Newburgh, Peekskill, Greenburgh and Mount Kisco declared states of emergency Thursday as the Hudson Valley and Westchester were hit with the first major snowstorm of the season.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northern Westchester, southern Westchester and Rockland. Snowfall rates were predicted to occasionally reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.

The snow started to fall after the morning rush hour. Areas south of I-287 saw up to 1 inch snow. Areas north of I-287 in northern Westchester and Rockland saw 2 to 4 inches. Residents living north of I-84 saw between 5 to 9 inches of snow. The snow turned into sleet and ice by midday, making the commute home hard for many.

Clarkstown police responded to around 30 accidents.

"The traffic, the hills especially are extremely slippery," said driver Tandra Thomas, of Yonkers.

The speed limit on the Tappan Zee Bridge was reduced to around 45 mph and drivers were urged to proceed with caution.

"There's been a lot of accidents, a lot of spinouts. I would advise people to take their time. If you slow down you'll be in a lot better shape," said state trooper Brian Hoermann.

Twenty-one Rockland schools were closed due to the storm.

Forecasters predicted that Friday would be dry. The severe weather is expected to return over the weekend.

For interviews on wintry weather and snowplow technology, go to iO Extra on channel 612 on your digital iO cable box.

Click here for more on Clarkstown accidentsClick here for more DPW crews at workClick to see how residents stocked up before the storm

Related Information:News12 Hudson Valley Weather