City drivers beware - A presidential visit coupled with the annual Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony will be causing major traffic delays in Manhattan on Wednesday.
President Obama, who was already scheduled to attend an LGBT event celebrating the year's gay rights progress, is also in town to attend fundraising events throughout the borough from 5PM to 11PM.
The tree lighting ceremony is set for 9PM and will have performances by Cee Lo Green and Katharine McPhee.
Former traffic commissioner Sam Schwartz said that anyone traveling in Midtown by car on Wednesday "should have their head examined" because of the unprecedented gridlock expected.
Obama will then travel, motorcade in tow, to three fundraising stops which include an event at a private residence, $35,800 a plate dinner at Gotham Bar and Grill, and a holiday reception at the Sheraton Hotel.
Street closures around Rockefeller Center are set for 7PM to 9PM and go as follows:
- 5th Avenue between 48th Street and 52nd Street
- 6th Avenue between 48th Street and 52nd Street
- 48th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 49th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 50th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
Stressed? Let's just be thankful Justin Bieber will not be performing live tonight as rumored.