm will continue throughout the day. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches and Warnings for the North Country, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson Region, New York City, and Long Island regions through today.

"I caution all New Yorkers within the path of the storm to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary," Governor Cuomo said. "Driving conditions during and after the storm will be challenging and we want to ensure that our personnel are able to clear the roads as easily and as quickly as possible."

Snow accumulations will range from 4 to 8 inches on Long Island, with the East End expected to receive between 8 and 12 inches. For New York City, 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast; however, if the storm shifts west, a moderate or heavier snowfall for the metro area is possible. Winds during the storm will gust up to 40 mph across eastern Long Island with gusts closer to 30 mph across the rest of Long Island. These winds, combined with heavy wet snow, will possibly result in downed tree limbs and power lines.

A Coastal Flood Statement was issued for southern Westchester. Minor coastal flooding is expected during high tides.

The Mid-Hudson Region is expected to receive 3 to 6 inches with valley areas on the lower end of this range. A few spots in the Catskills could experience 6 to 8 inches by Tuesday evening. Although the widespread steady snowfall will end Tuesday evening, there will be places that continue to see on and off light snow or snow showers from Tuesday night into Wednesday.

A toll-free hotline for updates on weather, power outage restoration times, and shelters and warming centers in their area. New Yorkers can reach the hotline at 866-697-2434 for assistance. In addition, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated for enhanced monitoring and will increase operations to include all transportation agencies for the storm.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here. During major incidents, the Authority broadcasts information on Highway Advisory Radio and activates Dynamic Message Signs to alert motorists.

Motorists are reminded that State Law mandates that if an intersection is "blacked out" and the traffic signal is not operational, the intersection is automatically a "four way" stop. In the event of closed or blocked roadways due to flooding, downed power lines or debris, motorists are advised to exercise caution and obey all traffic signs or barricades in place, regardless of whether a roadway looks clear.

Motorists are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511 or by accessing http://www.511ny.org before traveling. The free service allows users to check road conditions and transit information. Mobile users can download the updated, free 511NY mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. The app now features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction. Users can set a destination prior to departing and receive information on up to three routes.

All New Yorkers can obtain emergency information through NY-ALERT, the state's free, all-hazards, web-based alert and notification system. To subscribe, visit nyalert.gov. If you do not own or have access to a computer, call toll-free 1-888-697-6972.

As of 10 p.m. Monday, March 12, John F. Kennedy International Airport reported 62 cancellations for Tuesday, which is 5 percent of its daily operations. LaGuardia reported 163 cancellations for Tuesday, which is about 14 percent of its average scheduled operations. Additional flight cancellations are possible later today.

At the tunnels and bridges, the Port Authority urges bus travelers to check with their carriers before going to the bus terminals since many public and private carriers may cancel or delay service if conditions warrant. The bus terminal already has been informed that long haul carriers including Greyhound will cancel service to New England destinations tomorrow. The agency also may impose speed restrictions on its crossings, or close them entirely based on weather conditions. PATH plans to operate regular service on Tuesday.

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