Some parts of the Mid-Hudson Valley reported progress Thursday in cleaning up from a punishing winter storm that forced communities across the region to declare states of emergency and schools to cancel classes.

In an interview with Capital Tonight on Thursday, Dutchess County Chief Executive Marc Molinaro said COVID-19 had made some county roadwork staffers ill, which could have affected snow removal. The county brought in help with the job, he said.

Heavy snow and treacherous road conditions led several municipalities to declare warnings and states of emergency, though Poughkeepsie lifted its emergency rules Thursday afternoon, and plans to reopen City Hall on Friday. 

 

Much of the Hudson Valley was under a winter storm warning until 1 p.m.

States of emergency were activated across the region.

Poughkeepsie lifted its state of emergency at 3 p.m. Thursday, but the city urged residents to find off-street parking, or park their vehicles in public parking lots. The city parking lots will remain open for free on Friday.

Sanitation services were being restored.

City Hall will open Friday, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public is strongly encouraged to make payments for city services via the city's website. Failure to clear and keep clear fire hydrants can result in a $100 fine or more.

Newburgh declared a snow emergency at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service reported snowfall totals of as little as 9.8 inches to as many as 25 inches around Dutchess County.

Plows are out across the region to try and clear roads.