If you have plans this weekend, you might want to rethink them. A winter storm is set to hit Binghamton, bringing heavy snow, a mix of sleet and freezing rain, and dangerously slick roads that could make travel extremely difficult.
Forecasters say snow will start falling early Saturday before turning into an icy mix later in the day. By Sunday night, a sharp drop in temperatures could turn everything into a frozen mess. Power outages, black ice, and hazardous road conditions are all possible, so it’s best to prepare now.
SATURDAY: SNOWY MORNING, ICY AFTERNOON
Saturday starts off with steady snowfall, covering roads and sidewalks with a few inches of accumulation before noon. Expect 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of snow before the storm shifts gears.
By the afternoon, warmer air will push in, and that’s when things get tricky. Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain, creating a layer of ice on top of the snow. This will make roads incredibly slick, especially in untreated areas.
With temperatures hovering near freezing, road conditions will be unpredictable—some areas may just be wet, while others will be completely iced over. Even a little ice can make driving dangerous, so if you don’t need to be out, stay put.
SUNDAY: MORE SNOW, THEN A DANGEROUS FREEZE
Sunday morning will still be messy, with on-and-off snow showers and light freezing rain continuing throughout the day. But the biggest concern comes Sunday night, when temperatures take a nose-dive from 35°F (2°C) to just 13°F (-11°C).
That means everything that was wet during the day will freeze solid overnight—including roads, sidewalks, and driveways. Black ice will be a major issue late Sunday into early Monday morning.
If you have to travel, be extra careful. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first, and even treated roads could become icy.
TRAVEL WARNING: ROADS COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Between heavy snow, ice, and rapidly falling temperatures, this storm has the potential to cause major travel disruptions.
If you absolutely must go out, take these precautions:
- Drive much slower than usual and give yourself extra stopping distance.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, which can cause skidding on ice.
- Be extra careful on bridges and overpasses, which freeze before regular roads.
- Carry an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight in case you get stuck.
For those staying home, be prepared for:
- Possible power outages if ice accumulates on power lines.
- Slippery sidewalks and driveways—have salt or sand on hand.
- Freezing temperatures overnight, which could lead to frozen pipes if your home isn’t well-insulated.
FINAL THOUGHTS: STAY SAFE AND PLAN AHEAD
This storm has all the ingredients to create dangerous conditions across Binghamton. The combination of snow, freezing rain, and a major drop in temperatures means road conditions could go from bad to worse in a matter of hours.
If you can, stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel. Charge your devices in case of power outages, stock up on essentials, and prepare for a cold and messy weekend ahead.
