Related Articles

• STORM WATCH: WITH IMPACTFUL SNOW AND WINDS SET TO PUMMEL THE REGION, ORANGE & ROCKLAND READIES ITS EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKFORCE: February 21, 2026 at 2pm

  PEARL RIVER, NY, February 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. - The Hudson Valley is bracing for yet another impactful snow event, and with strong winds also expected to impact the region for an extended period of time, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is preparing to mobilize crews.
  
  Beginning early Sunday, the O&R service area could potentially see over a foot of snow, with sustained winds of up to 25 m.p.h. and gusts of up to 50 m.p.h. The worst of the storm is expected to impact the region early tomorrow evening and last through early Monday afternoon.
  
  In addition to preparation for this storm, O&R prepares year-round for extreme conditions through regular training, emergency response drills, and continued investments to deliver resilient and reliable energy as extreme weather becomes more frequent.
  
  O&R has also secured 50 mutual aid workers to assist in its emergency response. They will join O&R's company and contractor overhead line crews, tree removal experts, customer service operators, and the rest of the members of the O&R emergency response team who are prepared to respond to emergencies throughout the duration of the storm.
  
  For the latest information about power outages, please view the Outage Map. For a brief video that provides a step-by-step guide to the Outage Map's basic operation:
  "    In English
  "    In Spanish
  
  O&R Warns
  For safety's sake, O&R warns the public not to touch or approach any downed wire. Assume the wire is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free 1-877-434-4100. Depending on the situation, you may also consider calling your local police to divert traffic from the downed wire's location until an O&R crew arrives.
  
   

• 
  STORM WATCH - AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, O&R PREPARES CREWS WITH THUNDERSTORMS SET TO IMPACT THE AREA

  PEARL RIVER, NY, July 3, 2026, 7:00 a.m. – In the midst of the ongoing heat wave heading into the Fourth of July, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) has mobilized its emergency response workforce today as scattered thunderstorms are also forecasted to impact the service territory today and tomorrow.

  These thunderstorms, which are expected to roll into region during the afternoon, have the potential to be severe, and could pose a significant threat to electric service due to high winds, lightning, or downed trees and tree limbs. All these factors could interfere with the safe, reliable delivery of electric service.

  In addition to these potential storms, the summer’s first heat wave continues to blanket the Hudson Valley. The heat and increased demand for electricity to power air conditioners can pose challenges to the electric delivery system, and, in some instances, can overheat electrical equipment and result in scattered power outages. The company urges customers to use energy efficiently to stay comfortable and safe.

                                                                                           

  O&R has secured 100 mutual aid members to assist with overhead line crews, tree removal experts, customer service operators, and the rest of the members of O&R’s emergency response team who are all prepared to respond to emergencies throughout the duration of the storms and heat, as needed.

  Customer Protections During Extreme Heat

  Residential customers are afforded specific safeguards during periods of elevated temperatures. Service disconnections are suspended when the local heat index is forecasted to reach 90°F or higher. We will also pause disconnections for two additional days in areas designated as heat islands. More information can be found here.

  For the latest information about power outages, please view the Outage Map. For a brief video that provides a step-by-step guide to the Outage Map’s basic operation:

  • In English
  • In Spanish

  O&R Warns

  For safety’s sake, O&R warns the public not to touch or approach any downed wire. Assume the wire is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free 1-877-434-4100. Depending on the situation, you may also consider calling your local police to divert traffic from the downed wire’s location until an O&R crew arrives.

   

  How to Report an Outage

  If you experience a power outage, don’t assume that O&R automatically knows about it. You can report it and check to see when your lights will be back on through:

  • Report an Electric Service Problem | Orange & Rockland (oru.com) from any computer or web-based mobile device.        
  • O&R mobile app from your iPhone, iPad or Android device --- download via Apple Store or Google Play.
  • Text messaging by texting “OUT” to 678797 (ORUPWR) or
  • Call 1-877-434-4100.
• 
  Local Emergency Orders: Town of Monroe Emergency Order Local Laws for Procurement

  Local Emergency Orders: Town of Monroe Emergency Order Local Laws for Procurement

• 
  Important Reminders in Preparation for the Impending Storm

  Important Reminders in Preparation for the Impending Storm.

• 
  Supply Collection to Support Emergency Response Efforts in Greenwood Lake

  Please click here for information RE Supply Collection to Support Emergency Response Efforts in Greenwood Lake.

• 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.