Albany, New York – Motorists across interior and upstate New York should be prepared for rapidly changing travel conditions today as snow squalls develop behind an arctic cold front, capable of turning clear highways into dangerous stretches with little notice.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, snow squalls are possible across much of upstate New York through this afternoon. These squalls can produce brief but intense snowfall, strong wind gusts, and sudden reductions in visibility, creating near-whiteout conditions in minutes.
The highest risk for hazardous travel is along major routes including Interstate 90 from Buffalo through Rochester and Syracuse, Interstate 81 from Syracuse south toward the Central New York and North Country regions, and Interstate 86 across the Southern Tier. Additional impacts are possible along I-88, I-87 (Northway), and US-20, especially on open stretches, bridges, and elevated roadways.
Gusty winds behind the cold front may blow snow across lanes, quickly coating pavement and sharply reducing visibility. Even short-lived snow squalls can lead to spinouts and multi-vehicle accidents if drivers are caught off guard at highway speeds.
Drivers are urged to slow down immediately if snow squalls develop, turn on headlights, avoid sudden braking, and be prepared to pull off the roadway if visibility drops rapidly. The snow squall threat will ease later today, but cold and windy conditions will persist into tonight, keeping winter travel hazards in place.
