STORM EZEKIEL RIPS U.S., REGION

9-13 More Inches

Due By Midnight

With another 9-13 inches due to fall on Otsego County by midnight, manager Angie Paterno, above, did a first round of shoveling this morning in front of Pratt’s Hotel, Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, while Rich Busse, inset was similarly engaged in front of his Main Street stores, Christmas Around The Corner and the Silver Fox gift shop, although customers were staying close to home due to Winter Storm Ezekiel, which slowed traffic and closed airports around the region after arriving at midday Sunday. In Oneonta,  Southside Mall is opening at noon. At Otsego County 911, Director Rob O’Brien reports 30 accidents or stuck vehicles since noon Sunday, but nothing serious.

County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. urged drivers to be cautious, but noted road conditions today did not require him to issue a travel advisory.  In its report issued seven minutes ago, the National Weather Service was predicting “snow, moderate to heavy at times through most of the day, tapering off tonight” for Central New York.  Schools are closed, and OPT buses will run only until 6 p.m.  (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)