Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has released the following statement:

“The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Ulster County, and has mapped the county as an “extreme impact area” for this storm. We expect widespread disruptions to daily life, including impassable roads, downed trees and power lines, and possible damage to other infrastructure. Because of the high likelihood of dangerous conditions, I am declaring a countywide state of emergency, effective today, starting at 8:00 pm.

I strongly discourage the public from traveling after 8:00 pm tonight. All County offices will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 3/14, and I am activating the County Emergency Operations Center beginning at midnight tonight and operating on a 24-hour basis. We may impose travel restrictions early tomorrow morning if conditions warrant.

The Ulster County Department of Emergency Services is coordinating with local first responders, utility companies, and local and state officials, and crews are prepared to clear roads as quickly as possible; however, the National Weather Service expects travel to become impossible during peak times of the storm. 

I will continue to update the public as additional information becomes available. I want to thank our emergency management team for ensuring a coordinated response to this storm, and to all local, county, and state highway crews that will be working around the clock to keep our roads clear. Please stay home and stay safe.”