A gridlock alert is in effect today, warning motorists of a possible traffic nightmare due to President Barack Obama's visit and the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony.

While in town, the president will attend three fundraisers to raise money for his upcoming campaign. He'll also attend a reception celebrating progress on gay rights and the six-month anniversary of New York's approval of gay marriage.

Starting at 3 p.m., roadways near Rockefeller Center will be closed for the annual holiday event. It kicks of at 7 p.m. and officials expect heavy traffic throughout the area until 11 p.m.

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