Dutchess County Issues Emergency Order With Travel Restrictions
under State of Emergency Declaration
Travel Restrictions – Effective Today at 5:00pm
(Wednesday, March 7th)
Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro, in consultation with the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the National Weather Service from Albany, issued an emergency order restricting travel in Dutchess County under a countywide State of Emergency declaration. The emergency order restricts travel on all roadways within Dutchess County effective at 5:00pm this afternoon (Wednesday, March 7, 2018) until Thursday, March 8th at 4:00am.
The National Weather Service (Albany) is predicting an increased snowfall rate of 1-3” per hour over the next several hours and safe conditions will be difficult for plow crews to maintain. Law enforcement are reporting worsening road conditions with slippery surfaces.
Dutchess County Government offices, including courts, closed today at 1pm, with only essential county personnel reporting. Dutchess County Public Transit bus service is continuing to operate all routes as scheduled. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes atwww.dutchessny.gov/
County Executive Molinaro said, “Based on the weather reports out of Albany and the projected rates of snowfall, we have issued an emergency order restricting travel in Dutchess County effective at 5pm today until 4am tomorrow morning to ensure public safety and allow road crews to keep up with the storm.”
The emergency order states: “Travel on roadways in Dutchess County is restricted except for: 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 the emergency operations.”
The state of emergency is issued pursuant to Section 24 of New York State Executive Law. It is enforceable by local, county and state law enforcement agencies.
