Dutchess County Ready for Winter Storm
Travel Ban in effect 9pm Sunday, February 22nd through 9am Monday, February 23rd - County Offices to Open at 11am on Monday

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County is prepared and ready for the winter storm that is expected to bring blizzard conditions to the region later today and tomorrow. Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has declared a State of Emergency based on the forecasts and expected impacts. The National Weather Service (Albany) has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING that will go into effect at 4pm Sunday, February 22nd until 7pm Monday, February 23rd. Snowfall is expected to be heaviest overnight into the early morning, tapering off through the rest of Monday. Total snow accumulation is expected to be 12-18" with heaviest accumulations in the eastern and southeastern portions of the county. Heavy winds, with gusts as high as 50mph, may cause widespread blowing snow and blizzard conditions. 

Under the State of Emergency, County Executive Serino issued an emergency order restricting travel in Dutchess County that will be in effect starting at 9pm today until 9am on Monday. Emergency orders will be adjusted based on weather conditions. The County Executive additionally issued an emergency order delaying opening of County offices on Monday until 11am.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “We are monitoring and ready for another significant winter storm expected later today and into Monday. Stay safe by staying at home and off the roads – we have a travel ban in effect from 9pm tonight through 9am tomorrow morning to prevent accidents and give highway crews plenty of room to clear roads safe and effectively. As always, we ask that you check in on older neighbors and loved ones to lend a hand if needed. As this storm progresses, we will continue to provide updates and share information to keep our community safe.” 

The emergency order restricts travel on roadways in Dutchess County on Sunday and Monday except for essential personnel such as medical and health facility personnel; law enforcement and public safety personnel; first responders; utility, maintenance and public works personnel; snow removal, sanding, salting and clearing operations personnel; facility operations persons deemed necessary for plant operations by their employers; and public and government personnel involved in emergency operations.

County Executive Serino hosted a conference call this morning with local and state elected officials, as well as representatives from County agencies and departments including Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Response, Public Works, Community & Family Services and others to discuss potential storm impacts and proactive measures being taken including:

• The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be operational on Sunday and Monday to coordinate response to storm conditions and Dutchess County’s 9-1-1 Communication Center is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled throughout the storm.
• Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is fully staffed and have all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles ready as necessary. DCSO works collaboratively with the Department of Emergency Response to respond as needed.
• Dutchess County Public Works Highway Division crews have prepped the County’s fleet of more than 50 vehicles and equipment with materials to be applied to County roadways as the storm begins, and crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways.
• Dutchess County Public Transit (DCPT) will operate on a normal fixed-route schedule for Sunday, but riders should anticipate potential delays. On Monday, Transit service will begin at 11am. Additional DCPT updates will be posted at dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile SPOT app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Riders can also call (845) 473-8424.
• Dutchess County Government offices will open at 11am on Monday, including Dutchess County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Appointments scheduled for Monday between 9-11am will be honored on the same day after County offices open.
• The Office for the Aging’s eight Senior Friendship Centers will be closed on Monday, and there will be no Home Delivered Meals deliveries; shelf-stable meals have been delivered to older adults enrolled in the program.

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 can stay up to date on Dutchess County’s storm response online at www.dutchessny.gov/stormupdates, on Dutchess County Government’s Facebook page, and the Dutchess County Government Instagram page.

Additionally, winter weather safety tips are available online at dutchessny.gov/WinterPreparedness.