How State and Local Leaders Are Preparing for the Major Northeast U.S. Blizzard
With a road sign warning of an expected blizzard, morning commuters travel across the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge into downtown Boston., Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. Charles Krupa / AP Photo
The storm has prompted many governors to declare states of emergency and travel bans.
State and local jurisdictions across the Northeastern United States have been preparing for the impending arrival of a major blizzard on Tuesday that’s expected to bring high winds, dump more than 2 feet of snow in some areas, severely disrupt travel across the region and suspend public services.
“Mother Nature has decided again to come visit us in an extreme way,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a midday press conference in New York City on Monday. “It is a serious blizzard. It shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Cuomo, who declared a state of emergency, announced a travel ban for all roads on Long Island on Monday afternoon.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy declared a statewide travel ban for his state starting at 9 p.m. Monday.
“People need to take this storm seriously,” Malloy said in a statement. “If current predictions are accurate, we will need people to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel and utility crews can get to the places they need to get to, and to make sure that our plows can keep critical roadways clear.”
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency and a statewide travel ban for his state starting at midnight.
New York City, which is expected to see at least 2 feet of snow, is mobilizing various city agencies. The city’s Department of Sanitation has 500 salt spreaders and 1,800 plows ready to go to work.
Parts of Long Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts could see upwards of 3 feet of snow.
Cuomo said that he is mobilizing snow plows from upstate New York to assist with snow-clearing operations in the New York City metropolitan area, noting that last fall, the tables were turned when downstate snow plows were deployed to the Buffalo area to help clear 7 feet of lake-effect snow.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York state agency that runs New York City’s subways and the Long Island Railroad and Metro North commuter rail services, is mobilizing as well.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a Monday press conference. (via NY.gov livestream)
Cuomo announced that the New York City subway would run normal service through the evening rush hour, with limited service going into effect until 11 p.m., when subway service will be suspended. Subway train cars will be shifted from outdoor rail yards into underground portions of the system for protection from the snow. Long Island Railroad and Metro North trains will end service at 11 p.m. as well.
“People should plan now to expedite their travel plans to get home as quickly as possible,” Cuomo said.
In Hoboken, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York City, reverse 911 phone calls went out to city residents urging them to move their parked cars from critical arteries.
In Providence, Rhode Island, a citywide parking ban goes into effect at 7 p.m. Monday.
"As the City prepares to respond to this storm, I ask residents to comply with the parking ban and limit travel so that crews can plow," Mayor Jorge Elorza said in a statement. "We are ready for this storm and we will be working around the clock to make sure that our City is safe and business returns to normal as soon as possible."
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said the blizzard “could be a very severe and dangerous weather event” for her state.
"I urge all Rhode Islanders to also take the steps necessary now, ahead of the storm, to be prepared. This includes making sure to have sufficient food, water, and fuel for the next few days," the Ocean State governor said in a statement.
In the Boston area, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will suspend transit services on Tuesday.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, pictured above during a press conference on Monday afternoon, urged his residents to move their cars from snow emergency routes and stay home during the blizzard.
“You should not be driving in the city of Boston,” Walsh said.
“We’ve been here before,” Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said at a press conference Monday afternoon. “I think the mayor has a great team and I think we’ll be able to tackle this storm.”
Meeting with cabinet and department heads in City Hall to coordinate #bosnow plan. #blizzard2015 pic.twitter.com/5BFuPOK7l9
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 26, 2015This post has been updated to include recent blizzard-preparation developments.