Buffalo, N.Y. – Roads across Western New York could turn icy before sunrise Wednesday as freezing rain begins around 5 a.m., creating slick conditions for the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 5 a.m. Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday for Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga and Genesee counties. Ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter inch are expected, with the highest totals likely in Niagara, Orleans and western Monroe counties. Snow and sleet totals will remain under one inch, but even light icing could glaze untreated roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
In Rochester, Medina and Niagara Falls, bridges and overpasses will freeze first as surface temperatures hover near or below 32 degrees. The Wednesday morning and evening commutes face the greatest impact, especially on secondary roads that may not see immediate treatment. Portions of Interstate 490, Interstate 390 and the Lake Ontario State Parkway could develop slick stretches during heavier freezing rain.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and allow extra travel time. Keep headlights on during periods of mixed precipitation and watch for black ice in shaded areas.
The advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday, and additional updates are possible if ice totals trend higher during the day Wednesday.
