Dutchess County Ready
for Winter Storm Weather
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County is under a Winter Storm Advisory starting 7 a.m. Wednesday, February 7th through 4 a.m.Thursday, February 8th with potential for snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with localized amounts up to 7 inches. Hazardous travel conditions are expected and residents should be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “Dealing with winter weather is a part of living in the Northeast and Dutchess County Government is prepped and ready for tomorrow’s storm. Handling winter weather with caution and common sense is the best way to save safe and secure.”
Dutchess County Government offices and agencies are all expected to be open and operational as normal on Wednesday, with several departments preparing to address storm conditions as necessary.
Dutchess County 911 Dispatch communication center is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled to handle the potential increase in emergency call volume.
Dutchess County Public Transit will be operating all routes as scheduled. However, bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Centers will be closed on Wednesday, February 7th and there will be no home delivered meals. Seniors who receive home deliver meals have been advised to utilize their frozen meal.
Dutchess County Public Works highway crews will be out in full force to address road conditions as snowfall accumulation increases. Crews will be applying treated salt designed to work more effectively on frozen surfaces as freezing rain and icy conditions are of particular concern with this storm.
Drivers are encouraged to stay off the roads whenever possible to allow for crews to address storm conditions. The fewer vehicles on the road, the more effective the plowing operations will be. For those who must travel, please keep the following safe winter driving tips in mind:
- The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
- When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
- Keep vehicles clear of ice and snow, including vehicle rooftops.
- Plan stops and keep more distance between cars. Always match speed to the road and weather conditions.
- Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. Plow trucks, when loaded with sand and salt, weigh approximately 30 tons. It is a significant load and requires all of the operator’s attention. The large trucks are not as maneuverable and agile as a passenger vehicle and require extra time and distance to stop or avoid trouble.
- When approaching snow removal equipment from the rear, travel a minimum of 200 feet behind the equipment to avoid being hit with sand or salt, and to allow for abrupt movements and changes in direction, including the unexpected backing of the plow truck.
- Use extreme caution when passing snow removal equipment. The truck operator’s visibility is typically reduced due to the size and locations of various plow equipment mounted on the vehicle. It is advisable to not pass a plow truck.
- If travel is a necessity, drivers should make sure their vehicle is stocked with survival gear such as blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
- Vehicle gas tank should be kept full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
- Drivers should be sure their cell phone battery is charged and with them whenever traveling.
- Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
- Listen to the local media reports and/or check www.511ny.org for the latest road conditions.
- Do not park or leave a vehicle unattended along the roadway during a snow or ice event. Parked vehicles are a hazard for snowplow operators, emergency responders, and others.
For a wide variety of winter safety tips from protecting your home to being safe outdoors, check out the resources available on Dutchess County Government’s website.
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.