MID-HUDSON/CATSKILLS - The snow, which started to fall in the late afternoon, has piled up several inches by nighttime. The roads are slippery with crews out salting and sanding. Several accidents have been reported with vehicles sliding off the roads.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and with the potential of five to 10 inches of snow predicted in Sullivan County, County Manager David Fanslau closed county offices at 3:30 p.m. today (Wednesday). All appointments or clinics scheduled for the evening were cancelled and transportation is cancelled for Thursday. The WIC clinics scheduled for Thursday in Livingston Manor and Liberty have been cancelled.

All homebound meal recipients should use their emergency meals on Thursday, Fanslau said.

An assessment will be made early Thursday morning on the status of office hours for the day; however, the county Public Works Department will be working throughout the night to clear the roads. As a result, Fanslau is anticipating county offices will be open normal hours.

He urged all residents to stay off the roads, if possible, during the storm this evening.

In the City of Newburgh, a snow emergency was declared effective 6 p.m. today (Wednesday). A snow emergency automatically goes into effect at any time there has been an accumulation of snow and ice of 2 ½ inches or more.

During a snow emergency, alternative side of the street parking regulations are in effect. Specifics are available on the city’s website, www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov .

Ulster County residents may stay on top of the storm by calling a toll-free phone number for recorded information and updates including and shelter locations. That number is 1-888-455-1616. Residents may also check the county website at UlsterCountyNY.gov