Bloomberg Urges New Yorkers to Stay Indoors as Heavy Snow Looms

As heavy snow approaches New York City, Mayor Bloomberg urged all New Yorkers to "take it easy," remain indoors and stay off the roads Friday afternoon into Saturday at a press conference. The heaviest snow is expected to hit the area Friday evening into Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for New York City, Long Island and part of Westchester County, but Bloomberg said today he is hesitant to declare a state of emergency in New York City.

"There's no reason to declare an emergency, and there's no reason to rush to the gas station," Bloomberg said. "The supplies are very adequate."

The Department of Sanitation will deploy close to 1,700 snow plows and nearly 450 salt-spreaders, Bloomberg said. More supplies will be brought into New York City to help with the snow's cleanup. The New York Fire Department has an additional 100 ambulances ready to be deployed as needed throughout the blizzard. The New York Police Department has a fleet of 95 tow trucks on standby to assist stalled vehicles.

Bloomberg expects most streets to be "more than passable" Saturday morning.

The subway system is operating normally through rush hour. Some bus service may be suspended as conditions worsen.

Metro-North Railroad is providing extra train service this afternoon as commuters make their way home before the worst of the blizzard hits New York City. Amtrack has suspended service in New York and New England.

Mayor Cory Booker of Newark has told residents "to prepare for the storm as if they were preparing for Superstorm Sandy," according to Associated Press.

Gov. Daniel Malloy of Connecticut has declared a state of emergency in his state