Jamestown, New York – Drivers across western New York have less than 24 hours to prepare as ice and wet snow threaten to freeze roads by 7 a.m. Tuesday, just as the morning commute ramps up across the Southern Tier.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters expect a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, with ice accumulations reaching a few hundredths of an inch and snow totals staying under one inch.
Even minor ice buildup can turn bridges and overpasses slick, especially along Interstate 86, Route 60 near Jamestown, and Route 219 through Cattaraugus County. Olean and Wellsville could see reduced visibility during heavier bursts of sleet late Tuesday morning, slowing traffic and increasing the risk of fender benders.
School districts and municipal crews are monitoring road conditions, and untreated secondary roads may remain slippery into the early afternoon. Drivers should slow down, allow extra braking distance and avoid sudden lane changes. Keep headlights on during periods of mixed precipitation.
The advisory expires at 4 p.m., but additional updates are possible if icing lingers into the evening commute.
