Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan Declares Weather-Related Emergency, Closing All Non-Emergency County Offices Today While Urging All Residents to Take Precautions

Posted December 2, 2019

UCAT Suspending Service Today 

County Warming Center in Kingston to Remain Open 24 hours a Day Through 9 a.m. Wednesday

Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan has declared a weather-related emergency for Ulster County today, closing all non-emergency County offices and services (excluding emergency and weather-essential personnel and services) while urging all residents to avoid any travel and take extra precautions throughout the duration of the storm.

Due to the weather-related emergency, Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) is suspending service today on all routes. Service will resume as conditions permit. Additionally, County Executive Ryan reminded residents that the Ulster County Warming Center, located at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church at 80 Elmendorf Street in the City of Kingston will remain staffed and open 24 hours through 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4. 

“My primary responsibility is the safety and well being of all county residents and our workforce, and the storm has created very dangerous conditions in all corners of our county,” said County Executive Pat Ryan. “I have committed county resources to provide critical emergency services and to clear our roadways safely and efficiently. Additionally, my team will maintain close coordination with all utilities and state and local government partners throughout the duration of the storm event.”

Ulster County Department of Public Works has 46 trucks, 20 pickup trucks, and nearly 80 personnel on staff since the start of the storm Sunday afternoon. Additionally, Ulster County’s Emergency Services Department has extra staff on call at the County’s 911 Dispatch Center throughout the storm. 

County Executive Ryan reminds residents to be prepared in their own homes and encourages everyone to:

  • Avoid any non-critical travel until the roads are cleared;

  • Keep extra distance from and be aware of large snow plows and other heavy equipment operating on roads to clear snow and ice accumulations;

  • Have food and water on hand;

  • Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roadways;

  • If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag;

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

  • Check fuel levels and operation of snow blowers and backup generators you may have;

  • Have flashlights and fresh batteries handy.

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation-related accidents. If you must travel make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Keep more distance between cars, be extra alert, and always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

Report any emergencies by dialing 911.

The Ulster County Warming Center is operated by Catholic Charities and is located at the 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St, Kingston NY 12401. The Warming Center can be contacted directly by phone at 845-481-4665. 

Law Enforcement agencies or any other organization that come in contact with or becomes aware of any individuals that are in need of sheltering can bring them to the warming center.