A travel ban will take effect Sunday night as Dutchess County braces for blizzard conditions expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 50 mph.
County Executive Sue Serino has declared a State of Emergency and issued an order restricting travel from 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
Under the county’s emergency order, travel on county roadways is prohibited during the ban except for essential personnel, including medical workers, first responders, law enforcement, utility crews, and snow removal teams.
The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Blizzard Warning in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday for Dutchess County, as well as Ulster County and Litchfield County, Conn.
Forecasters said a powerful nor’easter will move through the region late Sunday into Monday, bringing total snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches, with the heaviest snowfall expected in higher elevations and the far southern portions of the counties. Snowfall rates could reach as much as 2 inches per hour late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Wind gusts may reach 50 mph, reducing visibility to as little as a quarter mile and creating widespread blowing and drifting snow.
Similar conditions are expected in Columbia County, which has been placed under a Winter Storm Warning, with forecast snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches and wind gusts as high as 40 mph.
Residents in need of shelter can call 845-486-3300 during business hours or dial 2-1-1 after hours. Updates are available at dutchessny.gov/stormupdates.