(Photo by Zachary Meseck)

CHENANGO COUNTY – Numerous counties, including Chenango County, were put into a state of emergency yesterday afternoon as New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo released 130 members of the New York National Guard help in areas that were hit the most by last night’s storm.

Governor Cuomo expanded a declared state of emergency to cover 44 counties as a slow-moving Nor'easter winter storm is poised to produce blizzard-like conditions for the next two days with wind gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph.

According to City of Norwich Emergency Management Director A Jones, the state of emergency has no direct impact on Chenango County residents and the roads are not closed.

“The state will typically issue a state of emergency whenever there’s a major event, but that in itself doesn’t automatically close the roads,” said Jones. “Any road closures are done on a local level.”

“The governor’s order allows for the easier movement of state resources, suspending certain procurement policies and related actions concerning the emergency response.”

Jones said at this point Chenango County hasn’t issued a travel ban, and it doesn’t appear that will be necessary. He said areas of Chenango County received upwards of eight inches from Monday night’s snowfall.

“We were on the low end of the forecast which is the way we like it,” said Jones. “Around the county we’re getting reports of anywhere from four to eight inches.”

“We’re still supposed to get a couple more inches, so I would recommend people just take it easy on their commutes if they do need to drive.”

Cuomo spoke about the state of emergency, and urged New Yorkers to stay off of the roads.

"This storm is creating very dangerous travel conditions throughout much of the state, making it critically important that New Yorkers stay home and stay off the roads," Cuomo said. "Forecasts are projecting that the snowfall rate could reach two inches per hour this afternoon, and when that happens, it makes it extremely difficult for plows to keep up, especially with other vehicles on the road.”

“Our crews and emergency responders are already hard at work and are fully prepared to help any locality in need of assistance. This storm is nothing to mess around with so again, please stay off the roads, keep a close eye on your local weather, and check in with neighbors and loved ones to ensure they are safe."

According to the governor’s press office the storm is expected to be a long-duration event with snow spreading northward today into tonight and continuing for some places through Wednesday morning, especially parts of the North Country, Southern Tier and Central New York.

The office reported that the highest snow totals are expected in the New York City, Long Island, and Mid-Hudson Regions, where some places could see up to two feet of snow. They said other locations in the Capital Region, Central NY, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier should see up to a foot of snow or more by late Tuesday evening.

Those interested in following the storm and emergency weather alerts in Chenango County may visit facebook.com/NorwichEMO for more information.