Binghamton, NY – Snow squalls and lake-effect snow are expected to impact portions of Central New York and northeast Pennsylvania on Thursday, prompting Winter Weather Advisories for several counties. According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, snow may begin developing by late Thursday morning and continue through the afternoon as colder air sweeps across the region.
Winter Weather Advisories are now in effect for Onondaga and Madison counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, where 3 to 5 inches of snow is forecast. Localized totals may reach up to 6 inches, especially in areas directly under the most persistent lake-effect band.
Forecast maps show the highest totals across the Syracuse region, with 4–6 inches possible north of the city, tapering to 1–3 inches elsewhere in Central New York. Additional accumulations of 1–2 inches are likely in Utica, Rome, Cortland, Ithaca, and Auburn. Areas farther south into northeast Pennsylvania—including Binghamton, Montrose, and Towanda—may see generally less than 1 inch, though brief squalls could still reduce visibility.
Forecasters warn that snow squalls could form across Central NY and NE PA, bringing sudden drops in visibility, quick accumulations, and fast-changing road conditions. These squalls may occur alongside stronger bursts of lake-effect snow, particularly during the late morning through mid-afternoon hours.
Travelers should prepare for slick roads, rapid visibility changes, and possible slowdowns on major routes, including I-81, I-690, Route 20, and surrounding secondary roads. NWS urges drivers to use caution, avoid sudden braking in squalls, and allow extra time for the Thursday commute.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Thursday evening as lake-effect bands weaken.
