Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency in New York in anticipation of Hurricane Irene's arrival this weekend.
The storm was classified as a Category 3 hurricane Thursday afternoon. It is expected to strengthen as it leaves the Bahamas and moves toward the East Coast of the United States, including New York, this weekend.
Various state agencies have made adjustments to accommodate the storm, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has canceled all weekend track work, and the Department of Transportation, which has already begun removing debris and distributing flood control equipment.
Read the full statement from the governor's office here.
