Storm Watch: In preparation for the strong storms expected, all Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services will be closing today, 5/16/22 at 2:00 pm and will reopen tomorrow, 5/17/22 on a normal schedule

In preparation for the strong storms expected, all Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services will be closing today, 5/16/22 at 2:00 pm and will reopen tomorrow, 5/17/22 on a normal schedule

4 years ago, Putnam County was hit by a combination of tornadoes, micro bursts, and high winds that devastated our County and left many employees stranded for hours in an attempt to get home. Another storm with potentially the same magnitude is predicted for our region this afternoon (5/16/22).
After reviewing the weather forecast and with an eye towards the past events, County Executive MaryEllen Odell has decided to close the County at 2:00 PM to give employees a chance to get home before the storm.
“Preparedness is key” said County Executive Odell, “giving employees some time to make it home before the potential of any storms allows them to check their safety supplies, pick up any loose items around the yard and most importantly, be safely home”.

While a few isolated storms are expected to begin developing by 1pm, these storms will begin to increase in magnitude before the main line of storms moves through the area from 4-7pm. The main concern is the potential for strong wind gusts up to 60 mph and moderate amounts of lightning. We may also see some small hail and the possibility of a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. After 8pm we will see a few scattered showers with the possibility of isolated weaker storms until midnight. 0.30-0.80″ of rain will be possible with this activity. Winds will be out of the south and will become westerly overnight at 5-15 mph with gusts to 20-30 mph possible.

Remember to check on family, friends, and vulnerable neighbors and If you MUST travel give yourself enough time and drive carefully.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps. If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Please call 9-1-1 ONLY if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

Due to continued icing conditions, all Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services will be closed Friday, 2/25/22

As temperatures remain below freezing, sleet and freezing rain continue to make road conditions slippery. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise above freezing by mid-day which may bring a change of freezing rain to all rain before the storm diminishes.

Temperatures overnight will once again dip below freezing causing any accumulated water to freeze. “Our highway crews have done a great job keeping the roadways passable,” said County Executive Odell, “however if you are outside, you should take care whether walking or driving.”

Please note the following:

  • All Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services will be closed Friday, 2/25/22
  • Our public transportation system which includes, Croton Falls Commuters, any fixed route PART System, Paratransit, Veteran’s Transports and Pre-K/EI Transportation to schools in Putnam and Westchester Counties, has suspended all service for Friday, February 25, 2022. Full operations are expected to return Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Remember to check on family, friends, and vulnerable neighbors and If you MUST travel give yourself enough time and drive carefully.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps. If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Please call 9-1-1 ONLY if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

If you need help that is non-emergent, please call Putnam County’s United Way Information & Help Line at 2-1-1 which is available 24 X 7

Remember to follow all Putnam County updates on NY ALERT.

Putnam County Officials are monitoring a storm expected to move into our region overnight creating potentially dangerous conditions for the Friday morning commute 2/25/22

Putnam County Officials are monitoring a storm expected to move into our region overnight creating potentially dangerous conditions for the Friday morning commute 2/25/22.

Snow is expected to begin after midnight this evening with 4” – 6” expected then changing to freezing rain then rain during mid-morning. Temperatures will remain around freezing which can bring a heavy snow mix and the potential for ice buildup.

“We will continue to monitor the storm as it approaches our area and are prepared for the worst-case scenario.” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “Our Highway Department has pre-treated roads and are ready to respond. Our emergency first responders have taken the necessary steps to ensure they can continue to respond to emergencies.”

In response to the expected weather:

  • All non-essential Putnam County Offices will be on a delayed opening for Friday February 25, 2022, opening at 11:00 AM.
  • Pre-K/EI Transportation to schools in Putnam and Westchester Counties will be suspended for Friday, February 25, 2022. Full service is expected to return Monday, February 28, 2022.
  • Our public transportation system which includes the Croton Falls Commuters and fixed route PART is expected to begin service at 12 noon, Friday February 25, 2022, weather permitting.

NYSEG reports that it has brought in additional crews and are prepared to respond.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps. If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Remember to check on family, friends and vulnerable neighbors and If you MUST travel give yourself enough time and drive carefully.

