Cuomo Declares State Of Emergency On LI, Hudson Valley

NEW YORK STATE — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley, as well as New York City, because of the blizzard currently impacting the area.

The emergency declaration includes Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City.

"This storm is no joke and the main concern right now is that the expected snowfall rate of two 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."

Depending on the severity of the storm, portions of the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North may face significant delays this afternoon, or be shut down entirely. Major roadways like the Long Island Expressway and I-84 could face travel bans if the snowfall rate reaches two to three inches per hour, Cuomo said.

Everyone is encouraged to stay home, unless it is an emergency. If you have to travel, state officials say to get to your destination before noon, if possible.

The storm is predicted to last more than a day, with snowfall continuing into Tuesday. Long Island, the Mid-Hudson region and New York City are forecasted to receive the highest snowfall, with up to two feet in some areas.

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, especially eastern Long Island, where 60 mph wind gusts could occur, while many places upstate could see up to 40 mph wind gusts. Blowing and drifting snow will likely reduce visibility even more and create even more treacherous driving conditions in some places.