IMAGE: JIM ALLEN/FREIGHTWAVES
New York has banned empty tractor trailers from portions of the New York State Thruway and some interstates in the western and central parts of the state due to high winds. Wind gusts as strong as 86 mph howled across the state Sunday, February 24 and Monday, February 25.
Winds gusts came in stronger than expected in some parts of the state Sunday. Wind gusts are expected to range from 45 to 55 mph across much of New York Monday, but gusts could climb as high as 75 mph.
“New York is preparing to endure yet another extreme weather event that could bring strong winds resulting in significant power outages,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said about the winds. “I want to make it abundantly clear that utilities are expected to be prepared with response plans to deal with emergencies and quickly restore power to residents following any storm-related outages.”
Empty tractor trailers and tandems are currently banned from the following roadways:
DOT Highways:
- I-390 from Dansville to Rt 104
- I-490 from I-90 exit 45 to I-90 exit 47
- I-590 (full extent)
- Rt 104 at the Bay Bridge
- I-190 from Grand Island to Lewiston / Queenston
- I-290 from I-190 to I-90
- NY 5 from I-190 to NY 179 (with a full truck ban on the elevated section of the Skyway)
- US 219 from I-90 to Peters Rd
- NY 400 from NY 16 to I-90
- I-990 from I-290 to NY 263
Thruway Highways:
- I-90 between exit 31 (Utica) and exit 61 (Ripley to PA line)
- Niagara Thruway (I-190)
Empty tractor trailers are also banned from all Port Authority and NYC MTA bridges.
Trucks attempting to access the Port of New York and New Jersey should be aware of road closures around the port. The latest on those conditions can be found here.
The ban went into effect at 10 a.m. Sunday morning and will continue as long as the weather event lasts.
As of Monday afternoon, raging winds were causing power outages and downing trees as most of New York remained under a high wind warning. At least one electrical fire has been blamed on the winds so far, and New York City area airports experienced weather delays.
New York City will remain under a high wind warning until 6 p.m. Monday, and flights are not being allowed to take off due to strong gusts.