If you need help that is non-emergent, please call Putnam County’s United Way Information & Help Line at 2-1-1 which is available 24 X 7

Residents are urged to ensure that they are ready.  Take time now to review your emergency plans which include; Food inventory including water and non-perishable foods; Supply of essential medications; Baby supplies including formula and diapers; Battery powered radio; Flashlights; Spare batteries; Charge cell phones; Spare fuel for snow blowers (always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations when using power equipment); Fuel up your vehicles; Have spare fuel for your generator and remember NEVER operate a generator in an enclosed space; Remember to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Putnam County 9-1-1 will remain fully manned and should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Visit the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Preparedness page at:
https://www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/preparedness/

FEMA provides valuable information regarding emergency preparedness at: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

The Red Cross has a Winter Storm Safety Checklist at:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240231_WinterStorms.pdf

We will continue to monitor the progress of this storm and provide updates as needed.

Due To Declining Weather Conditions, All Putnam County Offices With the Exception of Essential Services Will be Closing at 12 Noon Today, Friday February 4, 2022

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell met with her Executive ICS Team to discuss the current weather conditions. While initial weather conditions were expected to remain manageable throughout the day, we have seen a rapid decline.

The conditions are now forecast to continue to decline throughout the day with rain changing to sleet and ice with some periods of snow. Temperatures are expected to fall to the upper 20’s which will cause ice to accumulate. These conditions will make travel dangerous as the day progresses. Due to these conditions, Putnam County, with the exception of essential services, will be closing at 12 noon today, Friday, February 4, 2022.

“We have been monitoring the storm during the overnight and have seen the conditions deteriorate rapidly. After discussing with the ICS Team we made the decision to close non-essential offices early to allow our employees to get home safely.” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “As road conditions will become hazardous we are asking the public to avoid travel to allow Highway Crews to respond to icing conditions and Emergency Services to respond to calls. Providing emergency services to the public is a 24 X 7 job and one essential part is keeping the roads clear.”

In addition, please note the following:

  • Our public transportation system which includes the Croton Falls Commuters and fixed route PART System as well as the Pre-K/EI Transportation to schools in Putnam and Westchester Counties will stop operations at 12:00 Noon today, Friday, February 4, 2022.
  • The COVID-19 Testing Site at the Paladin Center in Carmel will close at 12:00 Noon

Remember to check on family, friends and vulnerable neighbors and If you MUST travel give yourself enough time and drive carefully.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps. If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Please call 9-1-1 ONLY if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

If you need help that is non-emergent, please call Putnam County’s United Way Information & Help Line at 2-1-1 which is available 24 X 7.

Remember to follow all Putnam County updates on NY ALERT.

Residents urged to limit non-essential travel as Highway Departments work to keep roadways clear

Putnam County’s ICS team has continued to monitor the current winter storm impacting Putnam County. Highway crews have been working since the start of the storm Friday night, 1/28/2022. Local Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps have remained on standby.

Putnam County has suspended Putnam County Moves, our public transportation system. This includes; Croton Falls Commuters, the fixed route PART System, ParaTransit, and Veteran’s Transports. Service is expected to return to normal on Monday, January 31, 2022.

“We were fortunate that the predicted heavy snow accumulation seems to have moved past our region however the continued gusty winds are pushing the snow back onto the roads as quick as we can remove it.” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “It is imperative that the public remain off the roadways to allow the crews to continue to work safely.”

The snow is expected to taper off with some periods of snowfall throughout the day ending by late afternoon. The issue will remain that wind gusts of 30 MPH or more will make driving treacherous. The public should avoid all unnecessary travel. Winds are expected to diminish throughout the night.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps. If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.

Please call 9-1-1 ONLY if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

If you need help that is non-emergent, please call Putnam County’s United Way Information & Help Line at 2-1-1 which is available 24 X 7

Remember to follow all Putnam County updates on NY ALERT.

