Thursday, January 02, 2014

Storm update / Governor's declaration

Good evening The forecast hasn't really changed much: 6-12" of dry, light snow through early tomorrow winds 10-15 with a few gusts will cause some blowing and drifting dangerous low temperatures and wind chills no states of emergency are in effect in Ulster County drivers are urged to stay off the roads and allow the very capable highway crews to do their jobs The main reason for my e-mail is to relate actions Tweeted by the Governor: he has issued a statewide state of emergency; subsequent to that * there is a ban on commercial vehicles on I-84 from the Connecticut to Pennsylvania borders through at least 5 AM tomorrow * as of midnight, I-84, I-87 (Thruway) south of Albany, and I-495 (Long Island Expressway through Nassau and Suffolk will all be closed until at least 5 AM tomorrow * these closures will be "soft". There has been conflicting information regarding the definition of the "soft" closure. In Ulster County this is a fairly routine winter storm. Please stay off the roadways and limit travel so the area highway departments can clear the roads.. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Lastly, please heed our previous warnings and guidance about the extreme cold. Thank you and stay safe. Art