Snow Inspires Westchester to Rely on Rails

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – With snow blanketing Westchester County on Saturday, residents flocked to the Metro-North train station in White Plains and put their faith on the rails instead of the wet and slippery road.

Eileen and Jimmy Duggan traveled from New Fairfield, Connecticut because they were unable to catch their local train. They were heading into the city to watch St. John’s face off against Villanova at Madison Square Garden. The two St. John’s fans were not risking an accident by driving from Connecticut into the city.

“We had to drive to White Plains because there were no other options to go to the city.” They were catching the 10:41 train to Manhattan.

While the game was not set to begin until 1:00, the couple was going to the St. John’s sponsored pre-game festivities because Jimmy’s uncle is an alum of the New York City college.

It was a special occasion for Eileen, Jimmy, and his uncle because “we usually go to one with him a year,” Jimmy stated.

After the game, the two should not have to worry about the snow, according to the National Weather Service forecast. The snow is expected to stop around 1:00. The temperature will dip to 23 degrees around 10 and continue to plunge overnight to 18 degrees.

While the sun will not help those who are shoveling and snowblowing until Monday, when the temperatures will hit the 50s, their is no snow expected on Sunday. The temperature will also reach the 40s on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

While most people drove to the train station, there were others who braved the elements and walked. Dave Walters and David Holroyd, visiting from London with two other friends, were all staying at the Crowne Plaza and walked 1.1 miles, according to Google Maps. The 24 minute walk did not deter their excitement for sightseeing in Manhattan.

“Throwing snowballs and tourism,” Dave Walters responded when asked what they would be doing in Manhattan. The four men, who work in radio, were in New York for four days and headed back to London on Sunday.

Patricia and John Mincey of White Plains decided against taking the car because of the accident-prone weather and were taking the train to 125th Street.

“We’re catching the train to go to Mount Sinai to visit my son [who had surgery],” said Patricia.

Tom Weber of North White Plains was on driving duty for his wife who was traveling to Manhattan.

“She’s headed to Manhattan to get eyelashes put in,” Weber said. “Nothing will stop her.”

Weber did not think the roads were good enough to drive on, but thought the train was the better option regardless of the weather.

“A little bit slippery,” he said. “I thought we’d definitely miss it [the train], but that’s also par for the course with my wife.”

While the roads are treacherous because of the snow, that certainly did not stop many Westchester residents from traveling to their destinations. 

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