Albany, New York – A late-day shift from rain to ice could turn roads across eastern New York slick in time for the Friday morning commute, with up to a quarter inch of ice possible in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect at 5 p.m. Thursday and continues until noon Friday for the Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, eastern Catskills, southern Adirondacks and upper Hudson Valley. The advisory also includes Berkshire County in Massachusetts, Litchfield County in Connecticut and Bennington and Windham counties in southern Vermont.
Precipitation begins Thursday afternoon as rain before colder air forces a change to sleet and freezing rain during the evening. Northern areas could see up to 1 inch of snow and sleet, while ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter inch are most likely across the southern Adirondacks and higher terrain of western New England.
Cities including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Pittsfield, Bennington and Glens Falls may see untreated roads, sidewalks and parking lots turn icy overnight. Bridges and overpasses along I-87, I-90 and Route 7 will freeze first.
Slow down and allow extra travel time Friday morning. Use caution on stairs and driveways. Conditions improve by late Friday morning as precipitation tapers, but additional advisories could be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
