Snow starts the day Thursday, to continue through Friday

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The snow started just after sunrise Thursday, but led to white roads, white skies, white on the cars and perhaps a white flag from people who had to shovel.

Cars slipped on hills; others took turns slowly; a few wheels skidded. But the first of what the National Weather Service of Binghamton predicted would be between 5 and 9 inches of snow was falling in a winter storm warning that would last through 4 a.m. Friday.
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That was the easy part, forecasters said. The storm was expected to brings winds 45 miles per hour, leading to occasional whiteout conditions and drifting snow.

“Embedded snow squalls may reduce visibility to near zero at times,” forecasters warned Friday morning, particularly before 2 p.m. “Winds will become increasingly strong and gusty later today and tonight as the event transitions to lake effect snow and blowing snow.”

Expect some tree branches to come down, too.

It could be snowier. Forecaster expect 14 to 18 inches in and north of Syracuse.

Another round of lake effect snow is looking likely Friday evening through Saturday, bringing several more inches of snow.

If you must travel, forecaster advise bringing a flashlight, food, water and other emergency supplies. The state maintains a realtime travel conditions monitor at 511ny.org. Or you could just stay home.

The American Automobile Association reports 46% of vehicle accidents occur in winter and advises slowing down, increasing space between vehicles, and braking before the turn, rather than during.

If you get stuck:

  • Clear a path in front of your wheels for several feet by driving forward and backward -- or
    shoveling.
  • With your wheels pointed straight to minimize rolling resistance, shift to drive, or second gear for manual transmissions, and apply gentle pressure to the accelerator without spinning the wheels.
  • If you need more traction, use traction mats, kitty litter, or an abrasive material in your emergency winter driving kit. Do not let anyone stand directly ahead or behind the drive wheels.
  • If you are still stuck, rock your vehicle out of the rut by applying the accelerator slowly in low
    gear, releasing when you stop moving forward, and re-applying when you stop rolling backward.
    Repeat in rapid succession using minimum power to avoid spinning wheels.
  • Avoid driving when visibility is poor. If you must drive, keep your speed low, use your low-
    beam headlights, and pull off to a safe spot if conditions worsen.

The snow will pass. And then comes high temperatures in the 40s by Sunday — and almost 50 by Tuesday.