The County of Chenango and City of Norwich have issued a State of Emergency effective at 7:00 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton is continuing the “Heavy Snow Warning” for Chenango County. With the increasing snowfall and blowing and drifting of snow that is expected throughout this evening, all roads in Chenango County will be closing at 7:00 p.m. and re-opening at 6:00 a.m., Thursday. Motorists are advised to remain off the roadways until they are re-opened. Only essential personnel and Emergency Services will be allowed to operate throughout the County. The Chenango County Office Buildings and City of Norwich offices are closed and are scheduled to re-open on Thursday.

Also, all vehicles parked on City of Norwich streets must be removed by 7:00 p.m.

The Local, County and State Highway Departments will be maintaining the roadways until the closure at 7:00 p.m. Some roads will be hazardous into the evening hours as the winds pickup and driving conditions continue to deteriorate. Snowfall amounts range from 8 to 13 inches thus far, and could reach 24 inches before the end of the storm later tonight. Snowfall rates will increase to 2 to 3 inches per hour as the day progresses into the evening hours. Gusty winds will continue to blow between 15 to 25 mph, as blowing and drifting of snow will cause whiteouts, with near blizzard conditions. Wind chill temperatures could drop as low as 20 degrees below zero. Travel conditions will become treacherous as the night progresses.

Motorists are again reminded to have all vehicles removed from the roadways as soon as possible as they will be hampering snow removal and may be subjected to a ticket and possibly towed. Again, motorists are discouraged from unnecessarily traveling on the roadways throughout the day. This is a very dangerous storm. If you absolutely must travel, motorists are urged to be aware of changing road conditions such as whiteouts and drifting of snow.

Stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for continuing updates as the weather and road conditions change throughout this snow event. Drivers are also urged to call 336-TOGO for updated general road conditions throughout Chenango County. You may also view the advisories by logging on to the County website at www.co.chenango.ny.us.