A state of emergency has been declared in Mount Vernon as the area braces for a blizzard.

Mayor Richard Thomas says all hands will be on deck to combat the first storm of the year. Thomas says the storm could bring very little snow or it could produce more than a foot so he declared a state of emergency.

Thomas is urging residents with cars to leave room for plows to get down narrow streets. Residents should also know that their sidewalks must be cleared within 10 hours of snowfall or they will be given a summons.

DPW worker Robert Hackett urges everyone to take the mayor's announcement seriously. He says everything will be fine if the public helps.

The mayor also wants to remind residents that issues that are not life-threatening should go through 211. Residents with emergencies should call 911.