Binghamton, New York – Dangerous cold and strong winds are impacting Central New York this weekend following the passage of an Arctic cold front.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Binghamton, a two-day period of extreme cold temperatures and hazardous wind chills is underway today and Sunday. Wind chill values are expected to range between 20 and 35 degrees below zero, creating a high risk for frostbite and hypothermia on exposed skin.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for all counties in Central New York through 11 p.m. Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in place for portions of Cortland, Onondaga, Seneca, Tompkins, and southern Cayuga counties due to additional weather impacts.
Gusty winds today are forecast between 30 and 40 mph, with isolated gusts up to 50 mph possible. The National Weather Service warns these winds could lead to scattered power outages and areas of blowing and drifting snow, particularly in open and elevated locations.
Travel may be hazardous along major roadways including Interstate 81, Interstate 88, and New York Route 17, where strong crosswinds and reduced visibility may develop. Lake-effect snow showers may add an additional 1 to 3 inches of accumulation, mainly across the Finger Lakes region.
Officials advise limiting time outdoors, wearing layered clothing, and covering exposed skin if travel is unavoidable. Frostbite can develop in as little as 15 to 30 minutes under these conditions. Residents are also urged to check on vulnerable individuals and bring pets indoors.
The cold and wind combination may particularly impact early-morning commuters, healthcare workers, and utility crews traveling during peak exposure hours.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after Sunday night, but residents should continue monitoring official forecasts and alerts as this dangerous cold event continues.
