Update, 10:00 p.m.: According to a statement issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office late Tuesday evening, commercial traffic will be banned from I-84 in New York State as of 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Long tandem vehicles will also be banned from parts of the New York State Thruway (I-90 and I-87) starting Wednesday at 7 a.m.
New York State may shut down I-84 in the Hudson Valley as early as 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning if an impending snowstorm makes travel dangerous, according to a statement released Tuesday, Nov. 25 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.
The snowstorm is expected to drop up to 14 inches of snow on the Catskills and Hudson Valley region between Wednesday morning and early Thanksgiving Day. Local weather forecasters at Hudson Valley Weather have posted a detailed forecast of snowfall amounts across different parts of the region.
Drivers planning to travel on I-84 on Wedesday are urged to leave early, and call the 5-1-1 travel information hotline before they set out on the roads.
The statement from Cuomo's office:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged motorists planning to travel on Interstate 84 to either travel today, or adjust their plans and use alternative routes tomorrow in anticipation of heavy snowfall in the region. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Watches and Warnings in and around New York State beginning Wednesday through Thursday, and some of the heaviest predicted snowfall amounts are in the Hudson Valley. The State is prepared to close I-84 as early as 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The Governor today urged motorists to be safe and adjust plans if possible ahead of the potentially hazardous winter weather conditions that are forecasted throughout much of the state this holiday week. The State will continuously monitor the conditions of I-84 and all other major State roadways leading up to and during the storm and direct closures of highways as necessary.
"This is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and with winter weather expected to impact much of the state, I urge all travelers to planning to use I-84 to establish an alternative route and exercise caution," Governor Cuomo said. "I've directed State agencies to be on heightened alert as this storm develops, and we are taking all necessary precautions to address potentially hazardous conditions. We're hoping for the best, but planning for the worst in order to keep New Yorkers safe."
Motorists who are planning to travel on I-84 are urged seek alternative routes or travel early. If motorists do choose to use I-84 tomorrow, they are urged to use due caution and call 5-1-1 to check road conditions before leaving.
The State has prepared 911 snow plows, more than 1,800 plow operators and more than 130,000 tons of road salt between New York City and Albany to respond to the storm. However, I-84 winds through various landscapes such as mountains, valleys and near bodies of water, which contribute to very difficult travel conditions during heavy snowfall.
