White Plains, New York – Drivers across the lower Hudson Valley and southern Connecticut could see roads turn slick quickly Tuesday evening as light snow and freezing rain move in during peak travel hours, creating hazardous conditions through early Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday for southern Connecticut and southeast New York, including Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties in Connecticut, along with Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties in New York. Snow accumulations will remain light, generally up to one inch, but a thin glaze of ice is expected to develop overnight.
The greatest concern centers on freezing drizzle during the late evening and overnight hours, when surface temperatures hover near freezing. Even a light ice glaze can sharply reduce traction on major roadways such as I-95, the Merritt Parkway, I-287, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and local bridges and ramps.
Transportation departments across the region are preparing to treat primary routes, but untreated side streets, sidewalks, and parking lots are likely to become slippery first. Pedestrians are urged to use caution, especially on stairs and walkways where ice may be difficult to see.
Conditions gradually improve toward daybreak Wednesday, though isolated slick spots may linger into the morning commute. Additional advisories could be issued if ice coverage becomes more widespread overnight.
