BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Drivers across central New York have only minutes to react as a fast-moving snow squall barrels east Wednesday night, cutting visibility to less than a quarter mile and quickly coating roads with snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, the squall was located at 8:16 p.m. along a line from Bowerstown to near Harpursville and is racing east at 35 mph. The warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. for parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are creating blowing snow and sudden whiteouts.
Communities in the direct path include Oneonta, Sidney, Walton, Delhi, Davenport, Guilford and Sanford. Travel conditions can deteriorate within minutes, especially along Route 17 and Interstate 88, where reduced visibility and slick pavement may force drivers to slow abruptly.
Motorists should reduce speed immediately, avoid sudden braking and increase following distance. If visibility drops to near zero, pull off the roadway safely and turn on hazard lights.
The squall is expected to move out of the region shortly after 9 p.m., but lingering slick spots could persist through the late evening as temperatures remain below freezing. Additional snow showers may redevelop overnight, and further warnings could be issued if new bands intensify.
