'Total shutdown' of Metro-North possible, Cuomo says

ALBANY - State officials will announce at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday whether Metro-North trains will run as scheduled during the impending nor'easter storm, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo said Monday he will declare a state of emergency at midnight ahead of potential blizzard-like conditions that are forecasted to dump upwards of 20 inches of snow on parts of the state, including the mid- and lower Hudson Valley.

The winter storm is expected to wreak havoc on the morning commute.

► Blizzard could drop up to 20 inches Tuesday

► USA TODAY: Northeast bracing for a 'ferocious' snowstorm

► SNOWSTORM: When is it actually a blizzard?

A "total shutdown" of the Metro-North and Long Island Rail Roads is possible, Cuomo said Wednesday.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials will make the call early Tuesday morning and re-assess as the day goes on, according to the governor. Above-ground MTA service in New York City will be suspended at 4 a.m., he said.

"If it is what they forecast,  then it would be problematic to operate the railroad -- LIRR and Metro-North," Cuomo told reporters on a Monday conference call.

Cuomo warned against any unnecessary travel Tuesday. He told all non-essential state employees to remain home, except in the North Country, where snowfall forecasts are lighter.

He also warned drivers to be alert for potential road closures.

In the past, Cuomo's administration has shut down portions of the Thruway and Interstate 84 during major snow storms.

"I strongly urge everyone to limit unnecessary travel on Tuesday, and if you must ‎drive, please plan ahead, be careful, and stay safe," he said in a statement.

A winter storm warning is slated for Monday night through Wednesday evening for most of the state, with at least a foot of snow expected.

The Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island will be under a blizzard warning from late Monday through Tuesday night.

The mid-to-lower Hudson Valley is expected to be hardest hits, with some forecasts expecting upwards of 20 inches of snow.

Cuomo on Monday activated the State Emergency Operations Center, a routine step ahead of major storms that clears the way for major state agencies to gather at a facility in Albany to monitor weather and response.

The state Department of Transportation has 443,000 tons of road salt on hand, along with more than 1,800 plows, according to Cuomo's office.

The Thruway Authority has another 114,800 tons of road salt and 311 plows ready to go.