Orange County Thanks DPW Crews for Nonstop Blizzard Response, No Injuries

Orange County officials publicly praised Department of Public Works crews for working nonstop during the blizzard that prompted a State of Emergency effective 6:00 PM on Feb. 22, saying the crews were “away from families” while residents stayed home and that “No injuries or issues reported.”

The county remains under a Blizzard Warning, and officials warned that “heavy snow and strong winds [are] expected to create dangerous travel conditions and periods of near-zero visibility.” The county’s emergency messaging reiterated the order that “All vehicular and pedestrian travel is restricted except for emergency services and designated essential personnel,” placing strict limits on movement across Orange County while the storm is active.

Orange County also announced that “All Orange County Government offices are closed to the public until Tuesday, February 24,” removing in-person access to county services for the immediate cleanup window. The Emergency Operations Center will remain staffed, the county said, with the declaration that “The Orange County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain open throughout initial storm response and cleanup operations continuing through tomorrow.”

Officials named the following partner agencies currently operating in the EOC: New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services; New York State Police; Orange County - Office of County Executive; Orange County Sheriff's Office, New York; Orange County - Office of Social Services; Orange County - Department of Public Health; Orange County - Department of Public Works; and Central Hudson Utilities. Those agencies are coordinating response priorities and resource staging while the county enforces travel restrictions and monitors road conditions.

Public-facing social posts from Orange County Emergency Services drew widespread attention during the event, registering 220 reactions, 17 comments, and 105 shares at the time those metrics were recorded. Local commenters underscored the mixed mood across the county: Kevin Mahoney Sr. wrote, “Did it start yet??? Still waiting for snowmageddon,” while Kevan Ottochian posted, “Thanks for the update and for all govt workers at ES keeping our community safe. God bless, everyone!” Other residents reported conditions by village, including Clare Kilcarr Frey noting “Light snow in the Village of Washingtonville” and Pam Brown reporting, “I’m in Walden,just started about 7 pm. Stay safe peeps…”

County messaging closed with the practical guidance: “Please stay home, stay safe, and give our road crews and first responders the space they need to do their jobs,” and a note that “More updates to follow.” With the EOC maintaining operations and county offices closed through Feb. 24, Orange County officials signaled continued coordination with state and utility partners as cleanup continues and officials assess impacts.