KINGSTON – The Ulster County Department of Emergency Services is urging residents to take precautions ahead of dangerously cold temperatures forecast by the National Weather Service from late Friday night through Sunday night. An arctic air mass — the coldest of the season — is expected to move into the region behind an arctic cold front, bringing hazardous conditions and wind chills far below the actual air temperature.
Snow showers and isolated snow squalls are possible Friday night into Saturday morning, followed by strong winds on Saturday that may cause blowing and drifting snow, especially at higher elevations. The combination of bitter temperatures and gusty winds will create a high risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and damage to infrastructure, including frozen or burst pipes.
Code Blue will be in effect for all Warming Centers. The Kingston Warming Center, located at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf Street, in Kingston, will continue 24/7 operations through March 31 (with the option to extend if cold temperatures persist).
The Ellenville Warming Center, located at the Hunt Memorial Building, 124 Canal Street, in Ellenville, will shift to 24-hour operations beginning at 9 AM on Thursday, February 5, continuing through 9 AM on Monday, February 9.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, bring pets inside, use heating equipment safely, check on vulnerable neighbors, and monitor weather updates throughout the weekend.
The Kingston center can be reached at (845) 334‑0551, and the Family of Woodstock Hotline is available at (845) 338‑2370. Law enforcement and partner agencies may transport individuals directly to a warming center.
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