Dutchess Emergency Operations Center Activated For Storm

Dutchess County remains under a Winter Storm Warning, which will be in effect until 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. According to the National Weather Service, snow accumulations may be between 3 and 7 inches in central and northern Dutchess, with 6 to 10 inches expected in the southern parts of the county.

Although the snow isn’t expected to hit the area until later in the afternoon, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said that Public Works crews are already sanding local roadways and are ready to respond to the winter weather when it arrives.

Metro-North will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, providing 75 percent of normal capacity, with some trains expected to be canceled during the evening commute.

“We are monitoring this storm closely as it evolves. This has been a long winter with multiple storms dropping heavy, wet snow impacting infrastructure and residents’ safety,” Molinaro said. “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.”

In advance of the storm, officials have offered a series of 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 tanks 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.

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