Winter Storm News Hub: 'Dangerously Cold' Temperatures Blast Scarsdale

Scarsdale Patch will post updates to this "hub" article throughout Friday, including how things are going in town and links to separate articles published on the site. If there's a piece of information you're seeking, post it in the comments thread below and we'll try to run it down for you.

Dubbed "Hercules" by The Weather Channel, the winter storm hitting the region Thursday night and Friday morning could dump close to a foot of snow on Scarsdale and the surrounding area. Additionally, sub-freezing temperatures will hover over the Northeast into next week.

Update 1:20 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: Don't let the sun fool you, Westchester County residents should brace for bitterly cold temperatures throughout Friday into Saturday.

From the AccuWeather.com website:

Air blasting southward from eastern Canada on Friday will send temperatures down to their lowest levels since January 2009 in many locations from New England to part of the mid-Atlantic.

This includes temperatures dipping well below zero from northern Pennsylvania to the Hudson Valley of New York to southern New England, on northward into neighboring Canada. Cities that will plunge below zero Friday night include Boston, Hartford, Conn., and Scranton, Pa.

Lows in the single digits are forecast Saturday morning from Pittsburgh to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.

Warmer temperatures will begin to return on Saturday.

Update 11:02 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: "Bee-Line buses and Paratransit vehicles will start service at approximately 11:30 a.m. Due to poor road conditions, passengers should anticipate some delays," according to a statement from Westchester County government.

Update 10:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: The Scarsdale Library is closed Friday due to the snow storm.

Update 9:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: After some consideration, Greenburgh has cancelled recycling collection for Friday, according to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. From his statement:

We are cancelling recycling today because of the snow storm. Our crews are continuing to work - clearing the roads. Most of the roads are passable  but slippery--we think it will take a few more hours until the roads are in much better shape. This was a major storm. So, please be patient.

Update 7:27 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls in this frigid weather.

Update 9:56 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Metro-North is operating reduced train service through the storm.

Update 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner announced that the town will attempt recycling collection, weather permitting. From his statement:

We will try to continue with our recycling program tomorrow. However, if it’s too dangerous to send out crews, we will cancel. If recycling is cancelled tomorrow due to the snow,  I’ll post the information on the town website.

Update 5:26 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency and ordered the closing of parts of I-87 and I-84 beginning at midnight on Friday.

Update 3:23 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Scarsdale has altered its recycling and garbage collection scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3. 

Here is the Village's announcement:

Due to the impending snow storm, the Newspaper Recycling collection scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2014 has been suspended and re- scheduled for Thursday, January 9, 2014. As such, please have all recyclable newspaper and cardboard available for collection curbside by 7:00am Thursday, January 9, 2014.

In addition, garbage scheduled for collection on Friday, January 3, 2014 will be picked up as scheduled at the curb after the snow fall ceases & roads have been safely cleared for travel. Residents who provide a clear path for collection personnel will have their garbage picked up in the rear yard as usual. Based on the weather forecast, all residents, whether placing their garbage at the curb or providing a safe path to the rear of their property, should anticipate that sanitation collection services will occur later in the day on Friday, January 3, 2014.

Rear yard collections will resume on Monday, January 6, 2014. Please be sure to remove all snow and ice from driveways and walkways to provide clear access to your garbage and commingled recyclables.

The Recycling Center located at 110 Secor Road, will remain open today, Thursday, January 2, 2014, Friday, January 3, 2014 and Saturday, January 4, 2014, from 8:00AM-3:00PM for residents who wish to dispose their recyclables & garbage. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Update 3:10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: The United States Postal Service is reminding Scarsdale residents to also shovel out areas surrounding their mailboxes during and after the storm.

From their announcement:

Forecasters are predicting accumulations of six to twelve inches of snow across the Hudson Valley by Friday. Westchester District postal officials are reminding residents to include the mailbox in their snow removal routine since carriers depend on clear access for safe and timely mail delivery. 

When winter storms hit, letter carriers can be found on the front lines dealing with difficult conditions. Snow, ice, and wind gusts can be especially challenging. The Postal Service treats safety and service with equal priority and carriers will make every reasonable to deliver the mail.

For doorstep deliveries, painted porches and steps quickly grow hazardous. While salting and rubber-backed mats help, postal carriers rely on residents and business owners to clear the snow and ice.

Residents who receive delivery to roadside mailboxes are also asked to keep the approach to, and exit from, the mailbox clear of snow, vehicles, trash cans, or other obstacles. The carrier needs to drive in, and then out, without leaving the vehicle. Ideally, the area near the mailbox should be cleared in a half-moon shape to give the carrier full visibility.

Customers with questions or comments about their mail service can call toll-free 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or send an e-mail to the Postal Service by clicking on Customer Service at the bottom of the Postal Service’s USPS.com homepage.

Update 1:40 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Check these links for the latest on Bee-Line bus  and paratransit service, and updated information and service alerts.

From Westchester County government: For the status of Westchester County Airport flights, check this link for updated information and alerts. Additionally, air travelers are also encouraged to contact their airlines for status on flights.

Here are some Winter Safety Tips from the Health Department.

If you lose power, report it immediately to Con Ed or NYSEG. The phone numbers and websites are:

• ConEd power outage or gas and electrical service problems: (800) 752-6633 or  (800-75-CONED)
• NYSEG electricity power outage: (800) 572-1131
• NYSEG natural gas power outage : (800) 572-1121

Update 1:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Expect snow amounts to reach or exceed six inches in much of the Westchester County and Lower Hudson Valley areas Thursday night and Friday morning, according to AccuWeather.com and the National Weather Service.

Posted on the AccuWeather.com website:

The worst conditions are likely Thursday night, when the snow will be the heaviest, and winds and cold will cause the snow to blow and drift.

The plunging temperatures will cause roads to become icy, covered by snow and slippery. Where accidents occur, some roads could be blocked for hours. Expect flight delays and cancellations at area airports due to deicing activities, poor visibility and increasing winds.

Use the Patch app above to regularly check on the weather for Scarsdale.

Thursday afternoon, Gov. Cuomo was considering closing area New York highways in anticipation of the storm.

New York State Police were urging motorist to prepare for bad road conditions.

Scarsdale and Bronxville public schools are still on Christmas break, and are scheduled to reopen on Monday, Jan. 6. The Alcott School and the Cornerstone Children’s Center are closing early Thursday and will be closed on Friday.

Scarsdale cancelled all senior programs for Thursday and Friday.

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Get our Newsletter