Op-Ed: Post-Storm Failure Analysis

From Rockland County Executive Ed Day

This storm presented a unique and difficult situation for the entire region. I firstly want to commend our plow truck drivers, law enforcement, ems workers, dispatchers and fire and emergency services personnel who worked extremely long shifts and did their best to help keep the people of Rockland County safe. This situation cannot and must not be laid at the feet of the people who do the job.

I’ve also heard many stories of good samaritans going above and beyond to help their neighbors and strangers alike. I am continuously impressed by the spirit of those in Rockland who rise to the occasion when others are in need.

After many conversations with the State and the Governor’s Office I have been assured that they will conduct a thorough post-event analysis. On the local level, Rockland County will be doing the same and coordinating with the Towns to develop strategies about how to deal with major state roadways being shut down.

It is clear that the New York and New Jersey State DOTs did not respond to this storm in a timely manner. Conditions on the roads deteriorated very quickly from this fast-moving storm. Backups on major State roads like the Thruway, Palisades Parkway, Routes 59, 9W, 303, 304, etc. led to backups on local roads which prevented plows from being able to respond and clear the roads as necessary. The bottom line is that when traffic is not moving, plows cannot get to where they need to go.

My intention now is to do what we need to do in Rockland County to ensure that we are prepared regardless of any eventuality that may happen. We are having meetings this afternoon to revisit some of the things we did and to see what could be done differently in order to deal with unexpected situations like a complete shutdown of major state arteries.

I look to the State to provide guidance about what they are going to do, so this doesn’t happen again. But this is something that must be done organizationally to improve coordination between all of our resources; State, County and Local to ensure we can properly handle a similar situation in the future.

PHOTO: Traffic on Route 9 in Ossining at a standstill during snowstorm Nov. 15, 2018/ OPD

SEE ALSO:

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• Hudson Valley Town By Town Snow Totals UPDATED