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As temperatures plunge across the Hudson Valley, officials are urging residents to take precautions against the extreme cold. Dutchess County has issued a Code Blue alert, opening emergency shelters for those in need. Specialized outreach teams are actively reaching out to vulnerable individuals to ensure they have access to help.
In Orange County, Executive Steve Neuhaus emphasized the importance of staying warm, especially during the night when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming centers have been established in locations such as Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis to provide shelter, hot meals, and resources for those in need. Neuhaus stated, "Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our community during these freezing temperatures."
The Rural Sullivan Housing Organization has also opened several warming centers across the region, including in Columbia, Ulster, Orange, and Sullivan counties. Meanwhile, in Beacon, Dutchess County has highlighted the availability of daytime warming centers at the Howland Public Library and the Salvation Army. However, there is no overnight warming center in Beacon, and residents needing overnight shelter are encouraged to travel to Poughkeepsie.
Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New Yorkers to take precautions as the state faces a combination of winter storms and extreme cold, with feels-like temperatures potentially dropping to negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local agencies to provide assistance.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the cold weather. For more information on emergency housing and warming centers, Dutchess County residents can call 211, while Orange County residents can call 311.