Winter Storm Warnings for Twin Tiers-Broome Rapid Testing Site to Close Early

The National Weather Service has Winter Storm Warnings in effect for the entire Twin Tiers region starting in the afternoon December 16 and continuing through Thursday morning.

NOAA says for Broome, Tioga, Delaware, Susquehanna, Bradford and Wayne Counties, there is the possibility of 9 to 16 inches of snow, beginning late afternoon and continuing overnight.

Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Tompkins Counties are anticipating a little less snow with the National Weather Service predicting 7 to 12 inches total accumulation.

Forecasters say snowfall rates of two inches per hour are possible through the period. Winds at 10 to 15 miles a hour and gusting to 25 miles per hour, especially at higher elevations are expected with blowing snow and possible isolated power outages.

Travel is expected to become difficult in the late afternoon and overnight hours before Winter Storm Gail moves out of the area. Motorists should anticipate slippery conditions and reduced visibility and are encouraged avoid driving during the storm if possible.

The Vestal Public Library has announced it would close at noon December 16 due to the storm and officials did not know when the facility would be able to reopen.

Broome's rapid coronavirus testing site at Davis College in Johnson City is being closed early, at 5 p.m., December 16 due to the pending snow storm. Normal hours for appointments are one to 7 p.m. daily.

The site next week is being moved to the West Windsor Fire Department for a shortened week, Monday and Tuesday, due to Christmas. The hours again are 1 - 7 p.m. by appointment for residents who are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Call 211 or go to gobroomecounty.com to make an appointment.