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East coast storm: New York City travel ban in effect – live East coast winter storm: blizzard pummels eastern states – live
(35 minutes later)
10.28pm GMT
22:28
Blizzard pummels eastern US through Saturday
From the deep south to New York City, much of the eastern United States is either digging out or being buried by a powerful winter storm.
Updated
at 10.29pm GMT
10.11pm GMT10.11pm GMT
22:1122:11
Dan Broome sends in more photos of life in New York – where people are skiing down 5th Avenue. Giles Clarke sends in more photos of life in New York – where people are skiing down 5th Avenue.
Skiing down 7th Avenue to Times Square. NYCSkiing down 7th Avenue to Times Square. NYC
Image by Giles Clarke / Getty Images Reportage.Image by Giles Clarke / Getty Images Reportage.
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By dootellBy dootell
23 January 2016, 15:1823 January 2016, 15:18
Blizzard conditions in midtown ManhattanBlizzard conditions in midtown Manhattan
Image by Giles Clarke / Getty Images Reportage.Image by Giles Clarke / Getty Images Reportage.
3pm January23 20163pm January23 2016
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By dootellBy dootell
23 January 2016, 15:2123 January 2016, 15:21
Updated
at 10.34pm GMT
9.53pm GMT9.53pm GMT
21:5321:53
Photographer Giles Clarke sent these photos of the blizzard in New York City through GuardianWitness.Photographer Giles Clarke sent these photos of the blizzard in New York City through GuardianWitness.
Looking toward Times Square from Central Park South. NYC #blizzard2016Looking toward Times Square from Central Park South. NYC #blizzard2016
Taken by Getty Reportage photographer Giles Clarke this morning in New York City.Taken by Getty Reportage photographer Giles Clarke this morning in New York City.
Giles Clarke/Getty Images ReportageGiles Clarke/Getty Images Reportage
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By dootellBy dootell
23 January 2016, 11:3823 January 2016, 11:38
On 57th Street by Carnegie HallOn 57th Street by Carnegie Hall
Taken by Getty Reportage photographer Giles Clarke this morning as the blizzard took holdTaken by Getty Reportage photographer Giles Clarke this morning as the blizzard took hold
Giles Clarke/Getty Images ReportageGiles Clarke/Getty Images Reportage
@clarkegiles@clarkegiles
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By dootellBy dootell
23 January 2016, 11:3523 January 2016, 11:35
Central Park, New York CityCentral Park, New York City
Shot an hour ago at 'the rocks' by the playground just inside the park from Central Park South.Shot an hour ago at 'the rocks' by the playground just inside the park from Central Park South.
Giles Clarke/Getty Images ReportageGiles Clarke/Getty Images Reportage
@clarkegiles@clarkegiles
Sent via Guardian WitnessSent via Guardian Witness
By dootellBy dootell
23 January 2016, 11:2623 January 2016, 11:26
You can share your blizzard photos via GuardianWitness by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the live blog - though stay safe.You can share your blizzard photos via GuardianWitness by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the live blog - though stay safe.
9.28pm GMT9.28pm GMT
21:2821:28
In Kentucky, the busy I-75 interstate is beginning to slowly unclog, after some drivers were stuck on the roadway overnight in foot-deep snow, filling up hotels and sheltering at nearby churches.In Kentucky, the busy I-75 interstate is beginning to slowly unclog, after some drivers were stuck on the roadway overnight in foot-deep snow, filling up hotels and sheltering at nearby churches.
Here’s a report from the Associated Press:Here’s a report from the Associated Press:
By Saturday afternoon, I-75 was no longer closed, with lanes open both northbound and southbound. Traffic was moving — albeit slowly, and officials expected it to stay that way for a while. State police Trooper Lloyd Cochran said he couldn’t give a figure for number of cars or people affected by the standstill but noted that no injuries were reported.By Saturday afternoon, I-75 was no longer closed, with lanes open both northbound and southbound. Traffic was moving — albeit slowly, and officials expected it to stay that way for a while. State police Trooper Lloyd Cochran said he couldn’t give a figure for number of cars or people affected by the standstill but noted that no injuries were reported.
