Full Notification

The NWS has issued a severe weather advisory including heavy rain, high winds & local flooding for southern Westchester including North Castle from 2 PM Saturday April 16, 2011 continuing thru 6 am Sunday April 17, 2011.

A coastal storm is expected to overspread the area this afternoon begining around 2 pm. This storm is expected to bring 40 to 50 mph wind gusts, and rainfall amounts of up to 4 inches which may lead to localized flooding conditions.

It is possible that this storm may have pocketed or localized severe thunderstorms embedded in it. If a storm of this type is encountered residents are encourage to take immediate action to protect themselves, get indoors and remain inside untilthe storm passes.

Stay tuned to local broadcast stations for weather updates and warnings. If additional information regarding severe weather is available it will be broadcast via Nixle to you as well.

A Wind Advisory IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING UNTIL 1 AM EDT SUNDAY.

LOCATIONS...NEW YORK CITY...LONG ISLAND...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER AND COASTAL CONNECTICUT.

HAZARDS...STRONG WINDS.

WINDS...SOUTHEAST WINDS INCREASING TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH.

TIMING...THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED THIS EVENING.

IMPACTS...DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND DOWNED POWER LINES ARE POSSIBLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS OF 31 TO 39 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 46 TO 57 MPH...ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.

WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.

National Weather Service Forecast for White Plains:

Today: A chance of rain after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Breezy, with a east wind between 11 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight: Rain likely before 9pm, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 9pm and 3am, then rain after 3am. Low around 47. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 23 mph decreasing to between 11 and 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain before 9am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a west wind between 14 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. West wind between 7 and 16 mph.

In advance of these High Winds residens Should:

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items in advance of this storm and remain mindful of weather conditions.

If you are driving in flooded conditions or in heavy rain drivers should remember:

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.

The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine.

Even though the weight of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) may appear to offer a greater protection in crossing flooded roads, their size and larger tires can make them more buoyant and more prone to being swept away. Bottom Line: It is just as dangerous to drive an SUV through flooded waters as a regular vehicle.

The rule is simple: If you cannot see the road or its line markings, do not drive through the water. Turn Around Don't Drown.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL INFORMATION from NORTH CASTLE OEM

All North Castle residents should prepare for the possibility of power outages during this time period extending into the overnight and until the posted NWS expiration date and time.

Residents experienceing an interuption in electrical service should contact Con Edison Directly at 1-800 75CONED to report their outage. All effected residents should call Con Edison even if the outage was reported by their neighbor.

The North Castle Office of Emergency Management is monitoring this high wind event and may activate the EOC if required to deal with situations arising from it. Additional information regarding incidents arising from this event will be sent when available through nixle. Residents with emergency issues may contact the OEM staff by Email at [email protected]. Mail will be answered as soon as possible during the event.

If you experience an emergency contact the North Castle Police Department by dialing 911. Do not dial 911 for general information, 911 is for emergency use only.

Please share nixle emergency comunications with your neighbors and friends. Encourage them to sign up to receive emergency updates as well.

STAY INFORMED, BE PREPARED, HAVE A PLAN