SNOW GUIDE: What to Expect on Roads, Rails

A powerful nor'easter began barreling into the tri-state Friday night slightly ahead of schedule, bringing the first few snowflakes before it morphs into a potentially paralyzing blizzard with blasting winds, heavy snow and coastal flooding.

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Here's what to expect:

[NY] Latest Weather Alerts: Storm Watches and Warnings

Storm Team 4: Blizzard Totals, Future Outlook

MASS TRANSIT

Subway service is not expected to be affected. About 1,800 workers will be keeping the stairs and platforms clear of snow. Third-rail heaters, snow-melters and trains with snow scraper shoes are also going to be used to keep trains running. Some express lines will run local beginning Friday night so train cars can be protected from the elements.
All scheduled weekend work on the subway is canceled, including the planned 7 train shutdown. Stations that would have been closed for planned weekend work will be open, unless the storm weakens significantly or moves away. This does not include the longer-range outages like the N train stations in Brooklyn, which remain closed.
Bus service should only face minimal impact. The MTA will be replacing long articulated buses with shorter vehicles starting Friday night. Buses will also be equipped with snow tires and chains, and the MTA will use 37 snow-fighting vehicles to keep stops and routes clear.
Long Island Railroad service could be curtailed or suspended if there are blizzard-like conditions. The MTA says that changes could be likely if there are sustained winds over 39 mph, whiteout conditions, frozen switches or loss of power to electrified rails. The MTA says it is rolling out snow-fighting assets to keep trains running to and from the island. See the latest LIRR alerts here.
Metro-North Railroad service could be cut back or suspended. The railroad, which runs to parts of the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut not expected to be as heavily hit, is also making preparations for the worst. See the latest Metro-North advisories here.
NJ Transit service will halt service at its usual 2 a.m. end time Saturday, but won't resume until conditions allow, Gov. Christie says. The rail also says the storm could cause changes, delays and redirections on buses, commuter lines and the Hudson-Bergen light rail. The transit service is cross-honoring tickets and passes system wide all weekend. See the latest NJ Transit alerts here.
PATH train service is expected to run normally, but a planned emergency response drill has been canceled. See the latest PATH advisories here.
NY Waterway was offering limited ferry service as of Tuesday. See the latest NY Waterway advisories here.
The Staten Island Ferry is running normally. No service changes to ferry service have been announced.
The Seastreak Ferry has suspended service Saturday. See the latest Seastreak Ferry advisories here.
Amtrak has announced several changes to rail service. Acela Express, Northeast Regional and several other lines that run to and from New York City will operate on modified schedules. See the latest Amtrak alerts here.
New York City cabs will be operating and available as long as there is no travel ban, according to the Taxi and Limousine Commission. But as officials have urged, people should not be on the roads if they can avoid it.

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SCHOOLS

No school closures, delays or early releases have been announced.
Check all school closings and delays here.
All New York City public school events are canceled Saturday and Sunday.
Other after-school and weekend programs at districts around the region have been canceled. Check with your district for the latest announcements.
SATs have been postponed at some test centers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

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AIR TRAVEL

United Airlines has suspended all flights at Newark-Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport Saturday ahead of the storm. Flights at most other major northeastern airports have also been canceled. Flights will resume Sunday.
Several airlines have waived flight change fees. United, Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue and others will let you switch your flight for free ahead of the storm.
Hundreds of cancellations and delays have racked up at the region's three airports.

New Yorkers Ordering Plenty of Snacks, Wine Ahead of Storm

ROADS

No road issues yet. Several towns and cities throughout the tri-state have been preparing for days to get their fleets of salt spreaders and plows ready for the storm.
In New York City, alternate side parking is suspended Saturday, Jan. 23. Mayor de Blasio said he expects additional suspensions early next week as well.
In Hoboken, residents should move cars from snow routes by Friday night to avoid being towed. A list of emergency snow routes is available at hobokennj.org/snow. The city is providing reduced rates at municipal garages for residents.
Barnegat, New Jersey, has issued mandatory evacuations for homes near Bayshore Drive. Voluntary evacuations have been suggested throughout the town.
Brick, Manasquan, Toms River and Tuckerton Beach, New Jersey, have issued voluntary evacuations

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OTHER CHANGES

The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a snow alert. This means that city workers are ramping up for the storm, making sure salt spreaders and plows are ready.
Trash and recycling pickup has been canceled in New York City on Saturday.
New York City's Winter Jam, planned for Saturday in Central Park, has been canceled.
Broadway shows will continue as scheduled.