Gov. Cuomo banned all travel in New York City because of a massive snowstorm that could dump 30″ of snow on the city.
Cuomo announced a ban on roads in all of lower New York State. Port Authority bridges and tunnels into New York City were also closing. The travel ban started at 2:30 p.m.
The ban included Long Island highways.
The governor warned that if you are caught on the road during a ban you could face a large fine. He did not specify what that fine would total.
The ban was to remain in effect “until further notice”, according to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “People of New York City have been given warning.”
“We will arrest them if needed,” De Blasio said about any drivers still on the road during the ban. At a 5:30 p.m. news conference the mayor said the ban would continue until at least the early-morning hours of Sunday.
MTA bus service was canceled at noon. Above ground train service was shut down at 4 p.m. in New York City. The shutdown included Long Island Railroad and Metro-North trains. The MTA said subways lines that only operate underground were expected to remain in service.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the storm will probably be in the top five snowstorms in the city’s history. He asked Broadway to cancel Saturday shows and asked restaurants to close and send employees home. Broadway shows were later canceled but many restaurants in Manhattan remained open.
Gov. Chris Christie urged New Jersey residents to stay home so crews can continue their efforts to clear the state’s roadways. The speed limit on the entire length of the New Jersey Turnpike was dropped to 35 MPH.