Kate Bragg was one of the stuck motorists, spending most of the night at mile marker 59 between Livingston and Mount Vernon. She and her husband, Alexx, are from Indiana and were on their way to Tennessee for a getaway weekend when they got stuck. For hours, the only people they saw were salt truck drivers begging motorists to move over so they could exit, refuel and hopefully help clear the roads. At one point, Alexx Bragg tucked in behind a salt truck and followed it on the shoulder, only to get stuck again.Kate Bragg was one of the stuck motorists, spending most of the night at mile marker 59 between Livingston and Mount Vernon. She and her husband, Alexx, are from Indiana and were on their way to Tennessee for a getaway weekend when they got stuck. For hours, the only people they saw were salt truck drivers begging motorists to move over so they could exit, refuel and hopefully help clear the roads. At one point, Alexx Bragg tucked in behind a salt truck and followed it on the shoulder, only to get stuck again.
“We are worried because we are from Indiana, have no concept of where we are and no idea when to anticipate getting out,” Bragg told The Associated Press in an electronic message using Twitter.“We are worried because we are from Indiana, have no concept of where we are and no idea when to anticipate getting out,” Bragg told The Associated Press in an electronic message using Twitter.
Kentucky officials set up shelters for stranded motorists at churches and public schools along the Interstate, but the Braggs were too far away and could not make it to them.Kentucky officials set up shelters for stranded motorists at churches and public schools along the Interstate, but the Braggs were too far away and could not make it to them.
“Emotional breaking point coupled with exhaustion has been met,” Kate Bragg tweeted just after 11 pm, after spending about eight hours on the highway, later adding: “Sleeping on the interstate... Don’t they normally caution against this?”“Emotional breaking point coupled with exhaustion has been met,” Kate Bragg tweeted just after 11 pm, after spending about eight hours on the highway, later adding: “Sleeping on the interstate... Don’t they normally caution against this?”
Kate Bragg posted on Twitter that the couple finally got off the interstate at about 2:30 am, using online mapping services to find a way around the clogged interstate using side roads that had been plowed.Kate Bragg posted on Twitter that the couple finally got off the interstate at about 2:30 am, using online mapping services to find a way around the clogged interstate using side roads that had been plowed.
Traffic was slowly moving slowly Saturday along the 30-mile stretch, from Berea to London, according to Buddy Rogers, spokesman for Kentucky Emergency Management. All local hotels were booked, Cochran said. He described people still stuck on the road, some milling about at exits or leaving their cars to seek out the few stores and restaurants nearby.Traffic was slowly moving slowly Saturday along the 30-mile stretch, from Berea to London, according to Buddy Rogers, spokesman for Kentucky Emergency Management. All local hotels were booked, Cochran said. He described people still stuck on the road, some milling about at exits or leaving their cars to seek out the few stores and restaurants nearby.
About 65 people had taken shelter at the West London Baptist Church Saturday morning, according to Amanda Shotton, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross in Kentucky. She said local grocery stores and restaurants provided food for firefighters to take to stranded motorists who couldn’t reach shelter.About 65 people had taken shelter at the West London Baptist Church Saturday morning, according to Amanda Shotton, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross in Kentucky. She said local grocery stores and restaurants provided food for firefighters to take to stranded motorists who couldn’t reach shelter.
Mariclare Lafferty and her family were on their way home to Hamburg, New York, when they stopped at a hotel in Knoxville to avoid the storm. But they had no heat after their hotel lost power, so they got back on the interstate, only to get stuck for five hours.Mariclare Lafferty and her family were on their way home to Hamburg, New York, when they stopped at a hotel in Knoxville to avoid the storm. But they had no heat after their hotel lost power, so they got back on the interstate, only to get stuck for five hours.
“I was very scared, very nervous,” she said. “They don’t plow their roads in Kentucky. We’re from Buffalo, and we’re used to a plow going down the road every 20 minutes. We’re just not used to this here.”“I was very scared, very nervous,” she said. “They don’t plow their roads in Kentucky. We’re from Buffalo, and we’re used to a plow going down the road every 20 minutes. We’re just not used to this here.”
