'Winter Weather Advisory' Issued for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow and County

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in New York have issued a “winter weather advisory” for snow, sleet and freezing rain in the Lower Hudson Valley beginning at midnight tonight and lasting until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Snow accumulations in the region are expected to reach 3 to 5 inches “with up to a tenth of an inch of ice.”

Weather reports for the last few days have predicted a significant weather event for Saturday, which has already caused some scheduling adjustments. In Scarsdale, for example, Saturday’s SAT test has been canceled, and Mamaroneck school officials said in a statement that they will make a determination early Saturday about building availability:

Due to the possibility of inclement weather tomorrow, Saturday, January 24th, we wanted to alert you that we will be making a decision by 8 am tomorrow as to if our school buildings will be open or closed for activities during the day and evening. We will announce this decision on our website – mamkschools.org – and through District e-mail, facebook and twitter. Again, a decision on if school facilities will be open or closed tomorrow will be announced by 8 am.

According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snow - likely mixed with sleet and/or freezing rain - will be Saturday morning through the afternoon, and it will taper off by the evening.

State police issued the following statement about Saturday’s storm, urging residents to use caution if you must travel:

The New York State Police from Troop K, covering Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties, would like to remind motorist to use extreme caution when traveling the roadways this weekend.

The chance of severe weather, consisting of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected on Saturday, January 24, 2015, which has the potential to make roadways slick and unpredictable. Allow extra time for your commute or simply avoid unnecessary travel.

The State Police would like to remind motorists to stay off the roads if possible. If you must drive, use extreme caution and drive slow.

If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, shovel, flashlight with batteries, extra warm clothing, snacks, jumper cables, and tire chains if you have them. An extra bottle of washer fluid should also be available.

Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Keep your gas tank as full as possible in the event that you are stranded or stuck in traffic.

Plan ahead by checking your tires for quality tread and proper inflation.

Keep your cell phone battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.

Make sure someone knows your travel plans and routes.

For road conditions, traffic, travel and transit info, use http://511ny.org/ or call 511.

Follow road closures and weather alerts on http://www.nyalert.gov/

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