Binghamton, NY – The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued Winter Storm Watches for much of Central New York and Northeast Pennsylvania, as the region braces for its first significant snowfall of the season late Monday night into Tuesday.
Snow is expected to begin between 2 AM and 5 AM Tuesday, spreading from west to east and quickly intensifying through the early morning hours. The heaviest snow is forecast during the Tuesday morning commute, when visibility will drop sharply and roads will become slick and snow-covered.
Forecast totals show 4–6 inches across areas including Ithaca, Elmira, Cortland, and Syracuse, with 6–8 inches likely from Binghamton to Montrose, Honesdale, and Scranton. The highest amounts — 8–12 inches — are expected across Delhi, Cooperstown, and the higher elevations of the Catskills and Poconos, where snow may persist longest before tapering off Tuesday evening.
NWS meteorologists emphasize that this system, while typical for early December, comes after a mild stretch, meaning road surfaces may initially be wet before rapidly freezing, increasing the risk of icy conditions and accidents.
Drivers along Interstates 81, 86, and 88 are urged to avoid unnecessary travel early Tuesday and allow extra time if travel is unavoidable.
For the latest forecast updates and advisories, visit weather.gov/bgm.
