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Binghamton and the Southern Tier continue to prepare for a significant winter storm expected to blanket the region with heavy snow this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a winter storm warning effective from 1 a.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday, replacing the previously issued watch. Meteorologists are predicting between 12 and 18 inches of snow for the Southern Tier region.
"The Southern Tier is anticipated to get between 12 and 18 inches of snow," said Ben Lott, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Binghamton.
The storm is expected to begin slowly Saturday evening with minimal accumulation before intensifying significantly. According to the forecast, snow will move in overnight Saturday (January 24), with steady, heavy snowfall beginning around 6 a.m. Sunday (January 25).
During the height of the storm on Sunday, snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour, making travel extremely hazardous. The National Weather Service warns that travel could become "very difficult or impossible" during this period.
"If you can stay home, that's the safest place to be," emphasized Andrew Stiles, Regional Director of the New York State Department of Transportation, who advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
The snow is expected to continue through Sunday night before gradually tapering off Monday morning, with lingering snow showers possible throughout Monday. By Tuesday (January 27), no precipitation is in the forecast.
Adding to the dangerous conditions, Kaitlyn Lardeo, a National Weather Service meteorologist, warned that wind chills could drop to negative 10 to negative 15 degrees Friday into Saturday, making this potentially the most severe winter storm in recent years.
In response to the impending storm, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for New York. The Broome County Office of Emergency Services is offering free transportation to warming centers and emergency shelters through Monday and will conduct wellness checks to ensure community safety.
This storm is part of a larger weather system affecting much of the eastern United States, bringing heavy snow, damaging ice, and dangerously cold temperatures across hundreds of miles.
Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages, stay informed about changing conditions, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this severe weather event.