Nor'easter causes some airport delays; no LIRR cancellations

Reduced speed limits for drivers on area bridges have been lifted Thursday, but metro-area airports were still reporting a handful of scattered weather-related delays and cancellations at 1 p.m. -- though the Long Island Rail Road reported no delays or cancellations.

The Port Authority, which operates Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty airports, is reporting reduced delay times compared to earlier in the morning, when high winds led to scores of cancellations -- including more than 30 departure cancellations at LaGuardia between 6 and 7 a.m.

Arriving flights, especially with connections through other storm-affected cities, such as Philadelphia, are still being affected, according to available flight information.

Officials suggest that air travelers check with their airline before heading to the airport.

A wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for northeastern and southeastern Suffolk County, mainly the Twin Forks. The advisory says that north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected mainly in the early afternoon.

Nevertheless, driving conditions have improved significantly since the morning rush. The Port Authority, which also operates a number of area bridges, including the Throgs Neck, dropped speed restrictions instituted because of high winds -- winds it said created hazardous conditions for such high-profile vehicles as tractor-trailer trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Thursday's evening commute should be relatively snow free, the weather service said. Scant precipitation, up to three-tenths of an inch, is expected between 1 and 7 p.m.

A winter weather advisory issued by the weather service remains in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday. "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties," the service said. "Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving."