Winter Storm Watch Issued for Twin Tiers

Get the shovels, snow blowers and other winter weather removal devices you use ready, the National Weather Service in Binghamton is projecting the possibility of over seven inches of snow December 16-17 from Winter Storm Gail.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]The National Weather Service in Binghamton is keeping a close eye on a developing storm system that could dump several inches of snow on the Twin Tiers.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Broome, Tioga and Delaware Counties in New York and Susquehanna, Bradford and Wayne County in Pennsylvania from 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 16 through 10 a.m. Thursday, December 17. Areas to the north, including Chenango, Cortland and Tompkins Counties are not under any advisories.

Forecasters for now are predicting heavy snow with total accumulations over seven inches possible as precipitation overspreads from south to north in the late afternoon to early evening.

NOAA says snow could be heavy at times Wednesday night before it tapers off on Thursday morning, making for quickly deteriorating travel conditions.

Authorities say if the system stays on track, the snow and below freezing temperatures could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.

Forecasters say, however, the track is still uncertain and any movement to the north or south could make a difference in snowfall amounts.

Winds are also a complicating factor. The National Weather Service in Binghamton says 10 to 20 mile per hour wind may also cause some blowing snow, reducing visibility for motorists during the storm and contributing to the possibility of downed power lines and power outages.