Paterson: NY braces for major storm

(AP) — New York Gov. David Paterson says the state is preparing for a major snow storm, sending extra plows to Long Island and helping to prepare emergency crews from New York City into the lower Hudson Valley.

Paterson says 6 to 12 inches are expected, with a chance of 18 inches followed by freezing rain. He says high winds could create blizzard conditions.

National Guard equipment is being readied on Staten Island. Paterson says Mayor Michael Bloomberg has closed New York City schools in anticipation of the storm.

Among the closings by the storm will be the New York Haiti Earthquake Resource Center in Brooklyn, which provides disaster relief to the earthquake-ravaged island nation. If conditions permit, the center will reopen Thursday.