Dutchess County remains under a WINTER STORM WARNING until 7pm today (Monday, January 26th) with additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches expected, which will bring storm total amounts of 12 to 20 inches across the county. Breezy conditions this afternoon may create snow drifting conditions.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced the Executive Order restricting non-essential travel will end at 12pm today (Monday, January 26th). Dutchess County Public Works crews, along with state and local crews, have been working through multiple shifts plowing roads and applying materials. Road conditions remain hazardous and crews will remain out throughout the day clearing snow, including addressing snowbanks that create visibility issues at intersections. Residents are advised to continue to avoid non-essential travel for safety and those who do need to travel should use extreme caution. Travel bans and other ordinances in individual communities may still be in effect, and residents are advised to check with their respective municipalities.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “We are grateful to all of our highway crews, first responders and many others who have been working continuously throughout this storm to keep us safe. It has been a huge storm, and it is not quite over yet. Observing the travel restrictions and staying off the roads has helped keep accidents to a minimum and helps the crews deal with moving the significant amounts of snow. Even once the travel ban ends today at noon, if you don't have to travel, please continue to stay home and respect the highway crews and essential workers who still have a lot of work to do."
Dutchess County Public Works crews, along with state and local highway crews, continue to clear roads, including pushing back and clearing snowbanks notably at intersections.
Commissioner of Public Works Robert Balkind said, “With the snow tapering off, we have the majority of roads passable, but there may still be hazardous conditions due to the large volume of snow. Crews are working to widen lanes and cut back the snowbanks created. We urge people to continue to stay off the roads for their safety and the safety of our crews.”
“Some important reminders… for parents, please keep children away from roadway snow banks. While they look fun for forts, sleds and more, it is very dangerous for children to play on or around them. For those clearing snow from driveways, do not push snow onto roadways, this creates additional hazard on roadways. We all need to do our part for safety,” warned Commissioner Balkind.
The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been operational throughout the storm and will remain open until 12pm today as the storm concludes. Call volume to the Dutchess County 9-1-1 Communication Center has been below normal as most people have heeded storm warnings and took travel restrictions seriously, minimizing vehicle accidents, with only one priority one personal injury/motor vehicle accident reported.
Dutchess County Government offices are closed today as previously announced, including Dutchess County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Confirmed DMV appointments for Monday will be honored at the same time and office on Tuesday, January 27th as weather conditions permit.
Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s Senior Friendship Centers are also closed today and there will be no home delivered meals. Older adults served by the program will utilize previously delivered shelf-stable meals.
Dutchess County Public Transit bus service is suspended for the day.
Dutchess County Parks also remain closed as Parks Division staff continue to assist with snow removal operations.
Dutchess County’s CODE BLUE protocol continues to be in effect for anyone who needs shelter when temperatures are 32 degrees or below. Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS) collaborates with community partners to ensure every resident is safe. Anyone who needs emergency shelter should call DCFS at 845-486-3300 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm or call 2-1-1 after business hours/weekends to be connected with staff who will assist in getting people to shelter placement.
Residents are advised to stay up to date on Dutchess County’s storm response, including travel restrictions and important safety tips, online at www.dutchessny.gov/stormupdates and on Dutchess County Government’s Facebook page.
