Putnam County EOC Open. Numerous Roads Impassable. Large Scale Power Outages

The line of thunderstorms that continue to pass through Putnam County have left a trail of destruction with most major roads experiencing hazards with some being impassable. Our State, County and local highway crews are working to clear roadways. Many of the downed trees involve power lines and that creates an additional safety hazard. “Our dedicated highway crews and first responders are working with the local utility companies to ensure that the downed trees can be safely removed” Said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “This is a coordinated effort that is being addressed by the Command Staff at the EOC”.

Putnam County Incident Command was activated by Commissioner Clair at the direction of County Executive Odell at 5:00pm, who declared a State of Emergency shortly thereafter.  We have requested that NYSEG dispatch a representative to the EOC where they are required to work with EOC staff allowing our highway crews to begin cut and clearing to open roads. NYSEG has indicted that there will be at least a 3 hour delay. Until NYSEG provides a representative our highway crews will be unable to complete the road clearing process.

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. Both utility companies are in the process of evaluating the damage and do not have a restoration time available. We currently have over 29,000 NYSEG and 440 Central Hudson customers without power.

Please remember to be safe when there are downed power lines. Wires that look dead may still be live and power could be restored at any time making those wires life threatening.
Please call 9-1-1 if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

Audio Recording URL:  http://jic.nyalert.gov/Public/DownloadAudio.aspx?parentid=5212058&type=3