Dutchess County Ready for Another Winter Storm
Shelters Opening Tonight in eastern Dutchess;
Residents Advised to Avoid Travel Tomorrow
As Dutchess County braces for another significant winter storm, residents are advised to plan for hazardous road conditions and the potential for additional power outages. With many residents still without power, the American Red Cross, in cooperation with the Dutchess County Departments of Emergency Response and Behavioral & Community Health, will be opening three overnight shelters in eastern Dutchess County starting at 6 pm today.
Dutchess County is under a Winter Storm Warning from 7 am on Wednesday, March 7th until 7amThursday, March 8th and is expected to receive 8” to 16” of snow accumulation over the 24 hour period. Light snow is expected to begin this evening, becoming heavier after 4 am tomorrow morning. Road conditions are expected to get worse as the day progresses, therefore residents and businesses should plan accordingly to avoid travel if possible.
“It has been a difficult few days and Dutchess County is braced for another storm tomorrow,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “For those still impacted by last week’s storm, we are opening shelters to ensure health and safety. We are also advising residents to take precautions and avoid travel if possible tomorrow as this storm is expected to be significant and we still have lingering impacts from last week’s storm event.”
Parts of Dutchess County are still reeling from the impact of last week’s storm and county and local municipal officials, as well as local utility providers, are working diligently to resolve outstanding storm issues and prepare for the incoming storm weather.
Since last week’s storm, Dutchess County Public Works Highway Division has tracked more than 118 road closures as result of down power lines, trees, and branches. Dutchess County Public Works crews, as well as local municipal highway crews, have assisted Central Hudson and New York State Gas & Electric (NYSEG) to reopen these roadways and as of 12 pm today, all roadways have been reopened. However, with the pending storm, there are concerns about trees leaning on wires that have yet to be cleared that may create power or closure issues as the next storm begins. Motorists are advised to continue to be cautious on roadways over the next several days.
On a conference call this afternoon with local municipal officials and utility providers, it was reported that as of 12 pm, there were still approximately 5,000 people still without power throughout Dutchess County from last week’s storm. Central Hudson reported that it is expected nearly 100% of its 1,932 outages in Dutchess County, primarily in the northwest portion of the county including Red Hook and Rhinebeck, would be restored by 10 pm this evening. Mutual aid crews that have been assisting Central Hudson over the last several days will remain in place to assist with any power disruptions tomorrow’s storm may bring.
NYSEG reported more than 3,100 customers still without power in Amenia, Beekman, Dover, and Pawling, with full restoration still uncertain. With tomorrow’s storm expected to be significant, Dutchess County is opening shelter locations to ensure those who remain without power are safe and secure during the next storm event. Shelters will be staffed by the American Red Cross, with support from the Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps.
Overnight shelters will open at 6 pm tonight at the following locations:
- Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia
- Dover High School, 2368 Route 22, Dover
- Pawling Fire House, South Street, Pawling
Key information for those who wish to take advantage of the shelter locations:
- Residents should bring bedding including blankets and pillows and any necessary medications.
- Families with children should bring some toys or other items for quiet enjoyment.
- American Red Cross will be working to coordinate food and refreshments, but residents should bring snacks and any special dietary needs they may have.
- No pets will be allowed. Certified service animals only.
