Hurricane Irene Advisory # 9

There are about 60,000 customers of both Central Hudson and NYSEG without power this evening (out of a total of about 95,000). Obviously there is extensive damage to their distribution network which will take some time to repair. The utilities have not established dry ice and water distribution locations yet.

The County's State of Emergency remains in effect and was supplemented by a Special Order that restricted travel to essential services. The following towns have also issued SOEs: Ellenville (Village), Gardiner, Hardenburgh, Kingston (Town), Marbletown, Marlboro, New Paltz (Town & Village), Plattekill, Rochester, Rosendale, Shandaken, Shawangunk, Ulster and Wawarsing.

A significant number of rescues and evacuations are still being conducted at this hour. Fire Departments have performed hundreds of cellar pumps. Ulster County emergency service resources are being augmented by personnel from as far away as Erie County.

Roads throughout the county remained clogged with downed trees and wires. This is a good point to re-emphasize the need to be cautious around downed electric wires. Roads throughout the county are washed out, bridges are just plain gone, and the entire infrastructure in some areas needs to be replaced.

Shelters remain open at Belleayre Ski Center, Benedictine Hospital's Senior Residence, SUNY New Paltz, and Kerhokson / Napanoch fire stations.

We really need to capture damage assessments. Thank you to those of you who have already provide this information. If you have not done so, I respect you are busy, but if you could take a few moments to e-mail me with your damages it would be appreciated. We also need to know about Individual Assistance damage as well (homes and businesses).