'Stay Off The Roads And Remain At Home,' Emergency Travel Ban Ordered Ahead Of Blizzard In Putnam County

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — County Executive Kevin Byrne has ordered an emergency travel ban as a powerful winter storm brings blizzard conditions to the region.

With Executive Order No. 3 of 2026, Byrne put in place an overnight travel ban on all county, town, and village roads in response to blizzard conditions and hazardous travel expected to intensify through the night.

As of now, the travel ban will be in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 through 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.

The county executive said the restriction is necessary to protect public safety and to allow snow removal crews, emergency responders, utility workers, and other essential personnel to operate without obstruction as the storm reaches its peak.

See: Blizzard Warning Expands Ahead Of 'Potentially Life-Threatening' Nor'easter

"Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly this evening with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility," Byrne explained. "This temporary travel ban will help keep our residents safe and ensure our plow operators and first responders can do their jobs effectively. I am urging everyone to stay off the roads and remain at home during this time."

During the travel ban, only essential travel will be permitted. Those allowed on the road will be limited to emergency responders, healthcare workers and those seeking emergency medical care, public utility crews, snow removal and road maintenance personnel, essential government service and media engaged in news gathering.