16 inches of snow, 50 mph gusts possible on Long Island; Hochul urges New Yorkers to stay off roads
A powerful snowstorm churning up the East Coast could deliver up to 16 inches of snow and 55 mph wind gusts on Long Island, with five to 10 inches anticipated in New York City, Gov. Hochul said Friday afternoon.
Starting Friday evening, New York City and portions of the Hudson Valley face winter storm warnings, according to the government. A blizzard warning covers Suffolk County on Long Island.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority warned of nighttime and morning shutdowns on the Long Island Rail Road, and the governor urged New Yorkers to avoid driving once they return home for the weekend.
In a news conference in Melville on Long Island, Hochul said the state was girding for an “incredible storm.”
“It’s coming our way,” the governor said, noting that while the blizzard could take a turn out onto the ocean, that is not expected. “People should not be on the roads unnecessarily.”
She added the heaviest snow was anticipated on Saturday, a stroke of luck that will reduce the number of commuters impacted.
But at its heights, the nor’easter could create white-out conditions with one to two inches of powder falling per hour, officials said. The storm is expected to begin to make its mark on Friday evening.
“If we are staying home, we will be safe,” Hochul said. “If you are on the roads, it is wildly unpredictable starting this evening, and certainly through the night and in through tomorrow. So we’re on notice. Everyone get home safely tonight.”
The storm was predicted to form off the Mid-Atlantic coast on Friday before setting its frosty sights on New York and New England, according to the National Weather Service.
“We’re likely to have a shutdown tonight on the Long Island Rail Road,” said Janno Lieber, chair of the MTA. “So be prepared for that.”
The MTA also expected to suspend Long Island Rail Road service on Saturday morning, Lieber added.
❄️A Blizzard Warning is now in effect for Suffolk County NY and New London County CT. ❄️
Heavy snowfall rates and gusts up to 60 mph are expected in these regions. #NYwx #CTwx #noreaster pic.twitter.com/u4vSEqjSVf— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) January 28, 2022
Long Island state parks were set to close on Saturday, said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
“We really want you home through the day on Saturday,” Bray said.
