LARGE WINTER STORM EXPECTED, SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION

LARGE WINTER STORM EXPECTED, SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION

The National Weather Service is predicting lots of snowfall and icy conditions over the next several days, with snowfall accumulation ranging from 6 to 12 inches. The first wave of snowfall is expected this evening around 10PM, with a second wave of snow expected late Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

City crews have been working to clear the previous snowfall from roadways and neighborhoods, and will continue preparing for the expected snowfall. During the winter storm both heavy snowfall and freezing rain are predicted, and motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible to give plow drivers plenty of room to safely clear ice and snow.

CITY OPERATIONS CONTINUE WORKING TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE

City operations will continue working to make roads and pathways safe for both drivers and pedestrians. Multiple crews have been deployed tonight and crews will continue through the Presidents’ Day Holiday and throughout the week. Please be mindful and aware of many city departments that will be working on roadways and paths, including the Police, Fire Department, Flood Control Department, Street Department, Parks Department, and others.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to enjoy the upcoming snow, but be safe,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.  “Parks Department and Flood Control crews will work on clearing pathways in our parks for residents to enjoy, and City Operations will be at work clearing and salting roadways to make the roads safer. However, forecasts call for snow throughout much of the week, so please give our drivers a chance to do their work by staying off the roads as much as possible.”

VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

If you or someone you know may need housing assistance during this time, please call the following numbers for assistance:

Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana: (812) 913-5173 or (812) 913-5278

New Albany Trustee’s Office: (812) 948-5498

The New Albany Trustee’s Office also has utility payment assistance options.

UTILITIES

More rounds of heavy snow and ice are expected from the incoming storm, so tree limbs and trees could be in danger of affecting power lines. Please be cautious of downed wires around fallen trees, and please stay away from any fallen lines.  

PETS

Please be considerate to pets, and bring them inside if possible during the winter storm. If you are unable to do so, please make sure they have proper shelter that is insulated, to replace water bowls often, and/or replace frozen water.

Health Department Continues Vaccination Efforts

Efforts slowed by low supply.

The local health department continues to perform COVID-19 vaccinations as quickly as they are receiving supply. As of this past Saturday afternoon, over 1900 people have been vaccinated through the vaccination site located at Indiana University Southeast. Another 1000 vaccinations are scheduled this week.

“Our local health department, first responders, and health care workers are doing a wonderful job of vaccinating as many residents as possible,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Unfortunately, we are being held back by the limited supply of vaccine. I will continue to reach out to encourage state leaders to do more to help expedite vaccinations to residents in New Albany and Southern Indiana.”

Vaccine Registration Open for Residents 80 Years and Older

All New Albany and Floyd County residents 80 years and older can register for the COVID-19 vaccine by calling 211 today after 8:00 AM. You can call 211 anytime from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, including weekends. You can also register by visiting ourshot.in.gov

For additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to the following non-emergency public safety phone lines at:

Floyd County Health Department: (812) 948-4726
New Albany Fire Department: 812-948-5311
New Albany Police Department: 812-944-6411

Mayor Gahan encourages everyone that can to schedule their vaccine as soon as possible.

“It’s important for your health and the health of the entire community,” stated Mayor Gahan. “Your loved ones will thank you for it.”

Stay tuned for further vaccine information.

CITY OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO HELP EXPEDITE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

CITY OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO HELP EXPEDITE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
Mayor Gahan says speed is of the essence.

Late last year, the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the City of New Albany. Now, as we anxiously await more doses, Mayor Gahan has offered any and all means necessary to assist the local health officer and expedite distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The sooner that we distribute vaccines throughout the City of New Albany, the sooner that we can begin returning to normal,” stated Mayor Gahan. “We are interested in expediting the vaccine and getting it out as quickly as possible to all who need it.”

Local health officer Dr. Tom Harris thanked the city for the offer of assistance, and informed us that the Health Department is anxiously awaiting more doses. The health department anticipates further vaccinations could begin as early as January 11th. As of December 31st, 2020, over 2300 people in Floyd County have been vaccinated.

“We stand ready to assist in any way necessary to help aid in the vaccination of the residents of New Albany and surrounding community,” stated Mayor Gahan.

Mayor Gahan Appoints Tom Jones to Floyd County Health Board

Mayor Jeff Gahan has appointed Thomas M. Jones to the Floyd County Health Board. His professional experience and long-time commitment to our community will bring some additional expertise to the board.

“I would like to thank Tom for accepting this appointment during this critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Mayor Gahan.

Mr. Jones is a financial services professional with over 30 years’ experience. His civic involvement has included serving the Floyd Memorial Foundation (where he recently concluded over twenty-two years of service), the Southern Indiana Economic Development Council (past board chair), the New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation (founding board member), among others.