Dozens of NY law enforcement leaders stranded in Israel during counterterrorism training

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah confirmed Saturday evening that six law enforcement leaders from Westchester County are among a 32-member New York delegation "that traveled to Israel Oct. 5" for a training and are awaiting evacuation in the country.

"A deputy chief investigator from our office is one of six law enforcement leaders from Westchester County among a 32-member New York delegation that traveled to Israel Oct. 5 for an international counterterrorism and antisemitism training," Rocah said. "I am in communication with our Deputy Chief who informed me that though the delegation is close to the Gaza Strip, they are sheltering in a safe location and every effort is underway for their safe return to New York."

ISRAEL DECLARES WAR AFTER HAMAS SURPRISE ATTACK, LAUNCHES RETALIATORY AIRSTRIKES IN GAZA

"While I am personally overcome with emotions about the devastation unfolding in Israel, I share in the gratitude I hear from our colleagues about their wellbeing and protection during their evacuation despite wanting to stay for their week-long training," she added.

In a statement to CBS News, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her focus on getting stranded New Yorkers out of Israel.

Asked whether she knows how many New Yorkers are currently stranded in the country, Hochul told the outlet, "We're trying to get a headcount on that. We've been in communication with the embassies, the state department. I've been in personal conversations with many New Yorkers who are in Israel right now, some in Tel Aviv, which is under attack as we speak. Jerusalem is a little bit quieter right now, at least for the time being, so we're really getting real-time reports from people, but there's no flights in or out. So we're talking about how we can get New Yorkers back safely."

"The reports are absolutely scary and frightening and devastating," Hochul added. "People are stranded. People have been in shelters. People have been within a block or two of an explosion, and there's just real fear and terror reigning through the community."

If you live in the northern hemisphere, don't put away your tank tops just yet; Indian summer approaches

When the leaves start changing and the days get shorter, colder weather is on its way, but maybe not right away. 

Once there are a few days filled with cooler temperatures, many people rush to pack away shorts and tank tops and trade them out for jeans and sweaters. 

Yet once fall arrives, you may want to hold off on putting away all your summer outfits because you could need them one more time for Indian summer. 

Indian summer is a time when warm temperatures return to the Northern Hemisphere. 

KEEPING PETS SAFE IN THE COLD: 5 CRUCIAL TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR FURRY FRIEND THIS WINTER 

If it happens, take advantage of the few extra days to enjoy the warm temperatures before cold weather rolls in.

Below is everything you need to know about Indian summer and ways to take advantage of the warm front. 

Indian summer is a period of abnormally warm weather in late October or November in the Northern Hemisphere. 

For a weather pattern to be considered Indian summer, the temperatures must reach 70 degrees Farenheit, and a heat wave must occur after the first frost of the year. During this time, the days are warm and hazy with cooler temperatures emerging at night. 

The exact origins behind Indian summer are unknown, but there are a number of different theories. 

A popular one is that Native Americans recognized the weather pattern and used the period of warm weather as an opportunity to gather additional food and prepare for the winter months.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

There are other names used for the phenomenon, including "second summer" and "Saint Martin's summer," which is used throughout Europe and refers to Saint Martin's Day Nov. 11. 

An Indian summer may last just a few days or more than a week. 

An Indian summer could also occur more than once before winter arrives

The weather that comes with Indian summer provides one last opportunity to enjoy warmer temperatures before frigid temperature are here to stay. 

This warm weather provides a great opportunity to get last-minute yard work completed. 

Take the time to enjoy the warm weather before you spend most of the days inside

Go for a walk, eat lunch outside at a local park or enjoy a good book out in the yard. 

About Us

Virtus (virtue, valor, excellence, courage, character, and worth)

Vincit (conquers, triumphs, and wins)