9.00pm GMT9.00pm GMT
21:0021:00
Snow totals updated Saturday afternoon show just how much this storm has carried with it. Winchester, Virginia saw 33 inches (!) of snow this weekend, according to WTOP, following by 32.5 inches in Frederick, Maryland and 32 inches in Brunswick, Maryland.Snow totals updated Saturday afternoon show just how much this storm has carried with it. Winchester, Virginia saw 33 inches (!) of snow this weekend, according to WTOP, following by 32.5 inches in Frederick, Maryland and 32 inches in Brunswick, Maryland.
@capitalweather Incredible snow just west of Winchester, Va. pic.twitter.com/X6Uhw4t5Qa@capitalweather Incredible snow just west of Winchester, Va. pic.twitter.com/X6Uhw4t5Qa
8.44pm GMT8.44pm GMT
20:4420:44
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office just sent us some photos of him hooking a stranded motorist’s car to a tow truck. This is on the normally packed Cross Island Parkway in Queens.New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office just sent us some photos of him hooking a stranded motorist’s car to a tow truck. This is on the normally packed Cross Island Parkway in Queens.
The governor once drove a tow truck to make extra cash (his call signal was “Queens-15”). He is a well known gear-head who has refurbished more than one Chevrolet muscle car, including a 1969 El Camino and a 1973 Camaro, according to the New York Times.The governor once drove a tow truck to make extra cash (his call signal was “Queens-15”). He is a well known gear-head who has refurbished more than one Chevrolet muscle car, including a 1969 El Camino and a 1973 Camaro, according to the New York Times.
8.27pm GMT8.27pm GMT
20:2720:27
Here is a nice visual of just how big those “amazing waves” at the Jersey shore were last night.Here is a nice visual of just how big those “amazing waves” at the Jersey shore were last night.
Waves at buoy 44009 25 miles southeast of Cape May NJ now up to 12' & building rapidly. pic.twitter.com/nPDELzsB76Waves at buoy 44009 25 miles southeast of Cape May NJ now up to 12' & building rapidly. pic.twitter.com/nPDELzsB76
8.20pm GMT8.20pm GMT
20:2020:20
We just talked with the spokesperson for Ocean City, NJ, Doug Bergen. He said that the city’s benchmark for flooding is a tidal marker that reached 10.2 ft during Hurricane Sandy. At high tide this morning, that marker his 8.04 ft.We just talked with the spokesperson for Ocean City, NJ, Doug Bergen. He said that the city’s benchmark for flooding is a tidal marker that reached 10.2 ft during Hurricane Sandy. At high tide this morning, that marker his 8.04 ft.
This one is more severe than anything we’ve seen since Super Storm Sandy.”This one is more severe than anything we’ve seen since Super Storm Sandy.”
Bergen said the city is prepared for flooding as severe at this morning, but is hoping that lower winds and a less severe high tide will stave off flooding that’s more severe than what the town has already seen Saturday.Bergen said the city is prepared for flooding as severe at this morning, but is hoping that lower winds and a less severe high tide will stave off flooding that’s more severe than what the town has already seen Saturday.
We’re certainly prepared for something that would match [this morning]... I don’t think we anticipate a lot of damage to homes, and certainly street flooding is something that Ocean City weathers fairly routinely.”We’re certainly prepared for something that would match [this morning]... I don’t think we anticipate a lot of damage to homes, and certainly street flooding is something that Ocean City weathers fairly routinely.”
In the Jersey shore town of Cape May, editor of the Cape May Times Jane Kashlak said that the town has been “fortunate” to only experience “sporadic flooding”.In the Jersey shore town of Cape May, editor of the Cape May Times Jane Kashlak said that the town has been “fortunate” to only experience “sporadic flooding”.
It’s moderate, it’s not deep at all, it’s not more than a foot in places,” said Kashlak. “Remember, Cape May is just one part of the Jersey shore... We’re very fortunate.”It’s moderate, it’s not deep at all, it’s not more than a foot in places,” said Kashlak. “Remember, Cape May is just one part of the Jersey shore... We’re very fortunate.”
Kashlak said one of the most stunning things she and her staff have seen today are what she calls “amazing waves.”Kashlak said one of the most stunning things she and her staff have seen today are what she calls “amazing waves.”
