Binghamton, New York — A prolonged stretch of bitter cold will grip Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania through Friday morning, bringing dangerous wind chills and lake effect snow showers, according to the National Weather Service in Binghamton.
Forecasters say temperatures today will remain very cold, with intermittent lake effect snow showers and flurries, particularly across northern counties. Conditions are expected to worsen tonight as northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph combine with falling temperatures, producing wind chills between 10 and 25 degrees below zero in many locations.
Overnight low temperatures are forecast to range from 0 to -10 degrees, with isolated locations dropping as low as -15 degrees. These conditions prompted a Cold Weather Advisory, which goes into effect at 7 PM this evening and remains in place until 10 AM Friday for all of Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes under these wind chill values. Residents are urged to bundle up in multiple layers, wear hats and gloves, and limit time outdoors whenever possible.
Travel impacts are also possible, especially along Interstate 81, Interstate 86, Interstate 88, and Route 17, where lake effect snow showers could briefly reduce visibility and create slick spots, particularly overnight into early Friday. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain light, rapidly changing conditions may catch drivers off guard.
Daytime conditions Friday will remain cold, though winds may gradually ease later in the morning. Lake effect snow showers are expected to taper off by Friday afternoon as high pressure builds into the region.
Officials recommend checking on elderly neighbors, ensuring pets are brought indoors, and preparing vehicles with emergency supplies before traveling. The National Weather Service advises closely monitoring updated forecasts and safety guidance as the cold spell continues.
