Syracuse, NY – Drivers across central New York have hours to prepare before snow and ice move in by noon Wednesday, threatening to coat roads just in time for the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from noon Wednesday until 4 a.m. Thursday for Onondaga, Madison, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego, Delaware and Oneida counties. Most areas, including Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Oneonta and Norwich, can expect up to 2 inches of snow along with around one-tenth of an inch of ice.
Northern Oneida County, including Boonville, will see mainly wet snow with totals between 2 and 5 inches.
Even a light glaze of ice can freeze untreated roads, bridges and overpasses quickly Wednesday afternoon and evening. Portions of Interstate 81, Interstate 90 and Routes 12 and 17 could turn slick before sunset. The Wednesday evening commute faces the highest risk for slowdowns and minor crashes.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and check 511 for the latest road conditions. The advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday, and additional updates are possible if icing becomes more widespread overnight.
