High winds fell tree, closing New York Avenue

Update: The tree has been removed as of 12:45 p.m. and traffic has resumed.

High winds knocked over a large tree just after noon today, closing off traffic through New York Avenue.

Shelter Island Heights Highway Department workers started the process of chainsawing and removing the tree at around 12:25 p.m.

Winds have gusted up to 44 miles per hour today, according to North Ferry’s weather observation post.