7.58pm GMT7.58pm GMT
19:5819:58
New Jersey shore towns see icy floodingNew Jersey shore towns see icy flooding
Icy, freezing water is invading the homes and businesses of some Jersey shore residents. Some of the worst flooding appears to be in Ocean City, where it could worsen as the area experiences its next high tide cycles in the midst of the storm.Icy, freezing water is invading the homes and businesses of some Jersey shore residents. Some of the worst flooding appears to be in Ocean City, where it could worsen as the area experiences its next high tide cycles in the midst of the storm.
Below is a shot from Saturday morning, around the time of the last high tide.Below is a shot from Saturday morning, around the time of the last high tide.
Merion Park in Ocean City from Tayler Adams. Snow and ice meet tidal flooding. #sjjonas pic.twitter.com/pUTSFe13W9Merion Park in Ocean City from Tayler Adams. Snow and ice meet tidal flooding. #sjjonas pic.twitter.com/pUTSFe13W9
Saturday evening is also a full moon, which is likely to unnerve residents who may have seen the same confluence of events during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.Saturday evening is also a full moon, which is likely to unnerve residents who may have seen the same confluence of events during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The next two high tide cycles along the Jersey shore are expected at about 7:30pm Saturday and 8am Sunday morning. A coastal flood warning is in effect until 12pm Sunday, and a high winds warning is in effect until midnight tonight.The next two high tide cycles along the Jersey shore are expected at about 7:30pm Saturday and 8am Sunday morning. A coastal flood warning is in effect until 12pm Sunday, and a high winds warning is in effect until midnight tonight.
Here are some images of the conditions on the Jersey shore now.Here are some images of the conditions on the Jersey shore now.
Ocean City firefighters assisting people stranded by flooding leave their home. @nbcphiladelphia #NBC10Snow pic.twitter.com/nFnOibj7FzOcean City firefighters assisting people stranded by flooding leave their home. @nbcphiladelphia #NBC10Snow pic.twitter.com/nFnOibj7Fz
Here's a look at some of the flooding in Ocean City, NJ. More on #Blizzard2016 in NJ here: https://t.co/1avjIl0mZa pic.twitter.com/EDcEdhPnAtHere's a look at some of the flooding in Ocean City, NJ. More on #Blizzard2016 in NJ here: https://t.co/1avjIl0mZa pic.twitter.com/EDcEdhPnAt
7.32pm GMT7.32pm GMT
19:3219:32
New York City travel ban goes into effectNew York City travel ban goes into effect
As of 2:30pm, you can be arrested for driving on New York City’s streets. The mayor enacted a travel ban Saturday after the city saw more snow more quickly than it expected.As of 2:30pm, you can be arrested for driving on New York City’s streets. The mayor enacted a travel ban Saturday after the city saw more snow more quickly than it expected.
At 4pm, service on outdoor subway lines will be suspended, as trains that service the suburbs of New York City in Long Island and Westchester County. Bridges and tunnels leading into New York City, including the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel, will also be closed. Governor Chris Christie shut down NJ Transit early Saturday morning.At 4pm, service on outdoor subway lines will be suspended, as trains that service the suburbs of New York City in Long Island and Westchester County. Bridges and tunnels leading into New York City, including the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel, will also be closed. Governor Chris Christie shut down NJ Transit early Saturday morning.
7.05pm GMT7.05pm GMT
19:0519:05
Philadelphia remains under a blizzard warning until 6am Sunday, and public officials are reminding drivers to stay off the roads, but for now there are at least some people in the City of Brotherly Love enjoying the weather.Philadelphia remains under a blizzard warning until 6am Sunday, and public officials are reminding drivers to stay off the roads, but for now there are at least some people in the City of Brotherly Love enjoying the weather.
More sledding video #blizzard2016 @KYWNewsradio @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/FJsMSUqK5EMore sledding video #blizzard2016 @KYWNewsradio @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/FJsMSUqK5E
The National Weather Service is predicting Philadelphia could see 18 inches of snow accumulation through Saturday afternoon. The city’s office of emergency management already clocked 17.1 inches of snow as of 9:45am.The National Weather Service is predicting Philadelphia could see 18 inches of snow accumulation through Saturday afternoon. The city’s office of emergency management already clocked 17.1 inches of snow as of 9:45am.
