Governor closes state offices

BOSTON, Mass (WWLP) - Western Massachusetts is preparing, along with the rest of the state, to wrestle with a major storm that's threatening to dump up to a foot of more of snow Wednesday.

Governor Patrick Tuesday night said he'll activate the State Emergency Operations Center at 3:00 AM Wednesday.

The Governor said, "In order to protect public safety, and to keep the roads clear so that our crews can do their work to protect all of you, I am directing non-emergency state employees to stay home from work tomorrow. state offices will be closed, except for those providing emergency services to our citizens. I encourage private employers to take the same precautions with respect to their employees."

Governor Patrick urged citizens to prepare for a possible power loss.

He said you should have a flashlight and batteries handy.

Understand how to safely use alternative heating.

Have a day's worth of food, water and medicine, and check in on elderly relatives or friends.

Patrick also urged air travelers to check with their airlines before thei leave for the airpot because several airlines were canceling flights already on Tuesday