Travel ban announced for NYC as snow pounds region

New York’s governor says a travel ban he instituted during a massive snowstorm will likely be lifted by morning. Metro-North stopped service Saturday around 4 p.m.

This ban does remain in effect until that time and only authorized emergency vehicles, hazard vehicles, and critical healthcare personnel will be permitted.

There is also a concern that Long Island may see some Coastal flooding. No motorists would be allowed on city streets, except for emergencies, the mayor said Friday as he encouraged New Yorkers to stay home.

The LIRR is running on its normal weekend service but the railroad may modify service if conditions deteriorate.

The MTA revealed a revised subway map after limiting service at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The photo shows the snow in NY. “It makes no sense to be in a vehicle”, Mayor de Blasio said in a statement to the press, “People have to take very seriously what’s going on here”. “I don’t think this is a situation where the MTA would consider shutting down the system”, he said, referencing the system shutdown a year ago. All told, de Blasio said residents should refrain from any unneccessary travel.

Weather forecasters have predicted the storm, packing blizzard conditions and winds of up to 60 miles per hour, would dump between six inches and a foot of snow on the city and surrounding areas. Metrorail – the second busiest underground train network in the United States after NY – serves about 700,000 customers a day in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.

“We are doing everything possible to keep the roads and mass transit operational, but unless there is an emergency people should not be traveling”, the governor said. Additional information from the Governor’s earlier briefings is available here.