Binghamton, New York – Slippery roads could develop within hours Wednesday as snow and ice begin coating highways across central New York by noon, threatening the evening commute on major routes including I-81 and I-90.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from noon Wednesday until 4 a.m. Thursday for Onondaga, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware counties. Forecasters expect up to 2 inches of snow combined with around one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation. Even a light glaze of ice can freeze untreated bridges and overpasses quickly, especially after sunset.
Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Oneonta, Norwich and Cortland are all included in the advisory zone. Road crews may struggle to keep pace if icing intensifies during the late afternoon and evening drive. Officials warn that side streets and elevated roadways will become slick first.
Farther north in Boonville and across Northern Oneida County, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as wet snow, with totals between 2 and 5 inches possible before daybreak Thursday. Heavier bursts could briefly reduce visibility and create snow-covered roadways.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra travel time and check 511 for updated road conditions. Conditions improve gradually after 4 a.m. Thursday as precipitation tapers, but additional advisories could be issued if colder air lingers into the morning commute.
