国际英语新闻:State of emergency declared as NY braces for severe blizzard

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo declared here Monday a state of emergency for New York City and its suburban areas as the region braces for a "potentially historic" storm that could dump up to 2 feet of snow.

Cuomo warned that conditions during the snowstorm will be " dangerous and difficult."

The National Weather Service has issued a citywide blizzard warning, which is in effect from 1 p.m. Monday until Wednesday at 12 a.m. The current forecast calls for 18 to 24 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible and snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Northern winds of 20 to 30 mph are forecast, with gusts of up to 55 mph possible. Temperatures in the lower 20 degrees Fahrenheit (below -6 degrees centigrade) are expected, with visibility of one quarter mile or less at times.

Cuomo said the massive storm barreling into the area "should not be taken lightly" and "could affect health and safety."

According to the governor, utilities are prepared to respond 24 hours a day to power disruptions and mandated to implement their emergency response plans. New York's utilities have a total of 3, 943 in-house workers and outside contractors standing ready to assist in storm.

He announced that a tractor trailer ban will be in effect on major state highways beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, and the State is considering a full travel ban on roads and bridges as well as the potential closing of public transit networks in affected areas beginning at 11 p.m.

Cuomo said New York City will have limited subway service after 7 or 8 p.m. because of the storm, and urging commuters to get home early, anticipating major disruptions on mass transit and the roads.

New York City public schools will be closed Tuesday, announced New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday. All after-school activities and programs scheduled for Monday have also been canceled.

New York City's streets will only be available to emergency vehicles starting at 11 p.m. and that will continue until the situation is considered safe, de Blasio said.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City' s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about severe weather events and other emergencies.

New Yorkers are also notified to call 311 or contact 311 online for non-emergency situations, and call 911 if in immediate danger.

In addition, they are advised to stay out of New York City parks during the storm for their safety. City parks will be closed at 6 p.m. The city's Department of Parks & Recreation will be tracking downed trees and tree limbs throughout the city.