Peekskill-Cortlandt Storm Hub: Metro-North to Suspend Railroad Lines at 10 PM

Update, 8:30 p.m.:

Editor's Note: The following was released by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Office.

Because of the accelerating severity of the storm as well as projected snowfall accumulations of more than a foot, Metro-North Railroad will begin a suspension of train service on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Lines at approximately 10 p.m. This service suspension will continue until further notice. 

With the significant increase in snowfall and high winds, the risk of a train becoming disabled with customers on board also increases significantly. Therefore, it is important to stop service at this time to ensure customer safety and to allow Metro-North employees to conduct aggressive snow fighting operations to keep the right of way as clear as possible. Road conditions have also deteriorated, with many road closures in Metro-North's service territory.

In addition, Grand Central Terminal will close after the last trains arrive, approximately midnight.

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Update, 6 p.m.

Editor's Note: The following was released by the state police in Troop K Headquarters.

New York State Police in Troop "K" advise that travel conditions are continuing to deteriorate. There have been approximately 100 minor accidents in the lower Hudson Valley region, as well as numerous disabled vehicles. All roadways remain open to passenger traffic although traffic is moving slow.  I-84 remains closed to commercial traffic from the Pennsylvania state line to the Connecticut state line due to winter weather conditions.  Although, the roadways remain open, motorists are urged to drive with caution and to avoid unnecessary travel and anticipate that interstates and parkways may be subject to immediate and unplanned closure to facilitate snow removal operations.

Update, 6 p.m.

Editor's Note: The following release was sent from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm has already started to bring heavy snow and high winds to parts of New York State. A state of emergency mobilizes resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only and allows the Governor to suspend laws and regulations that would impede rapid response. The disaster declaration is in effect for the following counties: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester. 

The Governor urged New Yorkers to avoid traveling and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed. Blizzard warnings remain in effect through 1:00 PM Saturday for affected areas of the state. An estimated 10-14 inches of snow is expected for New York City with areas in Long Island possibly receiving upwards of 20 inches. Wind speeds are beginning to pick up with gusts reaching 40 mph in NYC and a chance for gusts to reach near 70 mph on the forks of Long Island. 

“As this winter storm unfolds, bringing heavy snow and high winds to parts of the state, I strongly urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay indoors,” Governor Cuomo said. “To ensure an effective and rapid response to this winter storm, I am declaring a state of emergency for counties in the lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island so resources can get to communities where they are needed as quickly as possible.

Update, 4:45 p.m.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted that he has declared a State of Emergency. Will post more info when it becomes available. 

Update, 4:30 p.m.

Until 8 PM, Metro-North will operate a reduced schedule.

Between 8 PM and 1 AM (Sat., 2/9), we will operate limited service.  On the Hudson Line, there will be hourly service in both directions. On the New Haven and Harlem Lines, there will be hourly inbound (to NY) service and half-hourly outbound service out of Grand Central.

Updated, 4 p.m. Feb. 8

I-84 is closed to commerical truck traffic: The New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Police have directed that Interstate 84 from the Pennsylvania state line to the Connecticut state line is closed to commercial truck traffic due to the winter weather conditions.

The statement reads:

All commercial vehicles including large trucks (over 26,000 pounds GCWR/GVWR), tractors, tractor trailers and buses will not be permitted on the 70-mile stretch of highway effective immediately. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

All motorists are reminded to drive with caution and to avoid unnecessary travel. It is anticipated that travel conditions will continue to deteriorate rapidly.

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Quick takeaways from this morning's press conference with Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster:

• Trash pickup cancelled today and drop offs are cancelled for tomorrow.
• The Lincoln Parade and dinner are postponed.
• Cars will be towed! Make sure you follow the city winter parking ordinance.
• Programs at the Peekskill Senior Center have also been cancelled. Meals are being delivered to homebound seniors.

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Peekskill Mayor to Give Update on Storm Prep Efforts

Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster is scheduled to give a press conference 9 a.m. today updating the public on the city's storm preparation efforts. Check back for more information as it becomes available

Forecast

Winter Storm Warning from 7 a.m. today to 1 p.m. Saturday as the heavy rain coming from the south meets the snow coming from the west. At the moment northern Westchester is outside the blizzard forecasted by the National Weather Service. Still, snow could be more than a foot in Peekskill and Cortlandt. High winds, low visibility, heavy snowfall will make travel hazardous.

Transportation/Roads

• Winter Weather Advisory: MTA issues Special Snow Storm Service
• State Police Advises Drivers to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
• Winter Parking Restrictions in Peekskill
• Parking is Prohibited on Cortlandt Roads Nov. 15 to April 15

Schools

UPDATE, Friday, Feb 8, 7 a.m.

• The Peekskill Fencing Center will be closed today and Saturday.
• The Empire Beauty School at Peekskill is opening on its regular schedule. 
• [UPDATE] Lakeland Schools Closed; Early Dismissal for Hen Hud and Peekskill Schools

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• Westchester Community College Cancels Classes for Friday
  
• Putnam Valley Schools Closed Friday
• Garrison Schools are Closed Friday

Cancellations/Postponements

Update, Feb. 8, 4:30 p.m.:

• The Field Libary will be closed Saturday.
• The Juneteenth Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance that was scheduled for Feb. 14 has been postponed.
• Peekskill and Cortlandt government offices are closed
• All Hudson Valley VA Hospital clinics have been cancelled today and tomorrow.
• Fred's Pantry, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Peekskill, will be closed on Saturday.
• Energy Movement Center classes cancelled Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

Update, Feb. 8, 10:45 a.m.

• Peekskill Senior Center Programs have been cancelled for today. Meals will be delivered to homebound seniors.
• The Lincoln Parade Celebration and Dinner has been postponed

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• EagleFest Pushed Back to Sunday Due to Storm
• Ray Rice Hometown Victory Rally: Due to the predicted inclement weather, the hometown victory rally for Ray Rice scheduled for Saturday Feb. 9 has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 AM at New Rochelle City Hall, front steps, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Further details will be forthcoming as the date approaches.
• FEMA Disaster Recovery Workshop: The Westchester County workshop was originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Town Court, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla. FEMA will issue a new advisory when the events are rescheduled.
• Fire training: All classes at the Fire Training Center at the Department of Emergency Services in Valhalla are canceled for Saturday, Feb. 9.