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(UPDATE) Winter storm causes dangerous road conditions – Metro US

(UPDATE) Winter storm causes dangerous road conditions

Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images

Update 10:20 a.m.: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency due to the snow, ice and freezing rain.

“This is a significant winter storm impacting all regions of the state, and we are taking all necessary steps to keep New Yorkers safe,” he said. “I have declared a state of emergency for all counties so that we can continue our effective and quick response in communities that have been hit the hardest.

“New Yorkers in affected regions should stay off the roads, check on their neighbors and loved ones, and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed.”

Parts of New York City and Long Island have reported salt shortages, according to the governor’s office.

Cuomo has directed the Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority to move 3,500 tons of road salt to localities in need.

The state has 1,789 plows, 359 loaders and 4,185 operators working the storm, the governor said.

A total of 8,406 power outages have already been reported across the state due to ice accumulation, and additional power failures are likely in some areas. State utilities have been directed to activate all emergency plans and bring in any available additional crews.

While New York City commuters were urged to take mass transit today, major delays and service suspensions are now being reported on several subway lines. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North are also reporting delays.

Metro’s original story is below.

Yet another winter storm has moved into the tri-state area, and a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is causing dangerous road conditions.

A winter storm warning is in effect for southern Connecticut, northern portions of New York City and parts of northern New Jersey until 6 p.m.

Between 4 and 6 inches of snow is expected in those areas, along with about 1/4 inch of ice, according to the National Weather Service.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday morning a ban on both commercial and passenger vehicles on Interstate 84. Any cars on the road will be ticketed.

“As this winter storm progresses, safety continues to be our top priority,” Cuomo said. “The state is closing I-84 as a precaution to protect drivers as this storm moves across the state. I urge all New Yorkers to stay off the roads and monitor news and weather reports throughout the day for updates.”

The New York City Office of Emergency Management issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for Wednesday.

“Be ready for a difficult morning commute,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “If you do not need to use your car, don’t use your car. If you can use mass transit, please use mass transit.”

Some express subway trains may be delayed this morning, the MTA announced. Some buses might be delayed due to road conditions.

The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North are operating on regular weekday schedule, according to the MTA.

Alternate side parking is suspended citywide today.

All public schools are open, but field trips are canceled.