While scattered storms continue in our area, Tropical Storm Elsa continues its move in our direction with the center of storm tracking well south of our region. The biggest impact from Elsa will be rain with wind gusts in the 25 – 35 MPH range

While scattered storms continue in our area, Tropical Storm Elsa continues its move in our direction with the center of storm tracking well south of our region. The biggest impact from Elsa will be rain with wind gusts in the 25 – 35 MPH range. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms remains in our area until 9 PM this evening.

Overview

The latest update from the National Weather Service shows Putnam County remains in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 PM with the chance of isolated strong thunderstorms developing. The region will transition to the arrival of the remnants of Tropical Storm Elsa which is forecast to arrive around midnight. Elsa will bring periods of heavy rain with wind gusts ranging from 25 – 35 MPH mostly occurring overnight. Rainfall amounts will exceed 0.15 inches per hour with the heaviest rainfall between 3 AM – 10 AM Friday. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes.

County Response

Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
The EOC is currently at Level 4. The Office of Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide public information.

Traffic and Road Conditions
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.

County Facilities
All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule.

Utilities
NYSEG – Storm Response Team is monitoring weather forecast, planning and crews and equipment are standing by.
Central Hudson – Monitoring the weather, crews are assembled and prepared to respond.

Bureau of Emergency Services
Putnam County 9-1-1 is fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Fire & EMS
All Putnam County Fire & EMS agencies have been briefed regarding the event.

Highways and Facilities
Highway crews have been notified and have enacted emergency plans.

Transportation
Operating on a normal schedule.

Closing

Be Prepared:
Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.

Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Fuel up your vehicles and if you use a generator be sure you have spare fuel (always read and follow the utility company’s and the manufacturer’s safety recommendations).

NEVER operate a generator in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Only have an experienced electrician connect a generator to your home. Improperly installed generators may overload circuits, cause a fire or shock hazard, and can result in serious injury or property damage. Improperly installed generators can also back-feed onto electric lines and endanger repair crews working to restore service.

Stock water and non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

Please monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for updates.

Tropical Storm Elsa is forecast to impact our area starting tonight through Friday evening. The biggest impact will be rain with wind gusts in the 25 – 35 MPH range. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms remains in our area until 8 PM this evening

Tropical Storm Elsa is forecast to impact our area starting tonight through Friday evening. The biggest impact will be rain with wind gusts in the 25 – 35 MPH range. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms remains in our area until 8 PM this evening.

Overview

Putnam County will remain in a period of unsettled weather with showers and thunderstorms possible for the rest of the day followed by Tropical Storm Elsa entering the region late this evening. Elsa will bring periods of rain with wind gusts ranging from 25 – 35 MPH mostly occurring overnight. Rainfall amounts will exceed 0.15 inches per hour. Rain is expected to enter the region after midnight with the heaviest rainfall between 3 AM – 10 AM.

Todays weather has showers and thunderstorms remaining in our area ahead of the arrival of Elsa. The best chance of isolated strong thunderstorms is from 2 PM – 6 PM. Strong wind gusts are possible with any storm with gusts in the 30 – 40 MPH range. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes in this activity.

County Response

Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

The EOC is currently at Level 4. The Office of Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide public information

Traffic and Road Conditions
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.

County Facilities
All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule

Utilities
NYSEG – Storm Response Team is monitoring weather forecast, planning and readying crews and equipment.

Bureau of Emergency Services
Putnam County 9-1-1 is fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Fire & EMS
All Putnam County Fire & EMS agencies have been briefed regarding the event.

Highways and Facilities
Highway crews have been notified and have enacted emergency plans

Transportation
Operating on a normal schedule

Closing

Be Prepared:

Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Fuel up your vehicles and if you use a generator be sure you have spare fuel (always read and follow the utility company’s and the manufacturer’s safety recommendations).

Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.

Stock water and non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

Please monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for updates.

The National Weather Service has notified us that they have issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area from 5 PM to 11 PM with damaging wind gusts up to 70 MPH possible

The National Weather Service has notified us that they have issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the entire local Tri-State area from 5 PM to 11 PM this evening (7/7/21). The primary threat is locally damaging wind gusts, marginally severe hail and localized flash flooding.

In addition the heat advisory remains in effect until 8 PM this evening (7/7/21). A heat advisory means we can have a heat index value up to 100 degrees expected. The highest temperatures and heat indices are expected between 1 PM and 5 PM.

