Binghamton, New York – A potentially high-impact winter storm is lining up to affect much of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania late this weekend, raising concerns for dangerous travel conditions and prolonged disruptions from Sunday through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through Monday evening for a wide swath of central New York, including Binghamton, Syracuse, Ithaca, Cortland, Oneonta, and Utica, as well as northeast Pennsylvania communities such as Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Towanda, and Montrose. Widespread heavy snow is possible, with significant accumulations expected if the storm track holds.
In the Twin Tiers and areas southward, snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour at times Sunday into Sunday night, making roads quickly snow-covered and hazardous. Major routes including Interstate 81, Interstate 86, Route 17, and Interstate 88 could see severe travel slowdowns or closures during the heaviest snow bands.
In the shorter term, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect Thursday for northern Oneida County, including Boonville, where up to two additional inches of snow could impact both the morning and evening commutes.
Officials urge residents to complete preparations before the weekend, avoid unnecessary travel during peak snowfall, and monitor updates closely, as forecast adjustments and potential upgrades to warnings are likely as confidence increases. Heavy snow impacts may linger into Monday evening.
