Cuomo's emergency plan for Irene includes deploying soldiers, closing bridges, Thruway

The Business ReviewDate: Friday, August 26, 2011, 1:42pm EDT - Last Modified: Friday, August 26, 2011, 3:12pm EDT

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the New York Army and Air National Guard will deploy as many as 900 soldiers and airmen and more than 100 vehicles to support civilian efforts.

Cuomo made the announcement following an emergency session he held with his Cabinet to review the state's plan to mobilize state resources in preparation of Hurricane Irene, which is expected to hit New York on Sunday. Cuomo declared a state of emergency on Thursday.

The plan includes the Metropolitan Transit Authority's system-wide shutdown of trains and buses beginning at noon on Saturday; and the closing of bridges such as the George Washington Bridge and Tappan Zee if wind speeds exceed 60 mph.

Cuomo said the New York state Thruway may also be shut down.

"We have moved quickly to initiate our emergency plans, to work with our federal and local partners, and to identify, prepare, and put into place one of the most aggressive activations of New York State government ever assembled in the face of a possible natural disaster," Governor Cuomo said. "We are fully committed and we are preparing for the worst."

For more details of the governor's plan, click here.