NORWICH – Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard B. Decker has declared a State of Emergency for Chenango County due to the snow storm currently impacting our area. The order directs the following:

• A ROAD CLOSURE ORDER is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. on Friday, February 26. This means travel on any road in Chenango County is restricted to emergency vehicles only. 

The National Weather Service in Binghamton advises that Chenango County will experience snowfall amounts in the range of 10 to 20 inches, with winds increasing tonight to 15 to 25 mph and  gusts approaching 35 mph. This will create near blizzard-like conditions and make travel on the roads unsafe.

Road crews are working hard to keep up with the snow that is currently falling. However, the weather service reports that snow will continue to increase today with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour between 4 p.m. and midnight. Later this evening the winds will also increase, creating the potential for power outages that could further compromise travel on the roads due to downed trees and power lines.

Residents are advised to begin making preparations and to reach their final destinations as soon and as safely as possible.

The Chenango County Emergency Management Office offers the following tips for residents:

• When driving do not crossed downed wires. They may shock you through the vehicle. Report them to your utility or call 911 if they pose an immediate danger.

• Don’t touch downed wires to see if they are hot. Assume the line is live.

• Clean your vehicle completely of snow and ice before driving.

• Never follow a snow plow too closely or attempt to pass one.

• Always match your speed to the road conditions.

• Run generators outside and 25 feet downwind of structures. Carbon monoxide gas from their exhaust will spread through closed spaces.

• Bridge surfaces are often slippery as they freeze before the roadway.

• Cold weather strains your heart. Heavy exertion shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing cars increases your risk of heart attack.

• Taken frequent rest to avoid exertion.