Albany, NY – Slippery roads could develop within hours Friday morning as a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain spreads across eastern New York, threatening the morning and evening commutes with up to a quarter inch of ice.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 7 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday for the Mohawk Valley, western Adirondacks and the northern and eastern Catskills. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of snow along with 0.10 to 0.25 inches of ice accumulation.
Wet, heavy snow will fall through midday Friday in Herkimer, Fulton and Montgomery counties before transitioning to lighter snow and pockets of sleet and freezing rain by late afternoon. Ice accretion could coat untreated surfaces in Schoharie, western Albany and western Greene counties during the height of the evening drive.
New York State Department of Transportation crews are expected to treat major routes including I-90, I-87 and Route 30, but secondary roads, bridges and elevated overpasses may freeze first. Areas such as Johnstown, Amsterdam, Cobleskill, Ellenville and Woodstock could see slick sidewalks and untreated driveways.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and avoid nonessential travel during peak icing. Residents are urged to use caution on stairs and sidewalks and keep mobile devices charged in case of isolated power disruptions.
The wintry mix tapers late Friday night, but icy spots may linger into early Saturday. Additional advisories remain possible if ice totals trend higher.
