Governor Bans Driving After 11 Monday Night

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo issued a travel ban on all state and local roads throughout New York, including in Suffolk County, after 11 p.m. on Monday. 

The greater New York City metropolitan area is under a blizzard warning through Tuesday night. The National Weather Service forecasts snow accumulation of at least one and a half to two feet with combined wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour on parts of eastern Long Island. 

The governor's executive order means only emergency vehicles will be permitted on the roads after 11 p.m. A violation is punishable as a misdemeanor with fines up to $300. The Town of Southampton had already prohibited driving after 7 p.m.

"This blizzard is forecasted to be one of the worst this region has seen, and we must put safety first and take all necessary precautions," Governor Cuomo said. "The state will close all roads and public transportation effective at 11 p.m. and we urge all New Yorkers to prioritize safety and be patient as we wait for this storm to pass." 

The travel ban also applies to 12 other counties: the Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. 

New York City subways and buses will operate only local service, starting at 8 p.m., and will be suspended after 11 p.m. The Long Island Rail Road is also suspending service at 11 p.m. Tandem trailers are banned on the Long Island Expressway.