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Shelters are being opened on Tuesday night in preparation for the winter storm.
In a news statement from Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro's office, residents are advised to plan for hazardous road conditions and the potential for additional power outages.
Since many area residents still without power, the American Red Cross, in cooperation with the Dutchess County Departments of Emergency Response and Behavioral & Community Health, opened three overnight shelters in eastern Dutchess County starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6.
Dutchess County and much of the Hudson Valley is under a Winter Storm Warning from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, until 7 a.m. Thursday, March 8 and is expected to receive eight to 16 inches of snow accumulation over the 24-hour period.
Light snow was expected to begin overnight before becoming heavier after 4 a.m. Wednesday. Road conditions are expected to get worse as the day progresses, therefore residents and businesses should plan accordingly to avoid travel if possible, Molinaro's office said.
“It has been a difficult few days and Dutchess County is braced for another storm tomorrow,” Molinaro said. “For those still impacted by last week’s storm we are opening shelters to ensure health and safety. We are also advising residents to take precautions and avoid travel if possible tomorrow as this storm is expected to be significant and we still have lingering impacts from last week’s storm event.”
Since last week’s storm, Dutchess County Public Works Highway Division has tracked more than 118 road closures as result of down power lines, trees and branches. All county roads were reopened by noon on Tuesday.
However, with the pending storm, there are concerns about trees leaning on wires that have yet to be cleared that may create power or closure issues as the next storm begins. Motorists are advised to continue to be cautious on roadways over the next several days.
As of noon on Tuesday, there were still approximately 5,000 people without power throughout Dutchess County from last week’s storm, according to Molinaro.
Central Hudson reported that it is expected nearly all of its 1,932 outages in Dutchess County, primarily in the northwest portion of the county including Red Hook and Rhinebeck, would be restored by 10 p.m. on Tuesday..
NYSEG reported more than 3,100 customers still without power in Amenia, Beekman, Dover and Pawling, with full restoration still uncertain.
Overnight shelters will opened on Tuesday evenng in the following locations:
· Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia
· Dover High School, 2368 Route 22, Dover
· Pawling Fire House, South Street, Pawling
Key information for those who wish to take advantage of the shelter locations:
· Residents should bring bedding including blankets and pillows and any necessary medications.
· Families with children should bring some toys or other items for quiet enjoyment.
· American Red Cross will be working to coordinate food and refreshments, but residents should bring snacks and any special dietary needs they may have.
· No pets will be allowed. Certified service animals only.
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