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Coastal cities in Northeast brace for big blizzard

A NWS forecaster warns, "People should just stay off the road."

By Frances Burns and Danielle Haynes
A cyclist makes his way through the slushy pavement as a blizzard sets in which will intensify during the overnight hours on January 26, 2015 in New York City. Governors in three states have declared a state of emergency in preparation for the major storm that could bring two or more feet of snow to the Northeast. Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
1 of 13 | A cyclist makes his way through the slushy pavement as a blizzard sets in which will intensify during the overnight hours on January 26, 2015 in New York City. Governors in three states have declared a state of emergency in preparation for the major storm that could bring two or more feet of snow to the Northeast. Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Travel bans and early school closings were announced Monday as the Northeast prepared for a coastal storm bringing blizzard-like conditions.

While much of the area got some combination of rain, snow , freezing rain and sleet, conditions were expected to get dramatically worse later in the day.

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced all trains and buses will shut down and all driving will be banned in 13 affected counties beginning at 11 p.m. Monday.

"This is a serious situation, if you violate this state order it's a possible misdemeanor, it's fines up to $300," the governor said at a press conference Monday afternoon.

"People should just stay off the road You're putting your life in danger if you go out on the roads tonight and tomorrow. Once you get home, just stay there," said Alan Dunham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "This has the potential to be a fairly historic storm -- a top 10 or a top 5."

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The NWS posted blizzard warnings for the coast from New Jersey to Maine. Winter storm warnings were issued for inland areas and storm warnings for offshore waters.

Forecasters predicted 1 to 3 feet of snow in much of the area.

"Strong, gusty winds will combine with the snow to create blizzard conditions along and near the coast," the NWS said.

By 9 a.m. Monday, United Airlines had announced that all flights would be grounded in the three New York-area airports on Tuesday. Thousands of flights were canceled at airports from Washington to Boston.

Officials at Logan International Airport in Boston said nothing would take off after 8 p.m. Monday.

Trains on the Northeast Corridor would run on their normal schedule Monday, Amtrak said. But officials said that could change later in the day, and all passengers planning to travel late Monday or Tuesday were advised to keep a close eye on the weather and the forecast.

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