As Snowstorm Comes In, Mayor Restricts All Nonessential Travel Starting Tomorrow at 6am

 In anticipation of tonight’s winter storm, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds, Mayor Bill de Blasio has restricted all nonessential travel in New York City, starting at 6am on Monday.

    “Everyone should make necessary preparations this evening,” said the mayor, who issued a state of emergency hours before 16 to 22 inches of snow are expected to start falling tonight. “If you can stay home, stay home.”

    Only people who have emergencies and workers, such as healthcare workers, homecare workers, and police officers, who absolute must leave their homes to go to work are exempt from the mayor’s restrictions.

   Public transit workers, workers engaged in vital city services, members of the news media, hotel workers, homeless shelter workers, utility workers, and people who work in pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, and other essential businesses also are permitted to travel tomorrow.

  The storm is expected to peak tomorrow at 10am, predicted the New York City Emergency Management, when two to four inches of snow per hour are expected to fall.

   Winds that blow at 20 to 30 mph are also expected to pick up speed tomorrow morning, with gusts that blast up to 40 to 50 mph.

    “Make no mistake,” Mayor de Blasio warned. “This storm will bring heavy snowfall, and it will make travel dangerous in every neighborhood in our city.

    “New Yorkers should stay home, keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles, and let our plows work to keep us all safe.