Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Canal system is closed to navigation effective immediately.
“Travel along the canal system will be made far too dangerous by the
winds and flooding that Hurricane Sandy will bring with it to New York,”
Governor Cuomo said. “This closure will protect boaters and allow
public safety officials and first responders to continue to prepare for
the storm’s arrival.”
Guard gates and lift bridges statewide will be maintained in a
lowered position until further notice, to prevent structural damage from
forecast high winds associated with Hurricane Sandy.
Water levels throughout the Canal system may change with little advance notice as the storm progresses.
The Canal Corporation began lowering water levels in many sections of
the Canal system on Thursday, in anticipation of the storm.
Portions of the Canal system will be re-opened as conditions allow.
For up-to-date information, call 1-800-4CANAL4 (press 3 during non-business hours), visit www.canals.ny.gov , or sign up for free updates from the Thruway’s Authority’s TRANSalert system. To subscribe, please see http://www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml
