Snow, sleet, freezing rain hit New York area

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(NYSDOT via Twitter)

Parts of the New York metro area are experiencing a messy Wednesday because of snow, sleet, and ice.

The highest snowfall was across the far northern suburbs, upstate, and Western New York.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and southeast New York because of a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

New York City emergency officials urged New Yorkers to be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibility and be careful when driving, walking, or biking.

The NWS issued a Winter Storm Warning for the eastern Catskills, the Capital Region, and the northern Taconics into the northern Berkshires for Wednesday.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany.

"New York's plow operators and crews, first responders, and emergency personnel work around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep New Yorkers safe and they have our tremendous respect," Cuomo said. "As the storm continues and our response efforts are underway, I urge New Yorkers to follow local weather reports and avoid unnecessary travel."

About 5 inches fell in the Buffalo area by Wednesday afternoon. The Albany area got at least 3 inches. More snow was expected to accumulate by Thursday morning.

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