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• County Executive Neuhaus Declares State of Emergency for Orange County

                                                                   
  February 22, 2026                                                                                
   
  *County Executive Neuhaus Declares State of Emergency for Orange County
  
  In response to the blizzard warning and significant winter storm conditions anticipated to develop in Orange County, County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has declared a "Local State of Emergency" in Orange County, under the provisions of Article 2-B, Section 24, N.Y.S. Executive Law.
  
  This declaration empowers County officials to temporarily suspend and/or change normal County operating procedures including (but not limited to); saving lives, mitigating property damage, limiting access to impacted areas, and requesting additional assistance from New York State.
  
  The State of Emergency will be effective 6:00 p.m. today, Sunday, February 22, 2026 and will remain in effect until rescinded by County Executive Neuhaus.
  
  All roads in Orange County will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, with the exception of necessary travel by designated essential municipal, medical, and law enforcement workers. Residents of Orange County are advised to refrain from being on the roads, unless they are deemed "essential personnel."
  
  New York State will address restrictions on I-84 and I-87. Presently, on I-84, NYS has a ban on empty or tandem trucks, and commercial vehicles are restricted to right lane travel only.
  
  In addition, County Government Buildings will be closed to the public on Monday, February 23, 2026, including, the Orange County Government Center, County Clerk, DMV, All Courts, and the Orange County Courthouse. County employees should not report to work unless you are essential. County employees who are uncertain of their status should reach out to their supervisors or department heads. All County employees are expected to report to their usual shifts on Tuesday, February 24th.
  
  The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated from 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026, with multiple community partners on-site, including Central Hudson, Orange County Sheriff's Office, NY State Police, NYS DHSES, and the County's Emergency Operation's Team, as well as representatives from Orange County's Departments of Law, Public Works, Social Services, Health, and the Medical Reserve Corps. The EOC will also remain in close communication with the local hospitals, West Point, and other community partners. The EOC will remain operational until no longer deemed necessary.
  
  "Orange County got through the January storm safely, due to the cooperation of County residents and the hard work of our first responders, public works personnel, and law enforcement," stated County Executive Neuhaus. "I anticipate the same level of cooperation during this current storm. I thank you all for doing your part to make sure our community stays safe."
  
  Further information/details:
  · "Code Blue" is in effect. If you are aware of someone who is without housing, or have other non-emergency questions or concerns, please call 311. A list of warming centers available throughout the County is available on the Orange County Government website.
  · Municipalities can "piggyback" on County contracts for emergency procurement needs.
  · Most schools in Orange County have announced closings for tomorrow. If you are uncertain about the status of a particular school district, please check the school district's website and/or social media.
  · Please use caution when shoveling and doing snow removal.
  
  Residents are advised to remain informed by monitoring official updates on Orange County Government's website and social media pages:
  https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyGovernment and https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyEmergencyManagement and be ready to follow any safety guidance issued by local authorities. Additional information will be provided as the situation develops.
  
  For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.907.2332 or [email protected].
  
  For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].
  
  Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media:?
  o    Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus?
  o    Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus?
  o    X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC?
  
  Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don't miss the newest episode of NeuCast, featuring Fidanza Family Properties, now streaming on OrangeCountyGov.com.