Washington County lists major weather disruptions

As of 12:30...

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From Washington County: Following a VERY BUSY morning of minor motor vehicle accidents, trees, limbs and wires down, coupled with power outages in a number of areas of Washington County, here is our current update as of 12:30 PM:

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

  • WHAT...Heavy, wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 to 45 mph.
  • WHEN...Through 8 AM EDT Wednesday.
  • IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including the this morning and evening commutes. The weight of the snow on tree branches will result in power outages. Snowfall rates will exceed one inch per hour at times, especially this morning with locally higher rates possible depending on where the heaviest snow bands develop. Strong winds will also result in very low visibility, especially today into tonight.
  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Very heavy snow expected this morning. This will be a long duration and high-impact snow event.

GOVERNOR'S STATE OF EMERGENCY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Yesterday Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency, listing a number of counties in her declaration including Washington, ahead of the expected winter storm.

In the announcement, Governor Hochul said "New Yorkers should prepare now for a multi-day event that will bring up to three feet of snow in certain parts of the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson region...State agencies spent the weekend preparing emergency response assets, my team is in constant contact with local officials, and we have activated the National Guard to assist with emergency response. This storm will create hazardous road conditions through Wednesday morning, and I encourage New Yorkers in impacted regions to stay home and avoid any unnecessary travel to allow plow crews to do their job."

While there is currently no travel ban or locally issued State of Emergency in Washington County, we are encouraging those who do not have to travel should the precipitation become heavy again and roadways be impacted to reconsider their travel needs if possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • A few remaining bands of snowfall for this afternoon / early evening (possibly another 2-5 inches possible depending on your immediate area)
  • Difficult travel conditions may arise for untreated roadways or new heavy snowfall bands
  • Blustery Conditions / Gusty Winds (Gusts up to 30-45 MPH)
  • Continuing Potential for Widespread Power Outages

WASHINGTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL CENTER CLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY, 3/14)

The Washington County Municipal Center, Burgoyne Avenue Campus, Washington County, NY Public Health Department and WIC Offices will be CLOSED today due to inclement weather. Our dedicated Washington County, NY Department of Public Works, Washington County Sheriff's Office (NY), Washington County, NY - Department of Public Safety and Buildings & Grounds teams will continue to report and serve our communities and visitors with their necessary operations accordingly. PLEASE do your best to stay off the roadways (if possible) and leave our Public Works and DOT operators room to work and keep the roadways as safe and clear as possible. Members of our communities with appointments previously scheduled for today should contact the department they were working with when we re-open tomorrow to re-schedule their appointment. Our facilities are scheduled to re-open on Wednesday (3/15) following normal business hours.

MONITORING POWER OUTAGES & RESTORATION ESTIMATES

We are currently monitoring a number of scattered power outages in multiple areas of the county due to downed trees, wires and accidents. With the continued potential for widespread power outages, it's important you know where to find the latest, up to date information relative to outages and restoration times from your utility provider:

  • National Grid US: ngrid.com/2NyUoLM - Currently 8,015 Outages - Report National Grid outages @ (800)867-5222
  • NYSEG: bit.ly/nysegoutages - Currently 1,260 Outages - Report NYSEG outages @ (800)572-1131

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS INFO

  • NEVER touch a downed wire / line, stay away!
  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed during outages
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows
  • Use a flashlight, not a candle
  • Do not use a gas stove to heat your home
  • Check on your neighbors and family members and pets
  • Keep your mobile devices charged
  • Plan to have replacement batteries on hand
  • DO NOT call 911 for Power Outages UNLESS EMERGENCIES exist
  • Have a plan to relocate safely if lengthy outages occur

WARMING CENTER NEEDS

ANYONE in immediate need of a Warming Center is asked to contact our Public Washington County, NY - Department of Public Safety Communications Center at (518)747-7520 Ext. 2, if you have an EMERGENCY, please CALL 911. We have a number of our community partners on stand-by as any needs arise based on your area and the need.

CURRENT MUNICIPAL SNOW EMERGENCIES

  • Village of Granville: No Parking on any streets until Wednesday at Noon
  • Village of Whitehall: No Parking on any streets until Wednesday at Noon

COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER STATUS

Operational at a Level 4 (Enhanced Monitoring), Public Safety staff only reporting at this time. All needs are continuing to be coordinated through routine channels.

LOOKING FOR THE UPDATED FORECAST?

Check in with our partners at the US National Weather Service Albany NY for your up to date local forecast info at weather.gov/aly

THANK YOU

Many thanks to all of our Town, Village, County and NYS Public Works / DOT crews, our county Buildings & Grounds staff, First Responders and Communications Center staff for all their dedicated efforts responding to and handling storm issues so far - we know we have further to go with some snowfall expected remaining and gusty winds ahead.

BE AWARE, PREPARED and STAY INFORMED