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The Hudson Valley region continues to navigate treacherous winter conditions Monday (January 26) as a significant winter storm that has already dumped up to a foot of snow and sleet in some areas persists across the region.
Travel bans remain in effect across multiple counties as officials work to keep residents safe and allow road crews to clear accumulating precipitation. In Ulster County, a travel ban prohibiting all non-essential vehicular travel will remain in effect until noon today, according to County Executive Jen Metzger's emergency order.
Dutchess County's travel restrictions are more extensive, with County Executive Sue Serino implementing a ban that extends until 5 p.m. Monday. The restrictions exempt emergency vehicles and essential personnel including medical workers, law enforcement, utility workers, and snow removal operators.
"We are grateful to all of the highway crews, first responders, utility and other essential workers who will be out working in the storm to keep the public safe," Serino said in a statement before the storm hit.
Columbia County has also implemented travel restrictions as part of the broader emergency response to the winter storm. The National Weather Service had forecast snow accumulations of 12-24 inches across Dutchess County alone.
Government operations have been adjusted throughout the region. Ulster County government will operate on a delayed schedule today, opening at 1:00 p.m., while Dutchess County offices are closed entirely for the day.
The storm is part of a larger weather system affecting much of New York State, with a State of Emergency declared statewide in advance of the severe weather.
Residents seeking the latest alerts and forecasts can visit weather.gov for updated information. Local officials encourage checking on elderly neighbors and those living alone during this severe weather event.