A widespread storm system, the fourth nor’easter in less than three weeks, tore into the tri-state area early Wednesday with a vengeance, threatening to bury much of the region under a foot of snow amid damaging winds.

Governors in New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency. The system is expected to intensify rapidly over the course of the day. Snowfall rates up to 3 inches an hour are possible.

Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo both warned the evening rush — specifically from about 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. — would be an abject nightmare, with blizzard-like conditions expected throughout that six-hour span. Thundersnow is likely.

Drivers are urged to stay off the roads if at all possible, and to exercise extreme caution if it is absolutely necessary to venture out on the roads.

New Jersey Transit is suspending all bus service statewide, including to and from Port Authority Bus Terminal, at 3 p.m. due to weather conditions.

Severe Weather Schedule Level 1 on its rail system, a limited weekday rail schedule. Cross-honoring will be in effect on NJ Transit bus, private bus carriers, rail, light rail and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd Street in New York. At this time, it is not anticipated that there will be cross-honoring on NY Waterway ferries.

LIRR is currently operating on a regular weekday schedule. However, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day, making travel difficult, if not impossible. Please travel only if necessary, as LIRR may need to reduce or suspend service later today if conditions worsen. Those who are unable to postpone traveling are advised to leave as early as possible this afternoon, allow extra travel time and anticipate delays.

Metro-North is operating a reduced weekday schedule with some combined/cancelled trains during peak periods.

The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says air travel in the New York City area will be “severely, severely affected by this storm.”

Rick Cotton said at midmorning Wednesday that LaGuardia Airport had about 75 percent of its flights canceled. Newark Liberty and Kennedy were severely hampered as well, and the situation is expected to worsen throughout the day.

Travelers are urged to contact their airlines before heading to the airports.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)