UPDATE: Thanksgiving Storm Central for Larchmont - Mamaroneck

Written by Lanning Taliaferro

Update at 12:51 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed activation of New York State’s Emergency Operations Center in preparation for heavy and blowing snow of up to 16 inches that is expected throughout the New York City area, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and the Mohawk Valley.

“As New York faces another winter storm, the Emergency Operations Center will ensure that resources are made available to keep residents, as well as visitors, safe as they travel for the Thanksgiving holiday,” Cuomo said. “I urge motorists to avoid unnecessary trips but, if you must drive, to exercise caution and to check your route before leaving.”

Cuomo has activated the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Hawthorne through Thursday. This morning, the Governor visited the Emergency Operations Center and was briefed by representatives of agencies reporting for this activation: the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Thruway, State Police, Information Technology Services, and the Public Service Commission.

The State has prepared 911 snow plows, more than 1,800 plow operators and more than 130,000 tons of road salt between New York City and Albany to respond to the storm.

The Governor additionally announced the following traffic restrictions that are in effect in anticipation of heavy snowfall in the region:

• Beginning 7am, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, long tandem vehicles will be banned from the New York State Thruway on I-90, both directions from Interchange 32 (Westmoreland/Rome) to Interchange 24 (Exit 24) and on I-87, both directions from Interchange 24 (Albany) to the New York City line. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
• Beginning 7am, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, commercial vehicles will be banned from Interstate 84, both directions, from the Pennsylvania border to the Connecticut border.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited sight distances, and the size and weight of snowplows make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

Some of the most important tips for safe winter driving include:

• Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered;
• Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles;
• Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations;
• Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces;
• Be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement temperatures are below freezing;
• Have a cell phone handy, if possible, but do not text while driving; distracted driving is illegal and becomes even more dangerous during storm events;
• Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound;
• Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes;
• Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival; and
• Keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound.

Motorists should also include the following emergency items in their vehicles:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Charged cell phone and automobile charger
• Basic first-aid kit
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra clothes, including rain gear, boots, mittens, and socks
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Fire extinguisher
• Shovel
• Sand, road salt and/or cat litter for traction
• Tire chains or traction mats
• Basic tool kit, including pliers, wrench, and screwdriver
• Tow rope
• Battery jumper cables
• Road flares/reflectors
• Brightly colored cloth (to use as a flag)
• Road maps

The New York State Department of Transportation provides a travel advisory system that features real-time travel reports and can be accessed by dialing 511, online at www.511ny.org, or via a downloadable smart phone app. The web site features a color-coded map indicating which state roads are snow covered, ice covered, wet, dry, or closed to help travelers determine if travel is advisable. The system provides real-time snow and ice conditions for interstates and other heavily traveled roads, as reported by snowplow operators.

Original story: New York State officials banned commercial vehicles from I-84—from the Connecticut border to Pennsylvania—starting at 7AM.

Metro North has added extra trains out of Grand Central in the afternoon, to help commuters out of New York City.

Some school districts in Rockland, Putnam and northern Westchester, such as Lakeland and Brewster, had already scheduled today as a holiday; or, like Nyack and Ossining, they have a scheduled early dismissal.

Others have announced they’re closed or will be closing early.

Closing:

ROCKLAND

Pearl River

WESTCHESTER

Bedford Central School District

Chappaqua school district

Hendrick Hudson School District

Katonah-Lewisboro School District

North Salem Central Schools

Peekskill City schools

Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES

Somers Central School District

Yorktown Central School District

Tarrytowns: Staff development sessions cancelled (students are already out on break)

Dismissing early:

ROCKLAND

Clarkstown schools

WESTCHESTER

Croton-Harmon School District, CHHS, PVC, 10 a.m.; CET, 10:45 a.m.

Pleasantville School District, 10:45 a.m.

Greenburgh Central School District, high school and middle school, 10:20 a.m.; RJ Bailey, 10:45 a.m.; Highview, Lee F. Jackson and ECP, 11:30 a.m.; afternoon programs cancelled

Rye Neck School District, high school and middle school, 11 a.m.; Daniel Warren, 11:50 a.m.; Bellows, Noon

Additionally, Mamaroneck officials issued the following press release to help residents through the storm:

The Village of Mamaroneck has been tracking for several days a snow prediction for Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Predicted snowfall accumulations have steadily been increasing to the point of current total predictions of between three to seven inches (3” to 7”) and possibly more.

However the storm impacts our area, it is predicted to be significant. This means that travel will likely be restricted, with impacts on public transportation and either delays or closures of schools, particularly in light of the fact that Wednesday, as the day before Thanksgiving, is one of the busiest days of the year for travel. Please plan according to the conditions.

The following are Holiday/Thanksgiving week reminders in relation to the Village Offices, garbage and curbside leaf collection schedules:

1. Wednesday is normal Recycling Day; no leaf pick-ups
2. Thursday is the Thanksgiving Holiday, and Village offices are closed
3. Friday is regular garbage collection; NO LEAF COLLECTION; Village offices are closed
4. Monday, December 1, 2014 -- normal garbage and leaf collections will resume

Please stay tuned to your local weather forecasts and take appropriate action to prepare yourself and your family. Since the snow is going to be a heavy snow, following a very warm period yesterday and today, it is very possible that the heavy snow could weigh down trees and wires and contribute to lines coming down and causing power outages. Con Edison and the Village have been communicating and are prepared to respond to possible power outages.

Please note weather information from national online weather resources -- Accuweather, The National Weather Service (NOAA.gov), and Weather.com.

Accuweather: http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/mamaroneck-ny/10543/daily-weather-forecast/339690?day=2

National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.95122687502135&lon=-73.7349270324558&site=all&smap=1#.VHUJ2rktC70

Weather.com http://www.weather.com/weather/today/l/USNY0856:1:US

Knowing how weather patterns can change, we urge our residents and business people to continue to monitor the predicted snowfall in case the forecasts change and any delays or closures that could affect the Wednesday commutes or school hours become more definite.

Have a safe, enjoyable and Happy Thanksgiving.

Very truly yours,

The Village of Mamaroneck employees, volunteers and elected officials

MAP: Accuweather.com

Patch Editor Alfred Branch contributed to this report.