Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center
Wednesday, March 7th – 11:40AM UPDATE
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS POSSIBLE FOR AFTERNOON
The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is fully activated with a variety of county, state and local utility representatives monitoring the storm and coordinating resources as necessary to respond to storm conditions.
According to the National Weather Service (Albany), Dutchess County remains under Winter Storm Warning until 7am Thursday, March 8th. Light snow has been falling throughout the morning and is steadily increasing. As the day progresses, snow may fall at rates of up to 2” per hour this afternoon, with 5” to 9” possible in the daytime and 3” to 7” overnight. The snowfall rate will make it challenging for plow crews to maintain safe road conditions, so citizens are urged to plan accordingly to avoid hazardous travel conditions this afternoon, particularly during the afternoon/evening commute.
Travel restrictions are possible for this afternoon as the snowfall increases. Residents and businesses should plan accordingly to enable safe commutes.
Dutchess County Government offices will close at 1 pm.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, who is currently at the Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center, said, “This is a fluid storm and we are monitoring it closely. With conditions already compromised from last week’s storm, we are advising residents to use extreme caution and common sense throughout this storm.”
Status Update from the EOC:
- Metro-North is operating a reduced weekday schedule with some combined/cancelled trains during the AM and PM Peak. Customers can use Metro North’s interactive schedules page or the TrainTime app for train information.
- Dutchess County Public Works reports all roads currently open after clearing more than 110 road closures over the last several days. However, there are still compromised trees and infrastructure may cause problems of power outages and/or road closures as the storm intensifies.
- Dutchess County Public Transit is currently operating full route service. Delays should be expected as the storm continues. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes online, on the Dutchess Track mobile app, or call 845.473.8424, TDD/TTY: 711.
- Central Hudson reports minimal outages (less than 5) in Dutchess County. NYSEG reports approximately 1,000 outages still continue in Dutchess County from last week’s storm, with nearly 50 crews working in earnest for full restoration.
- The American Red Cross continues to operate three overnight shelters in the following locations. At this time, none of the shelters have been utilized but will remain open through Thursday, March 8th.
- 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.
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.