STORM WATCH: WITH IMPACTFUL SNOW AND WINDS SET TO PUMMEL THE REGION, ORANGE & ROCKLAND READIES ITS EMERGENCY RESPONSE WORKFORCE: February 21, 2026 at 2pm

PEARL RIVER, NY, February 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. - The Hudson Valley is bracing for yet another impactful snow event, and with strong winds also expected to impact the region for an extended period of time, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is preparing to mobilize crews.

Beginning early Sunday, the O&R service area could potentially see over a foot of snow, with sustained winds of up to 25 m.p.h. and gusts of up to 50 m.p.h. The worst of the storm is expected to impact the region early tomorrow evening and last through early Monday afternoon.

In addition to preparation for this storm, O&R prepares year-round for extreme conditions through regular training, emergency response drills, and continued investments to deliver resilient and reliable energy as extreme weather becomes more frequent.

O&R has also secured 50 mutual aid workers to assist in its emergency response. They will join O&R's company and contractor overhead line crews, tree removal experts, customer service operators, and the rest of the members of the O&R emergency response team who are prepared to respond to emergencies throughout the duration of the storm.

For the latest information about power outages, please view the Outage Map. For a brief video that provides a step-by-step guide to the Outage Map's basic operation:
"    In English
"    In Spanish

O&R Warns
For safety's sake, O&R warns the public not to touch or approach any downed wire. Assume the wire is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free 1-877-434-4100. Depending on the situation, you may also consider calling your local police to divert traffic from the downed wire's location until an O&R crew arrives.

 

State of Emergency Declared 2-22-2026 and 2-23-2026

State of Emergency Declared 2-22-2026 and 2-23-2026

Town of Monroe Closures Due to the Forecasted Storm

The Town of Monroe declared a State of Emergency beginning Sunday, February 22nd at 1:00 PM and will continue through February 23rd 6:00 PM.

As a result:

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 23rd.
The Town Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 23rd has been cancelled.
Court scheduled for Monday, February 23rd has been cancelled. You will be notified of a new Court date by mail.
Dial-A-Ride service will be suspended Sunday, February 22nd and Monday, February 23rd. Service will resume Tuesday, February 24th at 11:00 AM if weather permits.
The Sr. Center will be closed Monday, February 23rd and Tuesday, February 24th.
Please monitor official Town of Monroe communications for any updates.
Be safe and be well.

S. Majano
Secretary to the Supervisor
Town of Monroe
1465 Orange Tpke.
Monroe, NY 10950
845-783-1900 x104
 

***CANCELLED*** Town Board Meeting Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Monroe Town Hall 1465 Orange Tpke., Monroe)

The next scheduled Town Board Meeting is Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 

Village of Monroe Election Notice

Village of Monroe Election Notice

Town Hall Delayed Opening February 20th

Town Hall will have a delayed opening today Friday, February 20th due to the inclement weather. Town Hall will open at 10:00 AM. Please check back for any updates. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you and be safe.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Blood Drive February 28th

St. Paul Lutheran Church Blood Drive February 28th

Mobile DMV to Visit Town Hall February 23rd

Mobile DMV to Visit Town Hall February 23rd

Water Service Notice - Water District No. 1

Water Service Notice - Water District No. 1

Orange County Executive Neuhaus Unveils Early Childhood Connections to Guide Families Through Early Childhood Services

County Executive Neuhaus is pleased to announce the launch of Early Childhood Connections, a free service designed to help families, caregivers, and providers navigate the wide range of early childhood resources available throughout the County.

This initiative was developed through the work of the Orange County Infant and Early Childhood Coalition, in collaboration with the Orange County Health Department, Orange County Department of Mental Health, and the Orange County Youth Bureau. Early Childhood Connections ensure that families with young children can more easily access the services and support they need.

“When families have concerns about their child’s development, they deserve clear answers and compassionate support,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “Early Childhood Connections provides a trusted place to turn, one that helps families understand their options and connect to services that support and strengthen children and families across Orange County.”

The phone line provides individualized guidance, resource navigation, and personalized support to families seeking assistance with developmental, behavioral, early learning, or family-support needs. Early Childhood Connections is not a crisis line; rather, it is a navigation and resource support service that helps families understand what services exist, how to access them, and how to connect with the right providers.

Families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals can call 845-615-3613 or email [email protected] to receive:

• Assistance navigating early childhood programs and community resources
• Support in understanding available developmental, behavioral, and family services
• Help connecting to screenings, early intervention, and early learning supports
• Guidance on next steps when concerns arise about a child’s development
• Information for providers seeking resources for the families they serve

Early Childhood Connections was created to ensure that no family feels alone or overwhelmed when trying to access services for their young children. By offering warm, knowledgeable, and personalized support, the program strengthens the network of care for Orange County’s youngest residents.

“The Orange County Youth Bureau has over 48 years of expertise in promoting Positive Youth Development. Part of that experience includes providing Resource and Referral assistance for children, youth, and families,” shared Orange County Youth Bureau Executive Director Rachel Wilson. “We are especially excited to be a part of this new initiative to better assist families with young children access the information and services they need while providing extra support throughout the process.”

For a brochure with additional information about Resources for Children Ages 0-5 and Families/Caregivers please visit https://www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/31409/Family-Infant-and-Early-Childhood-Brochure?bidId=.

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media: 

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC 

Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don’t miss the newest episode of NeuCast, featuring Fidanza Family Properties, now streaming OrangeCountyGov.com on the County Executive page.