Dutchess County Issues Strict Travel Ban and Closes Offices as Major Winter Storm Approaches
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has declared a State of Emergency due to a forecast predicting up to two feet of snow, this declaration includes a mandatory travel ban starting Sunday morning. Officials enacted these measures on Friday to ensure public safety and allow highway crews to manage the severe weather event effectively.
Severe Forecast Forces Emergency Declaration
The urgent decision to restrict movement stems from an alarming forecast calling for 12 to 24 inches of accumulation, the National Weather Service warned of heavy snowfall rates combined with dangerously cold temperatures. Local authorities utilize these strict bans only for immobilizing events that threaten public safety, similar emergency measures were enacted during significant blizzard conditions in March 2017 and again in 2023. New York Executive Law grants county leadership the specific power to limit travel when life and property face imminent danger from natural disasters, this legal framework ensures highway crews can clear primary routes without the obstruction of stranded civilian vehicles.
Restrictions Halt Vehicles and Government Operations
The mandatory travel ban officially begins at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, and remains effective until Monday evening at 5:00 p.m., all non-essential vehicles must remain off public roadways during this thirty-six-hour window. County government offices are scheduled to remain closed on Monday, this shutdown includes Department of Motor Vehicles locations and friendship centers for aging residents. Public transit services will suspend operations entirely on Sunday and Monday, parks are also closing so staff can assist with snow removal efforts across the region. Dutchess County Sheriff deputies plan to utilize four-wheel drive vehicles to enforce these rules, however essential workers such as hospital staff, first responders, and utility crews remain exempt from the restrictions. Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a statewide emergency, this allows the National Guard to assist local agencies with heavy equipment if conditions deteriorate further.
Residents Face Shutdowns and Extreme Cold
Small businesses and retail operations face a significant disruption due to the extended travel prohibition, the local economy will effectively pause for nearly two days while safety takes priority. Unhoused residents have access to emergency shelters through a Code Blue activation as temperatures drop significantly, officials worry about the deep freeze arriving after the snow stops. Frigid wind chills could reach fifteen degrees below zero, this creates risks for water pipes and heating infrastructure later in the week.
Officials urge all residents to complete preparations immediately and stay indoors once the ban takes effect, keeping roads clear allows emergency teams to respond to critical situations faster.
