For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
E-mail: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie ... According to the National Weather Service (Albany), Dutchess County remains under Winter Storm Warning until 8am Thursday, March 22nd. Snow has not begun to fall in Dutchess County, but is expected to start as the day progresses. Snow accumulations will vary, with 3-7” in possible in central and northern municipalities and 6-10” in the southeastern parts of the County. Snowfall is expected to be steadier this afternoon, with winds between 13-15mph expected during the storm. Citizens are urged to plan accordingly to avoid hazardous travel conditions this afternoon, particularly during the afternoon/evening commute.
The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is fully activated with a variety of county, state and local utility representatives monitoring the storm and coordinating resources as necessary to respond to storm conditions.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said, “We are monitoring this storm closely as it evolves. This has been a long winter with multiple storms dropping heavy, wet snow impacting infrastructure and residents’ safety. We are grateful to the first responders, highway crews, and utility workers who put their lives on the line in order to provide for our safety and security during emergencies. I encourage residents to continue to heed travel warnings and use caution throughout this storm and going forward.”
Dutchess County Department of Public Works crews are already out sanding County roadways and ready to respond as the snowfall accumulation increases. Dutchess County 911 Communication staff is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled for the late afternoon and overnight.
Dutchess County Public Transit is currently operating full route service. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes on the Public Transit page, on the Dutchess Track mobile app, or call 845.473.8424, TDD/TTY: 711.
Metro-North is operating on a reduced schedule. Customers can use Metro North’s interactive schedules page or the TrainTime app for train information.
The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response offers the following reminders and tips for safe winter driving:
If wind or snow begin to result in reports of downed power lines, representatives from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. will be stationed in the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center to be able to coordinate faster response to downed power lines and work with County Public Works crews. NYSEG has brought additional crews into the area for prompt storm response. County health and human service agencies, including Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps, as well as the American Red Cross, are also on standby to respond as needed to address human service needs, such as isolated senior citizens or shelter needs that may result from if power outages become prevalent.
Residents can stay up to date on the County’s storm response online at dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on FACEBOOK or TWITTER.