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A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania starting this weekend, with the National Weather Service in Binghamton issuing a Winter Storm Warning from 1 a.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday.
The storm system, which is part of a massive weather event affecting more than half of the United States, could dump between 12 and 18 inches of snow across the Southern Tier region. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall could be particularly heavy at times on Sunday through Sunday night, with hourly rates potentially exceeding 2 inches per hour.
"This will be a large and potentially historic storm, with major impacts over a very large area," AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson told USA TODAY, noting that the system will affect more than two dozen states across the country.
The heaviest snowfall in the Northeast is currently forecast for south-central New York and areas southward into Northeast Pennsylvania and the Catskills. However, meteorologists caution that further adjustments to the storm track are possible in the coming days.
Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult to impossible throughout the duration of the storm. The hazardous conditions will likely impact Sunday travel as well as both Monday morning and evening commutes. USA Today reports that approximately 180 million people across the country are under some kind of winter weather advisory, watch, or warning.
Officials are advising residents to delay all travel if possible. For those who must venture outdoors, the Weather Service recommends dressing in layers, as several layers of clothes provide better insulation than a single heavy coat. Covering exposed skin with gloves, a scarf, and a hat will help prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
The storm system is expected to bring not just snow but also ice accumulation to many areas further south, with meteorologists warning that ice can be more damaging than snow due to its impact on trees and power lines.
Governors from at least 14 states have issued disaster or emergency declarations ahead of the storm, including Texas, Georgia, and Virginia. Airlines have begun issuing travel advisories and waivers, with both Delta and American Airlines adding staff to prepare for the weather event.
The National Weather Service advises residents in affected areas to prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, and medications, in case travel becomes impossible or power outages occur.