Albany, New York – Drivers across eastern New York could face sudden whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility this afternoon and evening as fast-moving snow squalls sweep through the region, sharply increasing the risk of crashes on major highways.
According to the National Weather Service office in Albany, snow squalls are expected to develop later today and persist into the evening hours. These intense but short-lived bursts of snow and gusty winds can cause visibility to drop rapidly while roads become snow-covered and slick in a matter of minutes. Snow Squall Warnings may be issued for small, targeted areas when conditions become especially dangerous.
The greatest impacts are expected along busy travel corridors including Interstate 90, Interstate 87, and portions of the Northway, where sudden slowdowns can quickly lead to multi-vehicle accidents. Communities across the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, and southern Adirondacks are all at risk for rapidly changing conditions.
Emergency managers urge drivers to delay non-essential travel if a warning is issued. Those already on the road should slow down gradually, avoid hard braking, and use low-beam headlights. If visibility becomes near zero, safely pulling off the roadway until conditions improve can prevent serious accidents.
Snow squalls typically last less than an hour, but their impacts can be severe. Additional warnings or advisories may be issued as conditions evolve through tonight.
