Scranton, Pennsylvania – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect across Northeast Pennsylvania and Central New York as light freezing rain and drizzle create hazardous travel conditions along Interstate 81 tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, the advisory has been expanded across much of Northeast Pennsylvania until midnight due to expected freezing rain and drizzle. In Central New York, including areas along and east of I-81, the advisory has been adjusted to end earlier at 1 a.m. Wednesday as precipitation arrives sooner than previously forecast.
Meteorologists say a band of mixed precipitation is moving across Central New York this evening and dropping southeast into Northeast Pennsylvania. While ice accumulation is expected to be light, a thin glaze of ice — up to a few hundredths of an inch — may form on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses, particularly along I-81, I-86, and nearby state highways.
The highest risk window for icy conditions is expected between early evening and 1 a.m., when surface temperatures remain near or below freezing. Even small ice amounts can significantly increase crash risk, especially during nighttime travel.
The advisory includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Wyoming, and southern Wayne counties in Pennsylvania, along with Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, and surrounding counties in Central New York. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and watch for rapidly changing road conditions.
After the freezing rain threat ends, colder air moving in overnight may allow lake-effect snow showers to develop late tonight into Thursday, potentially producing several inches of snow east and southeast of Lake Ontario.
This weather pattern may impact overnight commuters, delivery drivers, and early-morning workers, especially those traveling along I-81 before daybreak.
Officials recommend monitoring local forecasts and road conditions before traveling.
