UPDATE: State of Emergency Lifted as of 8:00pm on March 14th - County Offices To Reopen on Wednesday, March 15, 2017

County Executive Hein urges everyone to limit travel unless absolutely necessary as crews work to clear roads.

Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein declares a State of Emergency throughout the County effective 12:00am on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, which shall remain in effect until Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 8:00pm. Winter Storm Stella is projected to blanket the Hudson Valley tomorrow. Travel is expected to be treacherous, with the storm reducing visibility to near zero at times, with blowing and drifting snow. To report a power outage or downed wires residents can contact: NYSEG at 1-800-572-1131; Central Hudson at 845-452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714 or Text "Out" to 236483; or in the case of an emergency call 911.  

“My first and foremost goal is the safety of all Ulster County residents. Our DPW crews are already prepared and I am certain they will meet any challenge head on,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Residents should remain off the roads throughout the duration of the storm and be prepared with emergency items such as food, water, and batteries.  It is also critically important to check on neighbors in need during events such as this.  For individuals in need of shelter, I have opened the Warming Center at the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church, which can be reached at 845-331-7188. Families in need of shelter can contact Family of Woodstock at 845-338-2370.”

The State of Emergency will commence at 12am on March 14th, 2017 and is scheduled to last until 8pm tomorrow, with the potential to be extended further as conditions require. County offices will be closed and all non-emergency personnel are not to report. Please check the Ulster County website (www.ulstercountyny.gov), the Ulster County Storm Emergency Hotline at 888-455-1616, or the County Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/UlsterCountyExecutive) for emergency updates.

The County Executive reminds Ulster County residents to be prepared and encourages everyone to:

• Stay off the roads during and right after the storm to allow the State, County, Town, Village, and the City of Kingston DPW crews to clear the roads;

• Have food and water on hand;

• Have a battery-powered radio to keep informed of the status of the storm;

• Have a flashlight and fresh batteries handy; and

• Fill your tub with water as an added reserve.

In addition, Ulster County Area Transportation (UCAT) services will be suspended at 6:00pm this evening and will resume as conditions allow.  Please check the UCAT website http://ulstercountyny.gov/ucat/ulster-county-area-transit or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UlsterCountyAreaTransit?sk=wall.