Strong easterly winds estimated by local officials at between 70 and 80 mph, or near hurricane-force, knocked a tractor-trailer to its side on Route 22 in Copake in southern Columbia county on Wednesday morning, according to the Register-Star newspaper. A portion of Route 22 was closed by State Police for about three hours as firefighters and other emergency personnel cleaned up the mess. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
The tractor-trailer, which was carrying lawn and garden supplies, turned over on the driver’s side at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital by Copake Rescue Squad with injuries that were not believed to be serious. There was no immediate word on his condition.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation also responded to the scene to clean up the diesel fuel spill from the accident. Fire officials believe about 50 gallons of fuel spilled onto the roadway and surrounding areas, and were monitoring any potential environmental impacts.
The National Weather Service had placed wind advisories in effect for portions of the Taconics and Berkshires on Wednesday and said east to southeast winds could gust up to 50 mph. An official with the National Weather Service said his agency had no reports on the velocity of the winds as of 12:30 p.m., but the advisory was expanded into Columbia county after the report of the accident.
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Any weather-related decisions should always be made after consulting proper statements and forecasts from the National Weather Service.
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