Binghamton, NY – Drivers across the Southern Tier and northeastern Pennsylvania have less than 24 hours to prepare as a Winter Storm Watch signals up to 12 inches of snow beginning Sunday afternoon, threatening to freeze bridges and slow travel before the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, heavy snow could begin as early as Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday evening across Delaware County in New York and Northern Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties in Pennsylvania. Forecasters say 6 to 12 inches of accumulation is possible, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph. Those gusts could whip up blowing snow, reducing visibility and creating sudden whiteout conditions on exposed roadways.
In Delaware County, communities including Delhi and Walton could see snow-covered stretches along Route 10 and Route 28 by late Sunday. Farther south, drivers on Interstate 81 near Hallstead and Montrose, as well as Route 6 through Tunkhannock, may encounter slick overpasses and drifting snow. PennDOT and NYSDOT crews are expected to pretreat major highways, but steady snowfall rates could quickly overcome road treatments.
The heaviest impacts are expected to hit during both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel, keep extra space between vehicles and avoid sudden braking. Motorists should check that vehicles are winterized, fuel tanks are at least half full and emergency kits are stocked.
Warnings may be upgraded as confidence increases. The watch remains in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, with additional updates expected as the storm track becomes clearer.
