Putnam County Government: Tropical Storm Elsa Is Forecast To Impact Our Area Starting Tonight Through Friday Evening. The Biggest Impact ...

Press release from the Putnam County Government:

July 8, 2021

Tropical Storm Elsa is forecast to impact our area starting tonight through Friday evening. The biggest impact will be rain with wind gusts in the 25 – 35 MPH range. The possibility of isolated thunderstorms remains in our area until 8 PM this evening.

Overview

Putnam County will remain in a period of unsettled weather with showers and thunderstorms possible for the rest of the day followed by Tropical Storm Elsa entering the region late this evening. Elsa will bring periods of rain with wind gusts ranging from 25 – 35 MPH mostly occurring overnight. Rainfall amounts will exceed 0.15 inches per hour. Rain is expected to enter the region after midnight with the heaviest rainfall between 3 AM – 10 AM.

Todays weather has showers and thunderstorms remaining in our area ahead of the arrival of Elsa. The best chance of isolated strong thunderstorms is from 2 PM – 6 PM. Strong wind gusts are possible with any storm with gusts in the 30 – 40 MPH range. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes in this activity.

County Response

Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

The EOC is currently at Level 4. The Office of Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide public information

Traffic and Road Conditions
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports that we are seeing normal traffic patterns.

County Facilities
All County facilities are on their appropriate normal working schedule

Utilities
NYSEG – Storm Response Team is monitoring weather forecast, planning and readying crews and equipment.

Bureau of Emergency Services
Putnam County 9-1-1 is fully staffed. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for EMERGENCY requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

Fire & EMS
All Putnam County Fire & EMS agencies have been briefed regarding the event.

Highways and Facilities
Highway crews have been notified and have enacted emergency plans

Transportation
Operating on a normal schedule

Closing

Be Prepared:

Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Fuel up your vehicles and if you use a generator be sure you have spare fuel (always read and follow the utility company’s and the manufacturer’s safety recommendations).

Remember to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions who are at an increased risk.

Stock water and non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

Please monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for updates.

This press release was produced by the Putnam County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.