Dutchess County Declares State Of Emergency In Advance Of Snowstorm

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — With significant snowfall amounts forecast for Dutchess County for the next 36 hours, County Executive William F.X. O’Neil has issued a state of emergency declaration, effective at 8 p.m. Monday, as well as two executive orders putting travel restrictions in place effective 4 a.m. Tuesday limiting county roadways to emergency vehicles only and closing county offices from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Dutchess County through Wednesday, with snowfall expected to arrive Monday night, continuing throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.

The heaviest snow is forecast to fall between midnight and noon Tuesday, with 1 to 2 inches per hour expected.

Total accumulation for Dutchess County varies between 6 and 12 inches, according to NWS forecasts. Due to the heavy, wet snow expected in combination with wind gusts as high as 40 mph Tuesday into Wednesday, numerous power outages are anticipated due to downed trees and wires. Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes are expected to be impacted significantly.

O’Neil said reports indicate this storm is going to bring significant, wet snowfall and winds. The situation is being monitored carefully and emergency responders are prepared.

If you must travel, he said, recognize that you'll need to allow lots of extra time, as crews work to clear roadways.

County highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, salt has been applied to county roadways, and crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways.

Dutchess County Public Transit has suspended all service for Tuesday. For updates on service for Wednesday, bus passengers can visit this website or the DCPT mobile app.