Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress in Responding to Winter Storm Leaving Thousands of Ulster County Residents without Power

Governor Hochul today surveyed storm damage, visited a local warming center and provided an update to the residents of Ulster County, many of whom were without power throughout the weekend as a result of a historic winter storm late last week that brought nearly three-quarters of an inch of flat ice to the area. The storm toppled trees and power lines, creating power outages for 65,000 customers at its peak. Governor Hochul highlighted the efforts made by the State to help residents recover and get their power restored, including sending staff to embed with the Ulster County Emergency Operations Center, sending the National Guard to support warming center operations, providing State DOT and Parks assets to help clear roadways of downed trees and sending State Police to assist with wellness checks.

"While many in Ulster County have since had their power restored, we are working around the clock to help the thousands of households that haven't yet," Governor Hochul said. "Ulster County received the worst of last week's winter storm and our emergency management personnel have been working hard throughout the weekend to ensure the community has what it needs to get through this. We are bringing the full resources of the state to bear in our storm recovery efforts and we will continue to support Ulster County residents in any way we can."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Under the direction of Governor Hochul, my team and I have been on the ground since Friday working with our partners in government to provide resources to the City of Kingston and Ulster County. I encourage any residents still without power today and tomorrow to visit a nearby warming center to stay safe. These warming centers were established with our support and will remain open as long as necessary."

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said, "I would like to thank Governor Hochul and her entire team for their rapid response and critical support as we respond to one of the most severe, high-impact winter storms Ulster County has experienced in at least a decade. We will continue to work together to ensure that service is quickly restored, that those still without service can stay warm and safe, and that we assist our residents in post-storm recovery."

Ulster County has set up 24/7 warming centers at the following locations until further notice:

• Andy Murphy Center, 467 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
• 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf Street, Kingston NY 12401
• SUNY New Paltz, Elting Gymnasium, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561
• Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Citizen Recreation Center, 207 Market St, Saugerties, NY 12477
• Woodstock Community Center, 456 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY, 12498

Additional New York State support to Ulster County in the aftermath of the severe winter storm includes 24 National Guard members to support warming center operations; cut-and-toss crews to support cleanup; one 500kw generator for the Andy Murphy overnight warming center in Kingston; and 180 cots and water from state stockpiles for the warming centers. DHSES also coordinated the transportation of Red Cross resources to the warming centers, including 75 cots and additional water and food.

As of Monday morning, more than 7,500 homes remained without power in Ulster County. Central Hudson indicates that 95% of the county will have power restored by 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The utility has more than 900 line and tree personnel working to clear roadways and restore power in the county.

New York State will continue to coordinate response activities on the ground in Ulster County and provide additional support to local governments, as needed.

The Ulster County Resource Center can be reached at (845)-443-8888.