Binghamton, New York – Travel conditions will rapidly deteriorate after sunset as a strengthening Nor’easter delivers snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour along I-81, creating dangerous conditions before the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday for Broome County and surrounding areas. Snow begins light Sunday morning, but the most intense bands develop this evening and persist through Monday morning as the storm intensifies off the New Jersey coast. Storm totals of 8 to 18 inches are expected across much of the region, with a few higher elevations in the Catskills and Poconos approaching 24 inches.
Heaviest impacts will occur along and east of I-81, including stretches of Route 17 and I-88. Visibility could drop below one-half mile during peak snowfall rates, and gusts between 30 and 40 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow overnight.
West of I-81, including parts of Chemung and Steuben counties, lighter totals of 1 to 4 inches are expected under a Winter Weather Advisory. Even there, gusty winds may create slick spots and localized drifting into Monday.
In Binghamton, roads will become snow-covered quickly late Sunday evening. The Monday morning commute is expected to be heavily impacted, especially on hills and untreated secondary roads.
Drivers should avoid non-essential travel Sunday night, keep headlights on during heavy snow, and allow extra braking distance. Prepare for possible power outages where heavy snow combines with gusty winds.
Snow tapers late Monday afternoon, but hazardous travel may linger into the evening. Additional updates are likely if heavier snow bands shift west.