It’s likely the blizzard will also become one of Philadelphia’s biggest ever snow events – the largest snowstorm in the city’s history was in 1996, according to Philly.com, when 31 inches of snow fell January 6-8.It’s likely the blizzard will also become one of Philadelphia’s biggest ever snow events – the largest snowstorm in the city’s history was in 1996, according to Philly.com, when 31 inches of snow fell January 6-8.
The next highest totals were in 2009 and 2010, when 23.3 and 28.5 inches fell respectively.The next highest totals were in 2009 and 2010, when 23.3 and 28.5 inches fell respectively.
6.39pm GMT6.39pm GMT
18:3918:39
In Pennsylvania, vehicles that got trapped on the turnpike Friday are still there today, as emergency crews attempt to dig them out, including two college athletic teams and a group of students from North Dakota.In Pennsylvania, vehicles that got trapped on the turnpike Friday are still there today, as emergency crews attempt to dig them out, including two college athletic teams and a group of students from North Dakota.
Here’s a report from the Associated Press on the stranded travelers:Here’s a report from the Associated Press on the stranded travelers:
Snowbound college athletes who spent the night stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike munched on leftover pizza or watched movies to pass the time as they waited to be dug out by emergency crews tackling massive backups that stretched for miles after a powerful winter storm socked the region.Snowbound college athletes who spent the night stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike munched on leftover pizza or watched movies to pass the time as they waited to be dug out by emergency crews tackling massive backups that stretched for miles after a powerful winter storm socked the region.
Cars, trucks and buses that got stuck Friday night still hadn’t moved on Saturday, including buses carrying the Duquesne men’s basketball team and the gymnastics squad from Temple University.Cars, trucks and buses that got stuck Friday night still hadn’t moved on Saturday, including buses carrying the Duquesne men’s basketball team and the gymnastics squad from Temple University.
The National Guard was called out to provide food and water, as well as chains and shovels while emergency workers on all-terrain vehicles checked on stranded motorists. Officials closed a 90-mile stretch of the roadway to allow maintenance workers to focus on those who were stuck.The National Guard was called out to provide food and water, as well as chains and shovels while emergency workers on all-terrain vehicles checked on stranded motorists. Officials closed a 90-mile stretch of the roadway to allow maintenance workers to focus on those who were stuck.
“We haven’t moved one inch,” said Duquesne coach Jim Ferry on Saturday morning. Ferry said his players were running out of the leftover pizza they bought on the way home from an 86-75 win over George Mason on Friday afternoon. “We’re getting pretty hungry,” he said. “We hope it starts moving pretty soon.”“We haven’t moved one inch,” said Duquesne coach Jim Ferry on Saturday morning. Ferry said his players were running out of the leftover pizza they bought on the way home from an 86-75 win over George Mason on Friday afternoon. “We’re getting pretty hungry,” he said. “We hope it starts moving pretty soon.”
Walking to HOPEFULLY have dominos drop off pizza from an overpass. 3/4 mile in 2+ feet of snow pic.twitter.com/tMfuT1d89KWalking to HOPEFULLY have dominos drop off pizza from an overpass. 3/4 mile in 2+ feet of snow pic.twitter.com/tMfuT1d89K
The governor’s office said the problems in Somerset County began after westbound tractor-trailers were unable to climb a hill. As traffic backed up behind them, more trucks also became unable to go up the hill, backing up all vehicles and preventing emergency crews from getting heavy-duty tow trucks to the scene and road crews from being able to clear the snow, officials said.The governor’s office said the problems in Somerset County began after westbound tractor-trailers were unable to climb a hill. As traffic backed up behind them, more trucks also became unable to go up the hill, backing up all vehicles and preventing emergency crews from getting heavy-duty tow trucks to the scene and road crews from being able to clear the snow, officials said.
Temple gymnastics coach Umme Salim-Beasley said her team usually travels with a large amount of snacks “so those came in handy,” and fire department personnel brought them water.Temple gymnastics coach Umme Salim-Beasley said her team usually travels with a large amount of snacks “so those came in handy,” and fire department personnel brought them water.
“We always bring movies for our bus trip, and we have gone through all of them and we’ll probably start watching them again,” she said.“We always bring movies for our bus trip, and we have gone through all of them and we’ll probably start watching them again,” she said.
Ferry said his players were also in good spirits, passing the time with jokes and watching movies.Ferry said his players were also in good spirits, passing the time with jokes and watching movies.
