Essex Co. under State of Emergency as snow storm hits

ELIZABETHTOWN | As the season's biggest anticipated storm moved in midday Sunday, Essex County declared a State of Emergency as residents were encouraged to monitor weather alerts and avoid unnecessary travel. With eight to 18 inches expected overnight into Monday across Northern New York, many businesses and restaurants announced reduced hours and limited operations. SUNY Plattsburgh made a rare move to cancel all classes on Monday as Clinton County Emergency Services urged "residents to be prepared and, if possible, plan to stay off the roads to allow highway crews to complete their work and make roadways safe for travel on Monday. If you must travel, use extreme caution and allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination." Warming centers were also opening across the region, including in Hague, courtesy of the Hague Volunteer Fire Department. Elizabethtown Community Hospital announced Sunday that all six of its health centers- AuSable Forks, Smith House in Willsboro, High Peaks in Wilmington, Elizabethtown, Westport and Crown Point- would be delaying opening until 11 a.m. Monday. Emergency Departments at the Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga hospital campuses remained open. Warren County Department of Public Works said road conditions were expected to deteriorate quickly, with two-to-three inches per hour, and plows challenged to keep up. By mid-afternoon, Warren County officials announced that all county offices would be closed on Monday as officials encouraged drivers to limit travel until the storm subsides. Essex County offices were also closed Monday. By Sunday afternoon, numerous local school districts announced closures on Monday, including Peru Central, Lake Placid, Saranac, Northeastern Clinton, AuSable Valley, Willsboro, Beekmantown, Warrensburg and Boquet Valley. By evening, the Town of Willsboro declared a State of Emergency to further expedite response and preparedness efforts there. The City of Plattsburgh also closed offices Monday as the Plattsburgh Public Library was also slated to remain closed. Many municipalities, businesses and schools provided updates on their websites and social media pages throughout the evening regarding specific and direct impacts. Emergency officials offered the following safety tips: EXTREME COLD WEATHER TIPS -Wear multiple layers if you must be outdoors and limit time outside. -Check on elderly neighbors and those with limited mobility. -Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have adequate shelter, food, and unfrozen water. -Let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors under sinks to help prevent frozen pipes. -Keep extra blankets, food, water, and medications on hand in case of power outages. -Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Never use ovens, grills, or generators to heat your home. -Electric space heaters are not recommended as a permanent heat source. If you do use one: -Never leave it unattended. -Keep it clear of flammable materials such as clothing or bedding. -Ensure pets cannot knock it over. SNOW AND TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS -Avoid unnecessary travel to allow road crews to safely clear and treat roadways. -Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blanket, flashlight, shovel, sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, phone charger, food, and water). -Slow down and increase following distance; bridges and overpasses freeze first. -Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, hood, and lights, before driving. -If your vehicle becomes stuck, stay with it, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and call for help.

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Essex Co. under State of Emergency as snow storm hits

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