Ahead of increasingly severe weather conditions due to Winter Storm Juno, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio declared that all city streets will be closed after 11 p.m.
Earlier in the day Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for New York City and other parts of the state due to an expected 2 feet of snowfall, and a potentially life-threatening storm that is quickly moving in.
Except for emergency personnel and vehicles, no one should be traveling on the streets, de Blasio said.
“Nothing that has to do with leisure, take out food, or going out to movies,” he said.
The travel ban will be in place until the city decides to lift it. The mayor did not specify when that would be. He said that two to three inches could make a huge difference in terms of the size of the storm and its impact.
All city parks will be closed at 6 p.m. on Monday. The city’s public schools will be closed Tuesday. All afterschool activities Monday are cancelled.
State Regents exams scheduled for Tuesday will be postponed. Delayed subject exams include geography and global history, said Department of Education Chancellor Carmen Fariña.
The mayor said the storm was getting “tougher with each passing hour,” with snow expected to accumulate at rapid speeds.
He advised New Yorkers to stay indoors and get home early Monday. He also asked that people not dig out their cars and throw snow onto the streets, as it will hinder the snow plows’ work in snow clearing.
There are about 6,000 miles of city streets to plow, the equivalent of traveling from Los Angeles to New York City and back, the mayor noted.
“You have no reason to move your car right now,” de Blasio said. “Leave your car where it is, until the state of emergency is lifted.”
The mayor also warned cab drivers that price gauging in emergency situations is illegal. He advised New Yorkers to call 311 if they experience any price raising.
Alternate side parking is suspended for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Additional reporting by Ananda West.
