Massachusetts Braces for Blizzard

State and local officials are urging everyone to stay off the roads in anticipation of a nor'easter that forecasters expect to result in heavy snow and whiteout conditions.

Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm that is expected to start mid-afternoon and last into tomorrow.

"We expect blizzard conditions," said Gov. Patrick. "We are ready."

Road crews have started pre-treating roads and will have 4,000 plows, sanders and salt trucks out today and tomorrow.

The governor says the MBTA is running regular Sunday service today and tonight and planning regular Monday service.

Flights out of Logan International Airport are already being cancelled, so Christmas weekend travelers are being urged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

"The snow will be wet and heavy, the temperatures will be at or below freezing, and winds will be high," said Patrick. "These are conditions that pose a substantial risk of power outages."

He said the state is working with power companies to get emergency crews ready.

Besides getting off the roads by 3 p.m. today, everyone is urged to:

• Have batteries or flashlights on hand
• Treat any downed wires as live wires until told otherwise
• Have enough food, water and medications to get through tomorrow
• Keep an eye on neighbors, especially older folks
• Listen to local radio and TV for updates
• See mass.gov for the latest from state officials
• See Sudbury Patch for more local updates