According to a press release sent by the Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s Office, “the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective now through 1pm on Thursday, December 17th. Snowfall is expected to arrive late this afternoon (Wednesday) into the evening, continuing through Thursday morning, possibly into early afternoon.

“Prediction models vary widely for this nor'easter storm with heavy snow fall expected tonight through the overnight. Snowfall is predicted to be 1”-2” or more inches per hour with 12”-18” inches of accumulation expected, with some models showing projections up to 27” inches. The Thursday morning commute is expected to be impacted significantly and motorists are reminded to allow extra time and exercise caution on the roadways.”

Beacon Parking & Shoveling

The City of Beacon issued a city-wide robo-call, reminding residents to:

• Not park on city streets due to plowing operations Wednesday night, into tomorrow Thursday.

• Yes to park in public city parking lots. Parking lots will be plowed later, and the city will post a notice in the lots prior to plowing. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Guide to Free Parking Lots for pictures.

• Sidewalks should be cleared by residents no later than 24 hours after the snow stops falling.

• Do not throw snow into the road when shoveling the sidewalks and driveways. The snow plow will push it back onto your sidewalk because that is all that the truck can do. No matter how sharp a side-eye you give a plow truck. So give a wink and a smile as you throw that snow into your own yard.

Garbage Pickup In Beacon Delayed 1 Day

The City of Beacon also announced via robo-call that due to the pending snow storm, garbage pickup will be delayed by 1 day. Thursday pickup will occur on Friday and Friday pickup will occur on Saturday.

Beacon City School District Calls Snow Day

Important to Beacon’s Superintendent, Dr. Matt Landahl, and his own children in the district, were “good old fashioned snow days.” He has called his first one this evening in anticipation of the bad weather and possible power outages, impacting remote learning. The kids can go sledding, while staying safe. No Morning Meets.

Dutchess County Experiencing Staffing Shortages For Snow Management Due To COVID-19

Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, and salt will be applied to County roadways as the storm begins, according to the Dutchess County press release. Crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways. However, County Executive Marcus Molinaro urged patience “as this will be a significant storm and response efforts are complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused staffing shortages and continued safety concerns,” he said.

County Executive Molinaro said, “This first storm of the season looks to be a significant event. The forecast of rapid accumulation of snow, combined with ongoing concerns for the safety and shortage of staff because of the pandemic will make this storm very difficult. We urge all residents to be extremely cautious, avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, leave plenty of extra time for safety. Importantly, please be patient as it will take crews added time to clear roadways for safe travel.”

9-1-1- Center and Emergency Operations Center Increased Staffing

Dutchess County Emergency Response has increased staffing at the 9-1-1 Center and the Emergency Operations Center has been activated with representatives from County DPW, State DOT, New York State Police, County Sheriff, County Health, Central Hudson, NYSEG, and Red Cross for the duration of the storm, according to the Dutchess County press release.

Public Transit Bus Suspended Starting 7pm Wednesday

Dutchess County Public Transit will suspend service beginning at 7pm today, Wednesday. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call 845.473.8424, TDD/TTY: 711.

Residents needing MTA service should follow the MTA on Twitter who posts updates.

Meals Delivered To Dutchess Seniors And Beacon Students

Dutchess County Office for the Aging staff and volunteers have delivered extra meals to Home Delivered Meals recipients.

Students in the City of Beacon School District who opted into Remote Delivery were given food today via the Beacon School Buses and runners who deliver the meals, which include hot meals, like pizza slices and chicken nuggets, as well as fruit and muffins.

Dutchess County Government Offices

Dutchess County Government offices will open at noon on Thursday. Individuals who have DMV appointments in Poughkeepsie and Wappinger from 9am to 12pm will be rescheduled for the same appointment time on Friday, December 18th

Residents can stay up to date on the County’s storm response online at dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on Facebook or Twitter.