Important Message From Catskills Hatzalah Ahead of Shabbos Nachamu

August 14, 2019

As you may be aware, the upcoming Shabbos Nachamu/Visiting Sunday weekend in the Catskills is expected to bring an influx of visitors and traffic to the Catskills region. Additionally, the County has a few large events planned – including the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock – all of which are expected to contribute to the increase of traffic in the area, especially on Route 17 (from the Harriman Toll Plaza until Exit 104) and Route 17B in Monticello and White Lake.

The State Police have warned of the potential for significant traffic delays on Friday. As such, we strongly encourage you to travel to the Catskills on Thursday. If you must travel to the Catskills on Friday, we implore you to arrive in the morning.

If you find yourself on Route 17 close to Shabbos, and you won’t arrive in the Catskills before Shabbos, Catskills Hatzalah has made arrangements in Kiryas Yoel as well as in Bloomingburg (Exit 116).

Kiryas Yoel: Chaveirim 845-782-3111
Bloomingburg (Exit 116): 718-928-5667.

For those in the White Lake and Kauneonga Lake area: We strongly encourage you to do all of your shopping by Thursday evening, as there may be intermittent road closures in those areas. The State Police have also warned that parking will not be permitted on all roads in the Town of Bethel (including White Lake, Kauneonga Lake, and part of Swan Lake) for the duration of the weekend. All cars that are parked on the road (including on the shoulder) will be towed immediately. The town has contracted with numerous tow companies to ensure that the roads remain unimpeded.

Catskills Hatzalah will be in constant contact with the County Officials throughout the weekend and will have additional ambulances and other resources strategically placed throughout the region to ensure a quick response to all medical emergencies.

We wish you and your family a safe and peaceful Shabbos Nachamu in the Catskills.