John Minchillo/AP
People make snow angels during a snowstorm in New York’s Times Square.
“Wind gusts are starting to create blizzard conditions throughout the tri-state area,” Ramunni said. “It’s near 40mph (64kmh) at JFK.”
Officials advised residents to stay off the streets, and leave the driving to road crews and essential workers.
That included Essential Worker No 1, Cuomo himself, who hopped behind the wheel of a white Ford Bronco he had bought for one of his daughters, and made the three-hour trip from Albany to New York City in the blinding snowstorm – while talking on a cellphone.