Binghamton, New York – The New York–Pennsylvania region is entering an extended period of elevated winter weather risk as lingering cold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic keeps the threat for additional snowstorms high through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures are expected to persist across both states through the Feb. 7–20 period. With cold air firmly entrenched, any storm system tracking through the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, or along the East Coast would likely produce snow, and longer-range outlooks continue to support an active pattern capable of delivering heavy accumulations.
The renewed concern comes on the heels of Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern dropped nearly two feet of snow in parts of New York, with widespread totals exceeding a foot across central and northern Pennsylvania. Travel conditions deteriorated rapidly along Interstates 80, 81, 86, 88, 90, and 476, while school closures, supply delays, and scattered power outages were reported as heavy snow and gusty winds moved through the region.
As cold conditions persist, communities from Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse through the Southern Tier into Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, State College, and Altoona could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. New York DOT and PennDOT officials warn that repeated snow events may strain plowing operations, while prolonged cold increases the risk of ice buildup on untreated roads, bridges, and mountain passes, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Emergency management agencies across both states are urging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, restocking winter emergency supplies, and planning for potential travel delays. Drivers are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during snow events and to monitor state DOT updates closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the overall pattern supports continued winter threats. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the risk of heavy snow likely remaining a recurring concern across New York and Pennsylvania through mid-February.
