Metro-North officials said today a train crew reported striking something on the tracks of the Saugatuck River Bridge where Westport police said Annette White was hit by a train Thursday.  But they did not notify anyone because they did not find any evidence it was a person.

A surveillance video released by Westport police today showed the train stopping and personnel looking around and under the train. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow photo from Westport Police video

Westport police confirmed they had not been notified by Metro-North and only began investigating the possibility that a train struck White after a passenger on the train alerted them Monday morning to a 20-minute stop on the bridge at 6:53 p.m. on Thursday.

Police said White, a 46-year-old Maine native who had been living at an Owenoke Park address since July, was apparently struck by the westbound train as she walked in the dark on the side opposite a narrow pedestrian walkway.

Her body was found floating in the Saugatuck River on Friday and an autopsy showed signs of blunt impact injuries similar to those caused by being struck by a vehicle or falling from a great height.

A 2014 ice sculpture on Westport’s Jesup Green tonight caught the attention of Athan Schmutte, 2, of Westport. A bonfire on Jesup Green and fireworks over the Saugatuck River at 10 p.m. were on the First Night schedule. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A display of model trains delighted First Night guests of all ages today at the Westport Library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Westport and area, which is in effect from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.

It said snow and blowing snow with accumulations of 4 to 8 inches is possible with temperatures in the single digits and teens.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

Nancy Scherter, a board member of Westport’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration, gets ready at the button-sale desk today in the lobby of the Westport Weston Family Y’s Bedford Building. Buttons are $15. Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 4 p.m. in front of the Y, with the Paul and Gene Jazz Duo beginning the first of two sets at 5 p.m. in the Bedford Room, followed by the rock-band RPM at 7:15 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Metro-North said it will operate a reduced weekday AM Peak schedule today, New Year’s Eve, an early afternoon getaway schedule and reduced PM Peak service.

The New Year’s Eve schedule will include extra late afternoon and early evening inbound service, as well as overnight New Year’s morning service. As in past years, those traveling home “early morning” (after midnight) on New Year’s Eve need to have train tickets in advance, an advisory said.

Tickets will be collected prior to boarding trains at Grand Central. As in prior years, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on Metro-North trains and platforms and at stations from noon on New Year’s Eve through noon on New Year’s Day. The MTA Police will enforce this restriction.

On New Year’s Day, Metro-North said it will operate hourly service, the railroad said. See train times here.

Sunset Monday as seen from Westport’s Longshore Cllub Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mark Molesworth for WestportNow.com