Cold Snap Hits Region; Temps Dip into Single Digits

It may be a four-day work week for many, but the continuing weather—with temperatures dipping into single-digit territory—could make the next few days seem lengthy.

On Tuesday night, temperatures in the Lower Hudson Valley sank to 9 degrees, prompting meteorologists to declare the cold front the worst in recent years.

The frigid conditions prompted workers to dress in lots of layers—some opting for three sweatshirts, two pairs of pants and a couple of knit hats—at Splash Car Wash on Route 22 in Southeast. 

"Most of the people come in the wintertime," manager Carlos Cortez said, adding that customers are looking to rid their vehicles of salt from the roadways.

Wednesday was the coldest day so far this year, Cortez told Patch. Still, he and his crews were all smiles as they chatted between cars, pacing around outside and trying to keep warm. 

Further south, authorities in Yonkers Tuesday closed Nepperhan Avenue mid-day for icicle removal.

Over in Rockland, students at Nanuet High School were evacuated for about 10 minutes Tuesday morning due to a fire alarm, but didn't take to the outdoor sports fields as usual.

Instead, children and teachers waited out the alarm indoors at the nearby middle school due to the gelid weather, according to administrators.

A dusting of snow is expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, with a high of about 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday night, the temperature will plunge to 1 degree.

The warmest weather this week is expected to come Saturday afternoon, with a peak of about 23 degrees—still a ways below freezing.

The freezing weather dovetails with a particularly strong flu season, which left folks searching for the vaccine at pharmacies across Putnam earlier this month.

For tips on combating the cold and winterizing your home, click hclick here.