The first major blizzard of the new Winter season is prompting several Westchester communities to issue a State of Emergency. 

A State of Emergency has been declared in Ossining, New Rochelle,Lewisboro and Sleepy Hollow.

The move bars residents from all unnecessary travel on area roadways to enable public works crews to move in and remove snow and treat the roads.

State Police have already issued a warning urging motorists, if at all possible, to stay home and allow road crews to remove snow and treat roadways.

Driving rains and strong gusty winds have k-o'd power to thousands of customers this afternoon. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour took down trees and power lines leaving utility companies scrambling to restore power to thousands. As of 3 p.m. Con edison is reporting more than 7,000 customers are in the dark. A huge chunk of that, more than 1,000 are in Croton-on-Hudson.

A storm is bringing heavy rain and strong, gusty winds to Westchester today, knocking out power to thusands of customers. Forecasters say there will be rain today, heavy at times, with winds gusting up to 55 miles per hour, resulting in downed trees and power lines.

Rain is expected to continue through the afternoon  with 2-3 inches predicted. That could result in mild to moderate stream and river flooding.