Rockland Post

New City, NY – The County of Rockland urges residents to take precautions ahead of the winter storm forecast to hit Rockland early Sunday January 25th into Monday, January 26th. The U.S. National Weather Service forecast is predicting widespread heavy snow across the northeast with potentially significant accumulations of anywhere between 12” to 20” depending on the terrain and the storm band.  

“We’re asking residents to, if possible, stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel at all costs,” said County Executive Day. “Not only does it keep you safe but it allows highway crews to do their job and get roads cleared as quickly as possible.”

In preparation for the major winter storm, the Rockland County Highway Department has activated its winter response protocols which include:

• Pre-Storm Road Treatment: Crews are pre-treating 170 miles of county roads with brine to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.
• Enhanced Salt Strategy: Due to frigid temperatures, regular salt is being mixed with magnesium chloride, which allows the treatment to remain effective well below freezing.
• Fleet Deployment: The department is deploying a full fleet of plow trucks across 24 designated routes. This includes new “midsized” plows specifically designed to handle tighter, winding secondary roads.
• Operational Readiness: Following recent “snow school” training, crews have completed final vehicle inspections and route obstacle checks. The department maintains approximately 7.000 tons of salt at its Chestnut ridge, Stony Point, and Pomona facilities.
• “Black Pavement” Policy: The department’s primary objective is to clear snow and ice until “black pavement” is achieved across the county road system.

Guidance for Residents:

• Clear the Streets: Residents are urged to remove all vehicles from roadways to allow plows to clear snow from curb to curb.
• Parking Restrictions: Many areas, such as Airmont and Nyack, have declared snow emergencies or enforced overnight parking bans (typically 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
• Safety Zone: Motorists are advised to “don’t crowd the plow” and maintain at least eight car lengths of distance.
• Shoveling Regulations: It is prohibited to shovel or plow snow from private property into the public roadway.
• Avoid Travel: Stay home if able or if travel is required plan travel time accordingly.
• Be Prepared with Necessities: Have salt, along with Groceries & other necessities available.

County Transit Update

Rockland County’s TOR bus service is continuing to monitor forecasts and will determine service levels for Sunday and Monday as weather conditions evolve. At this time, TOR plans to operate regular Sunday service, if possible.

TRIPS Paratransit service will not operate on Sunday and customers with ride reservations are being notified directly. 

For the most current service information, customers should visit the Transit Alerts page where they can also sign up for text/email alerts.

Rockland County Warming Center Update

The Warming Center is available to any individual age 18 or older who needs a warm, safe place to stay. Due to forecasted cold temperatures and winter storm conditions, the Rockland County Warming Center will be open from Friday evening, January 23rd, through Tuesday morning, January 27th.

Please be advised that if road conditions deteriorate, the van that normally provides transportation to the Warming Center may be unable to operate so guests are strongly encouraged to remain at the Warming Center until conditions improve and roads are cleared.

For additional information or to contact the Warming Center, please call 845-364-2332 or 845-608-6670. For other warming center locations around the county click here. 

If Orange and Rockland customers experience a power outage, please report it one of the following ways:

• Visiting www.oru.com/ReportOutage from any computer or web-based mobile device
• Accessing O&R’s mobile app (download via Apple Store or Google Play)
• Calling 1-877-434-4100 or Texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU)