Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for the mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions of New York due to the winter storm.
In a conference call Thursday morning Cuomo said the state had enough salt supplies for the latest storm. Some local municipalities had trouble with salt supplies but they have been replenished.
No highways have been closed for the storm. but State police will monitor the roads throughout the day and decide if they need closing based on individual road conditions.
“These storms are more frequent and they’re more ferocious. There’s no doubt about that,“ Cuomo said. ”I’ve seen lives lost during these storms, so I take these very seriously.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio held a conference this morning as well, urging cars to stay off the road.
The city has 800 snow laborers clearing snow this morning, de Blasio said.
Meters are in effect, and the many metered areas have been plowed, the mayor said. “The city is open for business today,” de Blasio said.
The mayor also defended the decision keeping schools open through the storm this time around as well.
“It is a rarity and something we do not do lightly,” de Blasio said. “We have a huge number of New Yorkers who go to work and need a safe and secure place for their kids.”
Schools Chancellors Carmen Fariña added there was a need to communicate better with parents the process behind the decision making.
Lateness will be excused in schools today, Fariña said.
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