Binghamton, New York – Forecast updates indicate a slight shift in expected snowfall amounts across central New York and northeast Pennsylvania, while the risk for sleet accumulation has increased in some areas ahead of a winter storm expected late Friday into Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, the band of higher snowfall amounts has shifted slightly north and east, while the probability of freezing rain has decreased for portions of northeast Pennsylvania and the western Southern Tier of New York. However, forecasters note that chances for sleet accumulation are increasing Friday night in those same areas.
The storm system is expected to bring widespread accumulating snow beginning Friday afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall likely late Friday afternoon through Friday evening, before gradually winding down early Saturday morning. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times beneath the heaviest snow band.
For parts of the region, sleet may mix in overnight Friday into early Saturday, which could reduce overall snow totals where mixing occurs. The National Weather Service emphasizes that uncertainty remains, particularly in the dashed areas shown on forecast graphics, where sleet could limit accumulation.
Winter Storm Watches remain in effect for the same counties previously identified, including northeast Pennsylvania and border counties of New York eastward from Steuben and Schuyler through Tompkins, Cortland, and Chenango Counties.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely, as small shifts in the storm track could significantly affect snowfall totals and travel conditions heading into the weekend.