“But you got to remember we have some big guys, so it’s hard to sleep on a bus like this,” he said.“But you got to remember we have some big guys, so it’s hard to sleep on a bus like this,” he said.
Salim-Beasley, however, said her team’s training has made spending hours on a cramped bus more bearable than it might be for others.Salim-Beasley, however, said her team’s training has made spending hours on a cramped bus more bearable than it might be for others.
“We are a gymnastics team,” she said. “So we can get into positions that most people won’t be able to get into.”“We are a gymnastics team,” she said. “So we can get into positions that most people won’t be able to get into.”
6.20pm GMT6.20pm GMT
18:2018:20
Although New York and New Jersey have monopolized the last hour of our liveblog coverage with announcements of travel bans and mass transit shutdowns, conditions elsewhere on the Atlantic seaboard remain serious.Although New York and New Jersey have monopolized the last hour of our liveblog coverage with announcements of travel bans and mass transit shutdowns, conditions elsewhere on the Atlantic seaboard remain serious.
In Baltimore, Maryland, a blizzard warning remains in effect until 6am Sunday, and mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake told CNN that residents should remain indoors.In Baltimore, Maryland, a blizzard warning remains in effect until 6am Sunday, and mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake told CNN that residents should remain indoors.
We have a ways to go – we’re a little more than halfway through. We know we’re going to have another surge of weather this evening so that’s why we’re telling people [to] please stay off the roads.We have a ways to go – we’re a little more than halfway through. We know we’re going to have another surge of weather this evening so that’s why we’re telling people [to] please stay off the roads.
We think [the snowfall] might slow down a little bit, but this evening we’re thinking it’s going to go to [a rate of 2-3 inches per hour], plus the heavy winds, so that’s the problem.We think [the snowfall] might slow down a little bit, but this evening we’re thinking it’s going to go to [a rate of 2-3 inches per hour], plus the heavy winds, so that’s the problem.
It’s very dangerous – that’s why we want to make sure the roads stay as clear as possible.”It’s very dangerous – that’s why we want to make sure the roads stay as clear as possible.”
#Whiteout conditions on the #Baltimore beltway. Don't venture out unless it's an emergency. #BaltSnow #blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/XNPiwsHvC5#Whiteout conditions on the #Baltimore beltway. Don't venture out unless it's an emergency. #BaltSnow #blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/XNPiwsHvC5
6.00pm GMT6.00pm GMT
18:0018:00
And there it is: Broadway closes for the blizzard.And there it is: Broadway closes for the blizzard.
All #Broadway matinee and evening shows today are cancelled.All #Broadway matinee and evening shows today are cancelled.
Broadway listened to the mayor: All Broadway performances cancelled today #Blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/dhtmd0jFNZBroadway listened to the mayor: All Broadway performances cancelled today #Blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/dhtmd0jFNZ
5.57pm GMT5.57pm GMT
17:5717:57
And New York City will join state officials to ban travel as well:And New York City will join state officials to ban travel as well:
*TRAVEL BAN* Non-emergency travel in New York City is banned after 2:30PM today. pic.twitter.com/0dBjjVRThS*TRAVEL BAN* Non-emergency travel in New York City is banned after 2:30PM today. pic.twitter.com/0dBjjVRThS
De Blasio is also urging restaurants and theaters to close.De Blasio is also urging restaurants and theaters to close.
It’s time for businesses to shut down and get their employees home right away,” the mayor said.It’s time for businesses to shut down and get their employees home right away,” the mayor said.
The travel ban means anyone on the road can be “subject to arrest” according to the New York Police Department and de Blasio. Here’s NYPD police chief James P. O’Neill:The travel ban means anyone on the road can be “subject to arrest” according to the New York Police Department and de Blasio. Here’s NYPD police chief James P. O’Neill:
Listen this is not what we want to do… We need our cops to be able to answer calls for service, not lock up people who made bad decisions… You are subject to arrest.”Listen this is not what we want to do… We need our cops to be able to answer calls for service, not lock up people who made bad decisions… You are subject to arrest.”
5.49pm GMT5.49pm GMT
17:4917:49
Travel bans announced around New York CityTravel bans announced around New York City
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just announced travel bans in New York.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just announced travel bans in New York.
