State of emergency declared statewide

Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a statewide state of emergency to deal with the ice storm and heavy rains that hammered Massachusetts. The western and central parts of the state were the hardest hit areas.

At a news conference Friday morning, Gov. Patrick said the storm knocked out power to over 350,000 homes and forced the closure of roads and schools throughout the state. National Grid says it could take days to restore some power to some areas.

About 500 members of the National Guard were called out to help with clearing debris and cutting down tree limbs.

Several communities in Hampshire and Franklin counties have also declared a State of Emergency.

Hampshire County:

* Williamsburg has declared a State of Emergency. Police Chief John Cotton told 22News residents are asked to stay home if they don't have to go out. Chief Cotton says a major section of town is without electricity and one of the town's fire trucks was damaged by a falling tree.

* Chesterfied has declared a State of Emergency. Chesterfied Police Chief Gary Wickland told 22News the town is experiencing widespread power outages. Many side streets are closed with downed tree limbs and wires and there are several reports of houses damaged by downed trees.

Franklin County:

* Ashfield has declared a State of Emergency. Ashfield Fire Department Spokesman Doug Mollison told 22News there is no access in or out of Ashfield, with only Route 116 open, and the town is without power.

* Rowe has declared a State of Emergency. Rowe Police Chief Henry Dandeneau told 22News the major route into town, Zoar Road, is closed. The Rowe Elementary School has been turned into an emergency shelter.

* New Salem and Charlemont have also declared a State of Emergency. Route 202 is closed.

There are also reports of storm damage in Huntington. Fire Chief Gary Dahill said the town has been without power since Thursday night. Chief Dahill says most roads are impassable with wires and trees down and he encourages people to stay home if possible. Chief Dahill said those roads could be closed for quite awhile.