A state of emergency is in effect as a winter storm brings wildly varying conditions to New York state. 

That includes dropping nearly three feet of snow in some areas of Central New York, freezing and rain and sleet in Western New York and even thunderstorms in the New York City area.

State Office of Emergency Management Director Matt Franklin spoke to Spectrum News 1's Camille Delongis about how the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is responding.

"It's giving everyone across the state a chance to see what Mother Nature can do in the winter," Franklin said. 

State officials are urging residents to stay off the roads so clean-up and emergency crews can do what they do best.

"Stay off the roads as best you can," Franklin said. "It's just best for everyone. It gives the plows the opportunity to do what they need to do. It gives any of those emergency resources a better way and option to get around. It just makes it a lot easier for everyone."

The State Office of Emergency Management is staying in contact with transportation officials across the state in an effort to stay on top of the storm. 

"We continue to have to work with our transportation partners," Franklin said. "Whether they live in an area that is DOT or the Thruway, or potentially your local partners that are plowing the roads, it's important that you stay off those roads and stay home as long as you can."

Another worry is the cold. High winds are coming in, with some areas expecting to see guests of more than 60 mph, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. That can make for a frigid cold night, especially if power goes out. 

If you need a place to get warm, there's a place to look.

"Check in with your local town, village or county," Franklin said. "Often they post those places where they can go to, whether a Cold Blue shelter or any of those other warming shelters. That's all posted at the local level."

This weather system is expected to last through Monday.