As winter storm predictions mounted this week, the final call came at the end of the day Thursday from the Beacon City School District announcing that school and district offices would be closed Friday in anticipation of the snow and ice event that is scheduled for Friday.

The Dutchess County Executive issued a press release outlining preparedness steps, including the closure of county offices. Buses are so far scheduled to run. Riders can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call (845) 473-8424.

From Dutchess County’s Press Release:

The National Weather Service (Albany) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Dutchess County beginning at 10pm tonight until 7pm Friday, Feb. 25th. Snow is expected to start falling after midnight tonight with snowfall rates reaching or exceeding 1” inch per hour overnight. Due to the uncertainty of the storm’s track, the rapid accumulation and variety of precipitation anticipated and the expected prolonged duration of the storm, County Executive Marc Molinaro announced County offices will be closed Friday, February 25th.

Snow is anticipated to mix with freezing rain Friday morning, impacting the commute and making travel hazardous. Snowfall is expected to accumulate quickly on untreated surfaces due to low temperatures overnight, with accumulations between 4”-6” inches throughout much of Dutchess County and up to 8”-12” inches in the northern parts of the county. This afternoon, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro hosted a conference call with local and state elected officials, as well as representatives from utility companies and County officials from Emergency Response, Public Works and others to discuss potential storm impacts and proactive measures being taken.

Dutchess County Executive Molinaro said, “We are monitoring this storm closely as it evolves. We want all residents to be safe and avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, recognize that you'll need to allocate extra time for safety purposes, as crews work to clear roadways. We are grateful to the first responders, highway crews, and utility workers who put their lives on the line to provide for our safety and security during emergencies.”

The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated as necessary to respond to storm conditions and Dutchess County’s 9-1-1 Communication Center is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled for the overnight and tomorrow.

Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, salt will be applied to County roadways as the storm begins, and crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways.

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office will have additional road patrol deputies deployed in four-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as other all-terrain vehicles prepared, and will work collaboratively with the Department of Emergency Response to respond as needed.

Dutchess County Public Transit (DCPT) will operate on a normal fixed-route schedule, but passengers should anticipate possible delays due to road conditions. Riders can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call (845) 473-8424.

The Office for the Aging’s 8 Senior Friendship Centers will be closed Feb. 25th, and there will be no Home Delivered Meals deliveries. Shelf-stable meals have been delivered to seniors enrolled in the program.

Dutchess County Government offices will be closed Friday, February 25, including Dutchess County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Confirmed DMV appointments on Friday will be honored at the same time and office on Monday, February 28th.