Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for NY state this afternoon because of the blizzard currently coating the East Coast in a layer of conglomerations of frozen ice crystals. MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast added that though the MTA is running normal right now, they may briefly suspend service later tonight. But before we get to all that, let's hear some terrible jokes! "You've heard of Finding Nemo," Cuomo said as the presser began. "It seems that Nemo found us." RIMSHOT.
Cuomo assured everyone that the MTA expects to remain operational throughout the storm: "This is a severe winter storm, but it is not Sandy. We've been through worse—it's all relative at the end of the day." Prendergast went into more detail about the state of the subways: "We've asked people to take early departures if they can so they can get out well in advance of when the worst part of the storm comes later this evening." He said they expect to be able to carry all those people home, and at the end of the evening, they'll lay all the equipment underground to protect it.
Having said that: keep in mind the 7 train is only running in Queens right now, with no service to Manhattan. Keep checking MTA.info for more updates on service changes as the night continues.
"After 8 p.m., as snowfalls approach 10-13 inches, we may have temporary suspension of service to clear track, things of that nature. So that is only essential travel should be at that time," Prendergast added. "We expect to be able to get through this storm as the governor said, but if you take care and travel early it will be better for you."
Cuomo ended the briefing by asking if there were any questions—when no one responded, he said: "Great, that was a thorough and exhaustive briefing." TWO RIMSHOTS IN ONE PRESSER, HE'S ON FIRE FOLKS.
