New York News | NYC Breaking News
A powerful winter storm was approaching New York City on Wednesday as rain began to fall around 3 pm EST in Manhattan and was expected to increase in the evening and overnight.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed today there was a "Winter Storm Warning" in effect for most of the state with snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to begin later today and through the night.

"Roads will be slippery and motorists should take necessary precautions and avoid driving once the storm begins," Cuomo announced via Twitter today. "Families should have supplies on hand in the event the winter storm prevents you from leaving your home, or if power outages occur," he added.

Cuomo urged residents to watch local news reports closely for weather updates.

The National Weather Service's high wind warning remained in effect until 6 am EST Thursday for New York City Metropolitan Area, Long Island.and coastal Connecticut. Winds northeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph were forecast with the strongest winds expected tonight. Winds of this magnitude are likely to bring down trees and tree limbs, power lines and holiday decorations, and cause minor property damage.

Power outages are possible. Driving high profile vehicles will be difficult, especially on elevated roadways and bridges.

New York City is expected to get around 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, according to My Fox NY.The metro area and coastal locations are not going to get snow accumulation but only rainfall and some wet snow flakes, according to My Fox NY's forecast.

Areas above the Hudson Valley and into the interior of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut could see snow accumulations in the 2 to 5-inch range, according to the channel.

Western Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties could see snow totals in the range of 6 to 10 inches or more, according to Fox' forecast.

New York City's public transportation department, the MTA, was deploying personnel and making equipment available to cope with the winter storm.

Some subway lines may end earlier or run local service only and bus service may be curtailed on a route by route basis depending on the severity of the weather, the MTA said on its website today.

The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad may suspend service during significant snowfall events and the Staten Island Railway may suspend express service, the MTA noted.

For the latest MTA updates visit the website of the MTA Winter Weather Travel Guide.