Jamestown, New York – Drivers across the western Southern Tier could hit slick patches within hours as light freezing rain develops by 7 a.m. Tuesday, creating icy spots through the heart of the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Ice accumulations are expected to stay under one tenth of an inch, but even that thin glaze can coat untreated roads and sidewalks.
The highest risk for icing runs from mid-morning through midday. Elevated surfaces along Interstate 86, Route 219 near Ellicottville and Route 17 through Wellsville may freeze first. Roads that appear wet could actually hold a thin layer of ice.
Local highway crews will monitor conditions, but drivers should slow down, leave extra stopping distance and use caution on bridges and parking lots. Residents are encouraged to report ice through the National Weather Service website or social media channels.
Temperatures should gradually rise later Tuesday afternoon, reducing the icing threat, though isolated slick spots may linger into the late day hours.