The National Weather Service is also tracking Tropical Storm Elsa which has made landfall along the Northern Florida coast. The exact trajectory is unknown at this time however the National Weather Service projects we may see impact as early as Friday (7/9/21) morning.

County Response

Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

The EOC is currently in a Normal Operations Mode. Current conditions are being monitored by the appropriate department/agency

Traffic and Road Conditions

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.

County Facilities

All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule

Utilities

NYSEG – No Outages Reported

Central Hudson – No Outages Reported

Bureau of Emergency Services

Putnam County 9-1-1 remains fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Fire & EMS

All Putnam County Fire & EMS agencies have been briefed regarding the event. Call volume has returned to a normal level

Highways and Facilities

Highway crews have returned to normal activities

Transportation

Operating on a normal schedule

Closing

Continue to monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for weather updates for not only this storm, but also the Heat Advisory and Tropical Storm Elsa

Be prepared:

Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.

Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Fuel up your vehicles.

Stock water and non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

The National Weather Service has continued the Heat Advisory for Putnam County until 8 PM this evening (7/7/21). A high of 92 degrees is expected by 4 PM with increasing humidity throughout the day

A Heat Advisory will remain in effect in our entire region until 8 PM on 7/7/21. A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is between 95 to 99 degrees for at least two days or between 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. For today 7/7/21 we expect a high of 92 degrees which when combined with the humidity will make it feel like 98 degrees
We are still monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa which is beginning to make landfall on the North Florida Gulf coast. The exact track of the storm once it makes landfall is uncertain however we expect to see the remnants late Thursday into Friday. The expected impact is mainly moisture.
County Response
Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
The EOC is currently in a Normal Operations Mode. Current conditions are being monitored by the appropriate department/agency
Traffic and Road Conditions
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.
County Facilities
All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule
Utilities
NYSEG – 800 without power. Restoration efforts are under way
Central Hudson – 2 without power. Restoration efforts are under way
Bureau of Emergency Services
Putnam County 9-1-1 remains fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.
Fire & EMS
All Putnam County Fire & EMS agencies have been briefed regarding the event. Call volume has returned to a normal level
Highways and Facilities
Highway crews have returned to normal activities
Transportation
Operating on a normal schedule
Closing
Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.
Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation.
Use water to cool. Fill large containers with water and soak your feet. Use wet towels to cool down by wrapping around your neck and shoulders or use a soaked bandana on your head.
The basements of most buildings can provide welcome relief from heat.

Putnam County is in an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms late this afternoon into this evening. Wind gusts of up to 65 MPH or more with isolated hail up quarter size possible.

The National Weather Service has notified us that we are in an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms until 10 PM this evening (7/6/21). Severe thunderstorms can produce wind gusts of 65 MPH or higher with quarter size hail possible and frequent lightening.

The primary threat is damaging wind gusts and localized flash flooding may be possible.

In addition we are in a heat advisory from 11 AM today to 8 PM Wednesday (7/7/21). A heat advisory means we can have a heat index value up to 1000 F expected. The highest temperatures and heat indices are expected between 1 PM and 5 PM each afternoon.

The National Weather Service is also tracking Tropical Storm Elsa which is expected to make landfall off the western coast of Florida at approximately 8 AM on Wednesday (7/7/21). The exact trajectory is unknown at this time however the National Weather Service projects we may see impact as early as Friday (7/9/21) morning.

County Response

Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

The EOC is currently at Level 3. The Office of Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide public information

Traffic and Road Conditions

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.

County Facilities

All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule

Utilities

NYSEG – Storm Response Team is monitoring the weather forecast, planning and readying crews and equipment. Additional crews have been relocated to the region for a response

Bureau of Emergency Services

Putnam County 9-1-1 is fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Highways and Facilities

Highway crews have been notified and are ready to respond

Closing

Continue to monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for weather updates for not only this storm, but also the Heat Advisory and Tropical Storm Elsa

Be prepared:

Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Fuel up your vehicles.

Have a plan to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Stock water and non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

Please monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for updates.