Broome County Departments Preparing for Winter Storm
NWS Binghamton Predicting 12-18 Inches of Snow Saturday into Sunday
(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome County leaders joined today at the Office of Emergency Services to discuss the county’s plan of action ahead of winter storm expected to impact the county this weekend.
Among those in attendance included County Executive Jason Garnar, Sheriff David Harder, Michael Ponticiello, Director of Emergency Services, Susan Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works – Highway Division as well as representatives from Broome Security and Office of Emergency Services.
“Broome County is fully prepared to handle this weekend’s winter storm. Our top priority is making sure our residents are safe and the roads are clear and our county departments are working together to make that happen,” said Garnar.
The latest report from the National Weather Service Friday afternoon indicated Broome County was expected to receive 12 to 18 inches of snowfall in this latest winter storm Saturday into Sunday. The combination of strong winds and heavy snow could cause scattered power outages and drifting snow. The snow could create poor travel conditions as roads become snow covered and slippery.
The Broome County Office of Emergency Services is in regular communication with the NWS Binghamton to monitor the incoming storm and sharing that information with partner agencies and municipalities in Broome County. The department is prepared to augment 911 and OES staff as needed. In addition, OES has been in direct contact with Broome County Department of Public Works, NYSDOT and NYSEG.
The County DPW’s Highway Division is responsible for the snow plowing of nearly 325 miles in the county. The total number of roads plowed is 102.
The Highway Division’s crews are preparing the equipment such as checking sanders, plow and wing blades, lights, etc. All trucks will be fueled and potentially loaded prior to the arrival of snowfall. Crews are prepared to work overtime, if needed, to clear the roads.
Broome County Sheriff David Harder said his deputies will be out in full force patrolling the county. The Sheriff said if you must travel, make sure you allow extra time, at least ½ tank gas in your vehicle and a fully charged cell phone. In the event of an emergency, residents should call 911. If you are in an accident, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.
Broome County encourages residents to monitor the weather forecast and road conditions frequently. A helpful tool to stay informed is NY Alert. You can register at NYAlert.gov.
