Snow Expected To Intensify, Dutchess County Says

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Dutchess County officials are keeping an eye on the nor’easter, even though by mid-afternoon Wednesday snow has not begun to fall. According to the National Weather Service (Albany), Dutchess County remains under Winter Storm Warning until 8 a.m. Thursday, March 22. Snow is still expected to start as the day progresses. Snow accumulations will vary, with 3 to 7 inches in possible in central and northern municipalities and 6 to 10 inches in the southeastern parts of the County. Snowfall is expected to be steadier this afternoon, with winds between 13 mph and 15mph expected during the storm. Citizens are urged to plan accordingly to avoid hazardous travel conditions this afternoon, particularly during the afternoon/evening commute.

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.

“We are monitoring this storm closely as it evolves,” Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said. “This has been a long winter with multiple storms dropping heavy, wet snow impacting infrastructure and residents’ safety. We are grateful to the first responders, highway crews, and utility workers who put their lives on the line in order to provide for our safety and security during emergencies. I encourage residents to continue to heed travel warnings and use caution throughout this storm and going forward.”

Dutchess County Department of Public Works crews are already out sanding County roadways and ready to respond as the snowfall accumulation increases. Dutchess County 911 Communication staff is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled for the late afternoon and overnight.

Dutchess County Public Transit is currently operating full route service. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the Dutchess Track mobile app, or call 845-473-8424, TDD/TTY: 711.

Metro-North is operating on a reduced schedule. Customers can use Metro North’s interactive schedules page or the TrainTime app for train information.

The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response offers the following reminders and tips for safe winter driving:

• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• If travel is a necessity, drivers should make sure their vehicle is stocked with survival supplies 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 report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.
• Keep vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.
• Plan stops and keep more distance between cars. Always match speed to the road and weather conditions.

If wind or snow begin to result in reports of downed power lines, representatives from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. will be stationed in the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center to be able to coordinate faster response to downed power lines and work with County Public Works crews. NYSEG has brought additional crews into the area for prompt storm response. County health and human service agencies, including Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps, as well as the American Red Cross, are also on standby to respond as needed to address human service needs, such as isolated senior citizens or shelter needs that may result from if power outages become prevalent.

File Photo: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.