The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau issued this update on the Hurricane Sandy:

“The National Weather Service (NWS) in Binghamton has continued a Flood Watch effective Monday morning through Tuesday evening, and a High Wind Warning effective from 2:00 p.m. Monday to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday for Sullivan County. Hurricane Sandy will continue to move northward along the East coast, and is expected to turn westward to landfall along the New Jersey coast Monday, before entering Central Pennsylvania early Tuesday morning. 

“Bands of heavy rain associated with the storm will move across the flood watch area Monday through Tuesday. Rainfall totals averaging one to three inches are expected across the Flood Watch area, with locally higher amounts possible. Heavy rain may cause flooding of small streams, and prolonged heavy rain will cause rises of Area Rivers, and may cause minor to moderate flooding beginning on Tuesday. 

“Damaging winds are expected Monday and Tuesday. A High Wind Warning means that sustained winds of 40 mph are expected for at least an hour, with frequent gusts of 45 mph to 60 mph or greater, are expected across the Catskills and Poconos. Strong winds will bring prolonged power outages, and cause trees to fall resulting in property damage and closed roads. Be prepared for the possibility of trees blocking roads, and widespread power outages. At home, be prepared to be without power for several days. Make sure you have adequate supplies of food and medicines. Sullivan County officials will continue to closely follow forecasts from the NWS and the National Hurricane Center. This storm could potentially be a “historic event” with winds and water.

“All DPW equipment is ready to respond rapidly to areas affected by the storm, and key equipment has been staged around the County. The Sullivan County Emergency Operations Center will open at 12:00 noon on Monday. Meetings that were scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled in anticipation of the impacts of this storm. At this time, all County Offices will open for business at normal hours on Monday morning.

“Sullivan County Office will be open for normal business hours on Monday morning, October 29, but will close at 12 noon and will remain closed on Tuesday, October 30.

“Sullivan County Public Safety officials will continue to communicate with school officials throughout the County, providing them with expected impacts of the storm. Information on any school-related closures will be made through the respective school district through their established notification channels.” 

The following have made public announcements closing on Monday, October 29: 

School Districts: Eldred, Liberty, Monticello, Roscoe, Tri-Valley, and St. Peter’s Regional.

Towns: Fallsburg and Thompson.

The Sullivan County Public Health Flu Clinic in the Town of Tusten has been canceled for Monday, and the Town of Bethel bas been canceled for Tuesday.

The Agriculture Advisory Board meeting for Monday has been canceled.

The Sullivan County Commissioner of Jurors has canceled reporting requirements for Monday, October 29.  Jurors should call on Monday for further instructions. 

All County Transportation services for Monday are canceled, and senior nutrition sites will be closed. 

SUNY Sullivan: Classes cancelled Monday, October 29 through Wednesday, October 31. College offices will be closed on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30.

(Photo: NASA)