NEW YORK STATE -- Governor Cuomo is activating New York's Emergency Management Plan as flooding threatens much of the state.

New York State Police and the DEC are readying boats and rescue helicopters and the State Emergency Management Office is positioning sandbagging equipment in flood-prone areas. The Emergency Operations Center will also be staffed until the threat has passed.

Cuomo says of the heavy rain and melting snow, "That is why we are putting State agencies on alert, to plan for the worst while we hope for the best."