ALBANY, N.Y. – Drivers in eastern New York and western New England could face sudden bursts of snow and sharply reduced visibility Wednesday evening as snow squalls move through the region, creating slippery travel conditions, forecasters said.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, the region is seeing the potential for snow squalls late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. The agency said the main impacts are slippery travel and reduced visibility, with brief but intense snow capable of rapidly changing road conditions over a few minutes.
Forecasters said total snowfall from squalls is expected to range from about 0.5 to 2 inches, though amounts can vary widely because squalls tend to be narrow and fast-moving. The weather service said the timing is expected to focus on the evening hours, with most snow squalls ending by midnight.
The agency urged motorists to use extra caution if they plan to be on the roads Wednesday evening. Officials advised drivers to slow down and avoid tailgating, keep headlights on, and wear a seat belt. The weather service also recommended avoiding cruise control in snow or ice and, if possible, exiting highways before a squall arrives to reduce the risk of sudden braking and chain-reaction crashes.
Even small accumulations can create slick spots on bridges, ramps and untreated roads, especially when squalls briefly drop visibility and drivers have less time to react.
For commuters, the timing could overlap with after-work travel and evening activities, increasing the chance of slowdowns on major routes in and around the Capital Region and across nearby western New England corridors.
