Potential for a large weekend snowstorm Jan. 25-26, and days of expected frigid temperatures, have some Lower Hudson Valley cities and towns already putting out advisories, sharing postponements and cancelations and, in one instance, declaring a snow emergency.
Ossining village has declared a snow emergency beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m. and until further notice, the village said in a Facebook post. During such an emergency, the village said, stopping, standing or parking your vehicle is barred on designated snow emergency streets.
Peekskill’s Office of Emergency Management said forecasts “currently indicate snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. We advise using the next 48 hours to complete necessary preparations” and added “please take a moment to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they have sufficient supplies to last through Tuesday.”
The Knickerbocker Ice Festival, returning to Rockland Lake, in Rockland County, this year after more than a decade, is postponing its return by one week. Originally scheduled for Jan. 24 and 25, the fest is now slated for Jan. 31 to Feb. 1.
“There is cold and there is dangerous cold, and there is snow and there is… well… what’s in store for us,” said a post from the festival staff to Facebook. “We are absolutely postponing the festival for a week, and we will spend that week making sure that the paths and lots are clear for an even better turnout.”
Winter storm prompts Westchester communities to prepare for the worst
Larchmont said on its Facebook page the Larchmont Farmers Market will be closed Saturday “due to the extremely cold temperatures. Our farmers let us know it’s too cold for their produce to hold up outdoors. Stay warm, Larchmont!”
Rye city said in a Facebook advisory that a “prolonged stretch of extreme cold is expected, with temperatures below freezing from Friday through Sunday. Daytime highs through Monday (and possibly Wednesday) will only reach the high teens, with colder nights.” A potential storm may affect the area Sunday into Monday, “with snowfall estimates currently ranging from 6–18 inches.”
Rye urged residents to “take precautions to protect people, pets, and property, including exposed pipes and limiting time outdoors.”
The city will have additional fire, police and public works personnel on duty “and is prepared to open warming shelters if needed” the message said. “Please prepare now, ensure adequate supplies, and stay informed.”
Port Chester village encouraged residents to prepare and to limit road travel during the storm’s potentially heaviest impacts.
“Plan to move your vehicles to off street parking locations where feasible, shop early for supplies, and be ready to see a large volume of snow cover our area through Monday afternoon,” the village said on Facebook.
Port Chester’s Department of Public Works was prepared to brine, salt, and clear roads as needed, and “residents can help by keeping snow out of our streets, limiting travel, and checking on neighbors who may need a helping hand.”
Monday’s garbage collection remains scheduled for Port Chester residents, but if your garbage is missed, leave it on the curb, sanitation will attempt to circle back on Tuesday. Trash violations will be relaxed from enforcement on Monday and Tuesday, the village said.
Port Chester also said that, in light of next week’s forecast, its recreation department has rescheduled the first day of day camp registration to Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Tips for the upcoming winter storm
Greenburgh police issued a series of tips for people as the temperatures plunge:
(This story may update.)
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Upcoming snowstorm prompts cancelations, prep in Lower Hudson Valley
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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