Albany, New York – Slippery roads are likely to develop quickly along I-87 and I-90 late this afternoon as rain transitions to a wintry mix and pockets of freezing rain move into eastern New York before the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a low pressure system will spread rain, snow and periods of freezing rain across the Capital Region and western New England from mid-afternoon Wednesday into the overnight hours. The highest risk for icy travel appears between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., when temperatures hover near 32 degrees.
In Albany, Schenectady and Troy, rain is expected to change to a mix of sleet and freezing rain late in the day. Even a glaze of 0.10 to 0.25 inch of ice could create hazardous conditions on bridges and overpasses along I-87, I-90 and I-787. Farther north toward Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, colder air may allow more snow to mix in, leading to slushy accumulations on untreated roads.
South of Albany, including Kingston and Poughkeepsie along US-9, freezing rain may develop during the early evening before tapering late tonight. In the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, including Pittsfield, a period of snow and wintry mix could create slick travel along the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Drivers should reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance and plan for a slower commute. Icy conditions may linger into the overnight hours before temperatures gradually rise or precipitation tapers off early Thursday. Additional advisories are possible as the system evolves.
