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Travel advisories remain in effect across the Southern Tier on Monday (January 26) as communities continue to dig out from a major winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow in many areas.
The advisories, which discourage but do not ban travel, are expected to remain in place until at least noon Monday in several counties, including Broome, Chemung, and Steuben. Officials are urging residents to stay off roads when possible to allow crews to clear snow more efficiently.
"Unnecessary travel is strongly discouraged through Monday," Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne said in a statement released before the storm. "If you do not need to be on the roads, please stay home. Limiting traffic helps reduce crashes and allows emergency responders and highway crews to do their jobs safely and efficiently."
The massive winter storm, which began Sunday morning and continued through Monday, brought 12 to 18 inches of snow to much of the Southern Tier, with some areas in Tompkins, Chenango and Otsego Counties seeing up to 24 inches.
Governor Kathy Hochul's statewide emergency declaration remains in effect. The governor implemented travel restrictions Sunday, requiring all commercial vehicles to use only the right travel lane on state roads. All non-essential state employees have been directed to telecommute on Monday where possible.
Several municipalities have declared their own states of emergency, including the villages of Endicott and Johnson City in Broome County. Many county offices across the region are operating on delayed schedules or remain closed Monday.
The U.S. Postal Service has asked homeowners to clear snow from around mailboxes to ensure mail delivery can resume safely. Residents are also reminded to clear snow from fire hydrants and sidewalks.
For those needing assistance, warming centers are available throughout the region. In Broome County, daytime warming centers and overnight emergency shelters are operating in Binghamton, though officials advise calling ahead to confirm hours of operation. A list of locations is available on the county's website.
Winter parking regulations remain in effect in many communities. In Johnson City, special winter weather parking regulations are being enforced Sunday and Monday to keep routes clear for snow removal and emergency vehicles.
The National Weather Service forecasted the heavy snowfall would taper off Monday, but cold temperatures will persist, making travel conditions potentially hazardous.