As New Yorkers dig out this morning after more than 17 inches of snow fell in some parts of the city, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo lifted bans on essential travel. 

    The governor announced that above-ground subways and New York’s commuter railroads have resumed as of 5am, although the Long Island Rail Road will be running on a weekend schedule today, Gov. Cuomo’s office said.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses also will be operating with reduced service today as the city recovers from yesterday’s snowstorm that Gov. Cuomo is calling Winter Storm Orlena.

    In addition, at 7am, the governor said that commercial vehicles, empty trailers and tandem trailers can once again hit the highways across the state.

     Although all the bans on travel, bridges, and tunnels due the storm have been lifted, all drivers should remember that advisory speeds of 45 mph remain in effect on a number of state highways, such as I-87 between Exit 15 and 17, on I-90, between Exit 29 and Exit 40, and on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. 

    "This storm created extremely dangerous travel conditions and a number of bans were put into place to not only protect public safety, but help give our road crews room to work," Gov. Cuomo said.  "We believe the worst of the storm is behind us and moving forward all truck traffic can safely resume on our state's highways. If New Yorkers must travel today, please use caution and give our crews and snowplows room to do their jobs as they continue to clear the roads."

Photo: Glen Sager / MTA LIRR