Here’s what a travel ban means in practice, from Cuomo:Here’s what a travel ban means in practice, from Cuomo:
Unless it is truly an emergency, you should not be on the road... I am not a hyper-cautious person, but the roads were truly, truly dangerous.Unless it is truly an emergency, you should not be on the road... I am not a hyper-cautious person, but the roads were truly, truly dangerous.
Now, to be on a banned road, you can be summonsed for being on the road when a ban is in place, and there can be points on your license, and significant fines.Now, to be on a banned road, you can be summonsed for being on the road when a ban is in place, and there can be points on your license, and significant fines.
So, what we’re saying is stay off the road – officially.”So, what we’re saying is stay off the road – officially.”
5.30pm GMT5.30pm GMT
17:3017:30
New Jersey governor Chris Christie also took the flooding along the Jersey Shore to address a delayed dune project proposed after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey Shore.New Jersey governor Chris Christie also took the flooding along the Jersey Shore to address a delayed dune project proposed after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey Shore.
The governor said he believes the project is necessary to protect communities. The project, which would dredge up high dunes that may block some beachfront homeowners’ ocean views, became so acrimonious that the state used its eminent domain powers to obtain the necessary easements. That caused homeowners in Bay Head to file suit in Ocean county court in October this year.The governor said he believes the project is necessary to protect communities. The project, which would dredge up high dunes that may block some beachfront homeowners’ ocean views, became so acrimonious that the state used its eminent domain powers to obtain the necessary easements. That caused homeowners in Bay Head to file suit in Ocean county court in October this year.
This is certainly not Super Storm Sandy, and those streets were already flooded this morning,” Christie said, referring to flooding along the Jersey shore caused by the blizzard’s high winds and tides.This is certainly not Super Storm Sandy, and those streets were already flooded this morning,” Christie said, referring to flooding along the Jersey shore caused by the blizzard’s high winds and tides.
“Again these are folks who are fighting against it not just at Point Pleasant beach, but at Ortley beach… Ortley beach is being pounded. Now, we put a lot of sand up there at the request of the mayor of Tom’s River, but that sand has already washed away. ...“Again these are folks who are fighting against it not just at Point Pleasant beach, but at Ortley beach… Ortley beach is being pounded. Now, we put a lot of sand up there at the request of the mayor of Tom’s River, but that sand has already washed away. ...
They can send their thank you notes to the people in Bayhead and the people in Point Pleasant who continue to fight what is an environmentally sound [project]. ...They can send their thank you notes to the people in Bayhead and the people in Point Pleasant who continue to fight what is an environmentally sound [project]. ...
It’s three years post-Sandy, and it should not be held up by what I believe are a few very selfish homeowners.”It’s three years post-Sandy, and it should not be held up by what I believe are a few very selfish homeowners.”
5.11pm GMT5.11pm GMT
17:1117:11
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are considering closing Hudson River crossings as the storm worsens, he said Saturday.New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are considering closing Hudson River crossings as the storm worsens, he said Saturday.
That could stop traffic from crossing the 14-lane George Washington Bridge, one of the most crossed in the world.That could stop traffic from crossing the 14-lane George Washington Bridge, one of the most crossed in the world.
At least 90,000 customers in New Jersey are without power, according to the state’s governor Chris Christie, and southern parts of the state are seeing street flooding.At least 90,000 customers in New Jersey are without power, according to the state’s governor Chris Christie, and southern parts of the state are seeing street flooding.
This is my 17th snow emergency in six years, so we know how to do this ,” said Christie. ...This is my 17th snow emergency in six years, so we know how to do this ,” said Christie. ...
We’re in one of the heaviest snowbands right here in Sayerville through the north of the state. So, for the folks from here in Middlesex county north all the way up to Bergen county – stay home.”We’re in one of the heaviest snowbands right here in Sayerville through the north of the state. So, for the folks from here in Middlesex county north all the way up to Bergen county – stay home.”
4.52pm GMT4.52pm GMT
16:5216:52
We’re expecting New Jersey governor Chris Christie to update the public on conditions in the state within the hour.We’re expecting New Jersey governor Chris Christie to update the public on conditions in the state within the hour.
