UPDATED (5:45 a.m. Wednesday) — Sheriff Ken Lansing has lifted the closure of Tompkins County roads, effective 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Tompkins County government offices will also reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Lansing has also lifted the previous travel advisory in place. All roads are open to travel. Lansing encourages drivers Wednesday to use caution and be patient as roads are still snow- and ice-covered in most areas. Blowing and drifting snow causing drift could also present a problem when commuting Wednesday morning.
All Tompkins County roads had been closed except for essential travel since 3 p.m. Tuesday.
TCAT is operating Wednesday. Because Cornell University is set to open at noon, Route 82 will begin service at 10 a.m. Any changes to routes will be posted on their website.
Stay up to date on the latest cancellations Tuesday and Wednesday here
EARLIER —
Sheriff Ken Lansing has ordered that all roads in Tompkins County must close at 3 p.m. except for essential travel.
Travel is restricted to emergency personnel and others performing action “to protect lives, prevent incident or protect property.” Roads are limited to travel by citizens that are coming to and from work or during necessary health and safety travel, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office said.
The road closures are in effect until further notice. Everyone is urged to local media before any travel Wednesday.
All schools in Tompkins County are closed, and many businesses, events and services in the area have been announcing closures all day Tuesday. Cornell University was initially open Tuesday morning but the university announced it would close at noon Tuesday until noon Wednesday. Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College have been closed all day.
Gallery: What is actually open in Tompkins County during Winter Storm Stella?
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit has suspended service as of 3:25 p.m. Tuesday.
“Due to severe weather and deteriorating road conditions, TCAT is suspending service until roadways are declared safe and passable. TCAT buses will be stationed at Green St. Station and Seneca St. Station to keep passengers warm. … As soon as roads are declared safe and passable, TCAT will make every effort to transport any remaining passengers to their destinations,” the news release said.
Stay up to date with TCAT route changes on their website.
Featured image: Plowers are out all over the county! No days off for these workers, who have been on the road since 3 a.m. Submitted by Dan Saracino with the help of Barbara Gehm-Jordan