Winter Storm: Sullivan County Manager Urges Residents to Prepare for Prolonged Disruption as State of Emergency Takes Effect

SULLIVAN COUNTY, N.Y. — Sullivan County officials are urging residents to prepare for what could be the most significant snowstorm of the season, with forecasts calling for heavy snowfall, dangerous cold and difficult travel beginning Sunday and lasting into Monday.

County Manager Josh Potosek says Sullivan County is expected to be at the center of the storm.

“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.”

Ahead of the storm, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for New York. In Sullivan County, snowfall is expected to begin Sunday morning, with heavy snow continuing through at least midday Monday.

County departments say they are already mobilized. Potosek said the Division of Public Works has crews monitoring conditions around the clock.

“Our Division of Public Works (DPW) has a team which is monitoring the approaching storm 24/7,” he said. “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.”

Public safety officials are also preparing for the storm’s impacts, particularly if travel becomes hazardous or power outages occur.

“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,” Potosek added. “And our never-close facilities, like the Care Center, will continue to be staffed.”

Residents planning to stay in or travel through Sullivan County over the next several days are being urged to take precautions now, before conditions deteriorate.

“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,” Potosek said.

For those who lose heat or electricity, the county says warming centers will be open continuously from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning.

“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,” Potosek stated. “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.”

The storm is expected to be accompanied by bitter cold, with temperatures in the single digits and wind chills falling below zero before, during and after the snowfall.

“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.

County officials are encouraging residents to follow updates from local news outlets and from Sullivan County Government and 911 social media pages as conditions evolve.

“We’ve been through heavy-duty snowfall like this before, and I’m confident County government is ready to respond to the storm,” Potosek said. “But our citizens also need to be prepared. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors, especially if they’re older and live alone.”

Image Credit: National Weather Service Binghamton