Gov. Cuomo warned that the state may close major highways Thursday to grapple with winter storm Hercules.
“We’re telling people to prepare for road closings,” Cuomo said during a conference call Wednesday.
“The roadways may be closed on your home,” Cuomo said. “Mass transit is a prudent option.”
The first storm of the new year is expected to dump six to 10 inches of snow in New York City beginning Wednesday night.
The governor said Long Island was expected to get more snow than the city and specifically mentioned that portions of the Long Island Expressway and parkways could be shut.
The storm is expected to be accompanied by strong winds and frigid temperatures, worsening driving and safety conditions, he said.
Further complicating matters is that a separate storm is expected to dump up to a foot of snow in upstate New York. Cuomo raised the possibility that portions of I-84 and I-684 could be closed as well.
“This is a serious situation. Mother Nature is not to be trifled with. We’re doing everything we can do. But Mother Nature wins in the end,” he said.
Cuomo even joked about the frigid cold at Mayor de Blasio’s inauguration at City Hall, which he attended. “Mother Nature let the new mayor know who was in charge,” said the governor.
He said state emergency services chief Jerry Hauer has been in contact with de Blasio’s office as part of storm preparations.