Goshen - Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana and the Orange County Department of Emergency Services are continuing to closely monitor the winter weather event as advertised by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Upton, New York.
“We have extended the state of emergency until 6am, February 27, which will allow our emergency services personnel and highway crews to respond to this severe weather event,” Diana said. “Our Emergency Operations Center is currently open on a level 4 limited activation and will remain so throughout the duration of this storm to coordinate assistance to the county’s emergency service agencies and municipalities if necessary.”
Based upon the latest forecast information received directly from the NWS this afternoon, Orange County residents may experience snowfall totals in the neighborhood of 20-30 inches and heavy snow and wind are causing power outages. Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines.
Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Jean Hudson advises residents to remember their neighbors, particularly the elderly and those with young children. Dr. Hudson also want to remind residents to be very careful about using space-heaters and do not use generators indoors as poor ventilation can lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Carbon monoxide can only be detected if you have a monitor and can be very dangerous so make sure that ventilation is adequate.
The Orange County Emergency Services Center has logged 671 weather related calls since 6 yesterday. As of this report, approximately 55,000 residents are currently without power and we have reports of over 100 motor vehicle accidents and 137 instances of downed electrical wires.
The Orange County Airport is currently closed to general aviation.
