Nor'easter: Nursing home evacuation, beaches closed

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is closing all of its parks, playgrounds and beaches starting at noon Wednesday as a weather precaution.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg made the announcement at a briefing Tuesday.

Also, hundreds of nursing home residents in New York City's storm-battered Rockaways section are being evacuated ahead of a storm expected to bring more bad weather to the region.

State and city health officials said Tuesday that three nursing homes and an adult care center in the coastal community were being emptied of residents and staff.

More than 620 people live in the four facilities. None of those nursing homes had been evacuated for Superstorm Sandy.

Wednesday's nor'easter isn't expected to be nearly as bad, but health officials say the homes are already running on emergency generators. They are worried about first responders in the neighborhood being stretched too thin.

Weather experts have said the new storm that has threatened to complicate superstorm Sandy cleanup efforts now looks like it will be weaker than expected.

However, they say winds could still gust to around 50 mph in New York and New Jersey on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

United Airlines says it will suspend most service to and from the New York area between noon Wednesday and noon Thursday as a result of the winter storm. Weather conditions will likely cause additional delays and cancellations at other northeast airports.

At Newark Liberty International Airport, between noon Wednesday and noon Thursday, the airline intends to operate its long-haul international flights and flights to and from the airline's other hubs, but will suspend most of its remaining services.

At John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports, United intends to operate most flights before noon, with all services then suspended through noon Thursday.

Customers ticketed on flights to, from or through airports in the path of the storm from Nov. 6 through Nov. 8 may reschedule their itineraries for travel originating no later than Nov. 15 with a one-time date or time change, and the airline will waive the change fees and any additional fare that might otherwise apply. Customers may also request refunds to the original form of payment. Find complete details, eligible travel dates and updates at united.com.

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