The Binghamton office of the National Weather Service, as of Friday, January 23, is predicting upwards of 17 inches of snow to fall across Sullivan County, with even higher amounts forecast for the Wurtsboro and Grahamsville areas.
Monticello, NY – Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek urges everyone in the County to get ready for this weekend’s snowstorm and very cold temperatures.
“We’re forecast to be in the bullseye of this storm, which could dump as much as two feet of snow on some areas of the County,” Potosek warned. “Getting around may be nearly impossible Sunday into Monday, so now is the time to prepare for an up-to-48-hour disruption of our normal routines.”
NYS Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency in advance of the storm, which should arrive in Sullivan County by Sunday morning, with heavy snowfall lasting until midday Monday.
“Our Division of Public Works (DPW) has a team which is monitoring the approaching storm 24/7,” Potosek noted. “Along with our State, town and village counterparts, nearly 60 DPW workers will be covering 22 plow routes for as long as it takes to get our roads clear. We have the necessary amount of salt, along with four plow trucks in reserve, should any be disabled.”
“Our Public Safety Division and our first responders are ready to go, too, including our Sheriff’s deputies and our 911 dispatchers, who will be available for any life-threatening emergencies that might occur during the storm,” he added. “And our never-close facilities, like the Care Center, will continue to be staffed.”
Anyone who will be staying in or travelling through Sullivan County Sunday and Monday should take proper precautions, Potosek urged.
“Stock up now on any essentials, like water and food, and be ready for power outages by having fresh batteries – including a battery-powered radio – on hand, in case Internet or cell service goes down,” he stated. “For those who find themselves without power or heat, our warming centers will be open straight through from 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Tuesday. They are located at the Liberty United Methodist Church on North Main Street in Liberty and St. John’s Episcopal Church on St. John Street in Monticello.”
Temperatures are forecast to be in the single digits – with wind chills below zero – before, during and after the storm.
“If you have to go out during that time, make sure not only that you’re dressed for the weather (including appropriate footwear) but also that you have a flashlight, blanket and drinkable water in your vehicle, should you get stuck enroute,” Potosek said.
Stay tuned to local news outlets and the Sullivan County Government and 911 social media pages for important updates about the storm.
“We’ve been through heavy-duty snowfall like this before, and I’m confident County government is ready to respond to the storm,” remarked Potosek. “But our citizens also need to be prepared. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors, especially if they’re older and live alone.”
