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

Bronxville-Eastchester 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 1:15 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 10:31 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: A voicemail recording at the Bronxville Library Friday morning states the library is closed at this time. The library closed early Thursday at 5:30 p.m. due to the storm.

Update 9:55 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014: Bronxville closed Village Hall on Friday, and it is also suspending parking meter enforcement due to the snow storm, according to a statement from the Village. 

Additionally, sanitation pickup for Friday has been suspended.

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 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 3:10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: The United States Postal Service is reminding Bronxville-Eastchester 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 Bronxville-Eastchester.

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.

Westchester County’s Bee-Line buses were still “on or close to schedule” on Thursday.

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