A winter storm that has wreaked havoc across the Midwest is expected to bring the first major snowfall of the season to the Southern Tier of New York and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania from Thursday afternoon to Friday, and forecasters are concerned about travel issues and possible power outages .
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for multiple counties in New York and Pennsylvania.
Under current forecast models, precipitation in the form of a wintry mix is expected to arrive in the region early Thursday afternoon, according to Joanne LaBounty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Binghamton.
The precipitation is likely to be the heaviest Thursday night and overnight into Friday morning, LaBounty said.
“It might start as a mix of snow and sleep. We’re looking at mostly snow during the afternoon, less than an inch by late afternoon, and by 7 pm there could be two to three inches,” she said. “Schools might have to decide on early dismissal, that sort of thing.”
By Friday, the storm is expected to dump between eight and 10 inches of snow in the Binghamton area, LaBounty said, with more accumulation at higher elevations than in the valleys.
Elmira, Corning and other points to the west will see a little less, maybe six to eight inches, he said, while Delaware County and other points to the east could see as much as 12 inches of snow.
Another complicating factor could be the wind, with expected gusts of 25 to 35 mph.
“With the wind, and heavy, wet snow, there’s some concern about power outages,” LaBounty said. “It’s definitely going to be messy for anyone trying to travel.”
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Storm could affect travel
Area law enforcement officials are also concerned about the impact of the storm on travel.
Broome County Sheriff David Harder issued an advisory Wednesday urging residents to limit travel as much as possible Thursday and Friday.
People who have to travel should allow extra time to reach their destination, have at least a half tank of gas, dress warmly and make sure their cellphones are fully charged, among other precautions, Harder said.
By Friday evening, the worst of the storm should be over and things will calm down, LaBounty said.
“The weekend will likely be quiet, with temperatures in the 30s and lows in the teens,” she said.
The National Weather Service extended forecast calls for dry conditions from Saturday at least through Tuesday.
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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Southern Tier in path of winter storm with a messy wintry mix expected