Voice Of Post

Blizzard 2015: Travel Shuts Down as Storm Slams the Northeast, Mass transit systems were shut down from New York City to Boston, roads were ordered closed to traffic in all or parts of five states, and airlines canceled thousands of flights as heavy bands of a massive blizzard took aim at the Northeast.

The overnight hours brought some of the storm's most treacherous conditions. As much as two feet of snow was anticipated from New Jersey to Maine, and wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour have been reported.

Nearly 7,000 flights have been canceled due to the storm, which began as a clipper system that brought snow and slick roads to the Midwest on Sunday.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a travel ban for 13 counties, including New York City and Long Island, prohibiting travel except for first responders and essential personnel. That travel ban went into effect at 11 p.m.

"This is a serious situation," Cuomo said. "If you violate this state order, it's a possible misdemeanor. It's fines up to $300."

New York City's streets were coated in a slushy mix Monday night, with few vehicles on the roads ahead of the travel ban.The New York City subway, the Long Island Rail Road, Metro North and New Jersey Transit all reduced service dramatically leading up to the total closures at 11 p.m. NJ Transit will not resume operations until Thursday.

According to the MTA, this is believed to be the first time the entire subway system as well as bridges and tunnels were shut down because of a winter storm. The last subway shutdown was when Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012.

"This is not business as usual," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters.

A 17-year-old teen on Long Island died in a sledding accident, authorities said, marking the first death reported in the storm.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, the accident happened at 10 p.m. Monday in the town of Huntington. The teen and two friends were taking turns snow-tubing when one of the teens lost control and struck a light pole, police said.

The teen was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

On Long Island, the snow was matched with heavy winds, making the conditions especially worrisome and limiting visibility.In Connecticut, a statewide travel ban went into effect at 9 p.m. Monday.

"We encourage citizens to stay in place during the duration of the storm," Gov. Dannel Malloy said.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency and implemented a statewide travel ban beginning at midnight.

"Driving will be virtually impossible for extended periods of time starting late tonight," Baker said. "Please stay off the roads. Everyone should expect impassible roads starting at midnight tonight."In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced that it will be closed Tuesday.

Amtrak announced that it was suspending service in the New England region on Tuesday, and that service between New York and Washington, D.C., would be reduced.

Mayor De Blasio told residents not to underestimate the storm.

"Prepare for something worse than we have seen before. Prepare to be safe. Take every precaution," he said. "Now is the time to get ready for this extreme weather."In all, seven states -- including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New Hampshire -- have declared states of emergency. The highest snowfall amounts are currently expected between just east of New York City and Boston, where as much as two feet of snow is expected.