The grey skies outside today may be an indication of what’s to come this weekend, as The National Weather Service reports Hurricane Irene could make it’s way to Westchester on Saturday.

According to a hazardous weather outlook issued for the area, “The exact timing is still uncertain…but heavy rain causing flooding and strong winds will likely begin as early as Saturday night.”

The most recent information available from the service indicates that the category 3 storm is now over the Bahamas and is moving north.  

In Bedford, the NWS forecast currently calls for thunderstorms on Saturday night, with “tropical storm conditions possible” for Sunday. And according to Accuweather.com, just over four inches could fall on Sunday.

Bedford Police Chief Williams Hayes says they are “reviewing all of our procedures and plans” and working together with the other town departments to ensure preparedness.

He urged residents to sign up for the recently reinstated Nixle alerts so as to receive notifications via text or email from the department with updates on road closures, accidents and more. You can sign up for the alerts by going to the town website or at www.nixle.com.

Hayes also suggested residents visit www.ready.gov and to “always have a plan.”

1. Is Bedford going to the dogs?

Did you know that there’s a new place to buy adorable puppies in town? Puppies, Puppies, Puppies has opened up at 742 Bedford Road in Bedford Hills, across from the Bedford Green shopping plaza. And should you have a new puppy to care for, there’s also a new place to have it groomed: Must Love Dogs is open for business. Check back for more on these two new places for pups.

2. On this day in history…

In 1829, James Smithson died in Italy, leaving his estate to the United States of America. Today, the Smithsonian is composed of 19 museums and galleries, nine research facilities throughout the United States and the world, and the national zoo. In the spirit of this historical fact and for a cool way to get out of the sun and soak up some local history, take the kids to a museum right in town: the Katonah Museum of Art, Bedford Historical Museum or the Bedford Hills Historical Museum.

3. Chinese school for kids

The Northern Westchester Chinese School, which holds Chinese language classes at the Briarcliff Middle School on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., is accepting registrations for the 2011-2012 school year. Click here for details.

4. Support for women with breast cancer

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is urging women newly diagnosed to contact its Breast Cancer Navigator Program, which provides mentors for help and support through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Click here for details.

5. Last ‘Dancing at Dusk,’ one more ‘Shades of Jazz’

Two great musical outings are happening tonight: the last family-oriented “dancing at dusk” program at Caramoor, this one is Samba do Rio—The Music and Dance of Brazil with Grupo Ribeiro; and, at 6:30 p.m., a solo performance with percussionist Billy Martin at the Katonah Museum of Art (you can pack a picnic).

Wizards, muggles and fans of all kinds came out to celebrate the last Harry Potter premier knowing that along with Harry, their journey was ending. 

“I’m really excited, but at the same time it’s bittersweet,” said Emma Harkham, 16, from Katonah, who arrived dressed as Luna Lovegood.

“It’s the end of an era,” she said. 

Harkham was with her two friends Jake Shippe, 16, from Katonah and Amanda Ko, 15, from South Salem, the former dressed as Harry Potter and the latter decked out as Hermoine Granger. 

People started arriving at The Bedford Playhouse on 633 Old Post Rd., between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. just to get a good seat. The theater was close to packed at least an hour before the movie was to begin.

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ is the eighth and final installment of the Harry Potter series. 

Collectively, the movie go-ers were upset knowing this would be their last midnight showing, Recent graduates felt a special connection as they compared their years of school with the on-screen wizards. 

“We had seven years of middle school and high school, and there’s seven years of Hogwarts,” says Mandy Godel, 17 from Mount Kisco, donning her Gryffindor house scarf.   

Last night’s movie premiere brought families together, as costumed groups of siblings and parents and children walked into the movie  theater together. 

“I’m going to miss all of the magic,” said Stephanie Ingraldi, 11, of Katonah. 

With her sisters, Christina, 15, and Jacqueline, 17, by her side—all in matching Harry Potter t-shirts—they were giddy with excitement. 

“We’re the Harry Potter generation,” said Christina. 

Parking lots were packed and quiet by 11:30 p.m. with film goers tucked into the theater well before the 12:01 a.m. start time.

“I’m going to miss everything,” says Emily Ivey, 16 of Bedford, dressed at Harry’s owl, Hedwig, “especially being able to see what happens next,” she added.  

“These are the best movies made out of books, says Cassidy Harris, 18, of Bedford, “I’m probably going to cry the whole time,” she says. 

Editor Lisa Buchman: Heard some news you want us to check out? Let me know: lisab@patch.com