The Hudson Valley was in "preparation mode" Sunday for the powerful storm that is expected to bring rain and snow to the region.

Weather experts say this storm could last for days and have far-reaching effects on thousands of people.

Utilites were also taking seriously the severe weather warnings about the coming nor'easter.

"This is certainly a bit of an elevated response for us, given the potential for heavy wet snow, coupled with wind gusts of up to 40 to 45 miles an hour. It presents a concern, especially from the standpoint of tree limbs falling and trees being toppled because of those conditions. They could fall onto power lines," said Joe Jenkins, media relations director for Central Hudson Gas and Electric.

Jenkins said the utility will bring in extra crews to deal with the incoming storm and the weather system's expected aftermath.

"We do have, as it stands right now, a field force of nearly 430 line workers and field workers ready to respond if outages do occur," Jenkins assured.

Areas expected to be hardest hit include Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam and a number of other counties further north.

"We will be out in all conditions, making repairs as they occur. The majority of restorations usually occur throughout the day, but we do have crews working throughout the night as well," Jenkins added.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also weighed in on the approaching storm and issued a statement that reads, in part, "I have directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets and be ready to assist local governments if needed. Anyone in regions that will be impacted by the storm should prepare for two to three days of snowfall and hazardous travel conditions."

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services called the storm a "multi-day event" that will make travel extremely difficult and dangerous in parts of the state. New Yorkers were being warned to limit unnecessary travel.

Some residents were in a mad rush to buy the winter weather tools that they did not think they would need, given the current mild winter season.

"We changed the store over to spring and now people are coming in to buy the shovels and the salt we'd already put away for the seasons," said Catherine Cohen, of Melrose Lumber and Hardware.

"It looks like we didn't get out of this winter season Scott free," Jenkins said.