The blizzard forced the governor and Republican presidential candidate to return from the New Hampshire campaign trail yesterday after he first committed to staying there.The blizzard forced the governor and Republican presidential candidate to return from the New Hampshire campaign trail yesterday after he first committed to staying there.
Some parts of New Jersey are already seeing coastal flooding, an unnerving state of affairs for some communities which are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy in 2012.Some parts of New Jersey are already seeing coastal flooding, an unnerving state of affairs for some communities which are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
4.48pm GMT4.48pm GMT
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Blizzard of 2016 could be among top five in New York City historyBlizzard of 2016 could be among top five in New York City history
This storm will surpass 20 inches accumulation in New York City – when that happens ... it will be in the top five snowstorms literally in our recorded history,” said New York City mayor Bill de Blasio on Saturday.This storm will surpass 20 inches accumulation in New York City – when that happens ... it will be in the top five snowstorms literally in our recorded history,” said New York City mayor Bill de Blasio on Saturday.
“That says that people have to take very seriously what’s going on here, and recognize there’s a lot of danger, and a lot of disruption that’s going to take place here because of this storm.”“That says that people have to take very seriously what’s going on here, and recognize there’s a lot of danger, and a lot of disruption that’s going to take place here because of this storm.”
De Blasio said he is coordinating with Governor Andrew Cuomo to determine if the state city and state should enact a total travel ban, a decision he said could come within the hour.De Blasio said he is coordinating with Governor Andrew Cuomo to determine if the state city and state should enact a total travel ban, a decision he said could come within the hour.
Anyone who’s come into the city from the suburbs should turn around and go back. This is very, very fast accumulation, and I guarantee if people linger they will get stuc k.”Anyone who’s come into the city from the suburbs should turn around and go back. This is very, very fast accumulation, and I guarantee if people linger they will get stuc k.”
As of 10am, there was already 11.5 inches of snow in Central Park, considered the benchmark location for New York snowfall. City officials are preparing for as much as 30 inches.As of 10am, there was already 11.5 inches of snow in Central Park, considered the benchmark location for New York snowfall. City officials are preparing for as much as 30 inches.
Already, department of sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia said that the city has 2,500 piece of equipment clearing snow, and that workers had to start earlier than expected, at 5am Saturday.Already, department of sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia said that the city has 2,500 piece of equipment clearing snow, and that workers had to start earlier than expected, at 5am Saturday.
We are seeing very intense snowfall out there, and I really do ask people get off the roads, because it’s dangerous if you’re a professional driver – it’s doubly dangerous if you don’t have that training.”We are seeing very intense snowfall out there, and I really do ask people get off the roads, because it’s dangerous if you’re a professional driver – it’s doubly dangerous if you don’t have that training.”
De Blasio also asked New Yorkers to shovel out fire hydrants that first responders might need during the course of the storm, and to watch closely any children playing in the snow.De Blasio also asked New Yorkers to shovel out fire hydrants that first responders might need during the course of the storm, and to watch closely any children playing in the snow.
4.28pm GMT4.28pm GMT
16:2816:28
New York officials consider travel ban as snow falls faster than expectedNew York officials consider travel ban as snow falls faster than expected
We’re listening to New York Mayor Bill De Blasio’s press conference now. Here’s a taste of what he’s saying:We’re listening to New York Mayor Bill De Blasio’s press conference now. Here’s a taste of what he’s saying:
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.31pm GMTat 4.31pm GMT
3.50pm GMT3.50pm GMT
15:5015:50
The National Zoo in Washington DC is closed … but the panda cameras keep rolling.The National Zoo in Washington DC is closed … but the panda cameras keep rolling.
Tian Tian woke up this morning to a lot of snow, and he was pretty excited about it. 🐼🌨 #blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/GrhI9t1u7jTian Tian woke up this morning to a lot of snow, and he was pretty excited about it. 🐼🌨 #blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/GrhI9t1u7j
3.36pm GMT3.36pm GMT
15:3615:36
Reader Dan Broome sends a fairly representative photo of what New York looks like right now. Here at Guardian NY HQ the East River has vanished and the World Trade Center is a faint outline in the haze.Reader Dan Broome sends a fairly representative photo of what New York looks like right now. Here at Guardian NY HQ the East River has vanished and the World Trade Center is a faint outline in the haze.