Wampsville, NY – Holiday travelers in Central New York could face treacherous road conditions through early Saturday as a potent lake effect snow event drops up to 15 inches across Madison County, directly impacting key travel routes including U.S. Route 20, NY-13, and NY-5.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, a travel advisory remains in effect due to whiteout snow bands and rapidly deteriorating roads. The advisory, issued Friday morning, warns drivers returning from Thanksgiving or heading out for Black Friday weekend to expect reduced visibility, slick pavement, and delays on all major east-west and north-south corridors.
“This is not the time to rush,” said Sheriff Todd Hood. “Our goal is to get everyone home safely — that includes families returning from Thanksgiving gatherings and our road crews out there working in brutal conditions.”
Officials are urging all drivers to follow safe snow driving practices:
- Decrease speed and avoid cruise control
- Increase following distance
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle
- Leave room for plows and emergency vehicles
This advisory does not restrict travel but strongly encourages residents and visitors to delay trips where possible and avoid overnight driving when snow rates are highest. Conditions are expected to improve gradually after 7 a.m. Saturday, but additional advisories may be issued.
