Staff report

ALBANY — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Friday declared a state of emergency in New York in preparation for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy, which may hit New York state in the coming days. A state of emergency mobilizes resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only and suspends regulations that would impede rapid response.

Cuomo has ordered the state's Emergency Operations Center in Albany to operate 24 hours a day. State agencies and local governments are planning cooperative response efforts.

Cuomo and his administration have been in contact with local officials to coordinate preparation. The state government is communicating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to discuss the potential tracks of the storm.

“As we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York state, I am activating all levels of state government to prepare for any potential impacts,” the governor said. “We are working with federal and local partners to follow storm developments and organize a coordinated response plan. With unpredictable weather conditions, we are taking the greatest precautions – especially after our experience from last year’s storms. I urge New Yorkers to plan for hurricane conditions and follow news reports to stay updated on the storm’s progress.”

Cuomo has asked President Obama for a pre-landfall disaster declaration. This would allow for state access to funds and FEMA resources to prepare.