[MidHusdonNews.com] Monticello, NY – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau has declared a state of emergency from 5 p.m. Thursday through 12 p.m. on Friday. He also closed the county government offices as 12 p.m. on Thursday, sending workers home. The offices will also be closed all day Friday.

“The Division of Public Works and the County Sheriff have been instructed to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and other such emergency assistance as deemed necessary,” said Fanslau.

As a result of the state of emergency, the Village of Monticello closed Village Hall at noon.

A winter storm warning has been declared.

As snowfall continues to accumulate, it could come down at a rate of one to three inches per hour later Thursday and Thursday night.

Winds will pick up Thursday night, which may cause more power outages with downed wires and trees, Fanslau said. “During the state of emergency, all county residents are urged to remain indoors and off roads. If residents must drive, they are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving through this storm.”

The county could get upwards of 20 inches of snow once this storm ends.

(Source: http://www.midhudsonnews.com/)