Winter Makes a Comeback: Orange County Sees Up to 24 Inches of Snow

By Y.M. Lowy

Orange County was hit with a significant winter storm this weekend, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures across the area after several relatively mild winters.

Residents prepared ahead of the storm, stocking up on essentials, heating their homes, and readying shovels and snowblowers. As snowfall intensified, schools and chedarim announced closures, and road conditions quickly became hazardous throughout the county.

By the time the storm moved out, parts of Orange County saw substantial snowfall totals. Snowfall totals range from 16 to 24 inches. As of early this morning, snowfall had tapered off to light flurries. 

Despite the storm, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland, and NYSEG all reported zero power outages, leaving no customers without electricity as of the latest update.

Major highways remained open, including I-87, I-84, Route 17, and Stewart Airport. However, emergency declarations were issued across the region, including a State of Emergency in Orange County, where all county offices are closed to the public on Monday. In total, 27 municipalities declared States of Emergency.

Travel restrictions were put in place, allowing only essential workers and first responders on the roads, with parking prohibited along county roadways. 

As temperatures remain below freezing, residents are urged to use caution on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, and to watch for areas where melting snow may refreeze.