New York bans empty trailers on interstates due to high winds

Ashley Coker

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.”