New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a statewide state of emergency ahead of the coming snow storm. Blizzard conditions are expected in parts of the area, including Long Island.

Cuomo is urging motorists to stay off the roads. He has ordered the closure of the Long Island Expressway in Nassau and Suffolk counties, I-87 (NYS Thruway) south of Albany, and all of I-84 at midnight through at least 5 a.m. Friday. (The Queens portion of the L.I.E. will remain open.

The highways will be reopened then if conditions permit. The decision to reopen the roads will be made between 3:30 and 4 a.m. to give drivers some notice.

Much of the tristate area is under winter storm warnings or blizzard warnings.

(AP)