Life-threatening snowstorm rages on New York highways

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are warning motorists of a dangerous snow squall in the forecast Binghamton, New York area could become life-threatening.

The warning comes as a powerful winter storm hits the Northeast on Thursday, with several embedded snow squalls disrupting travel. Snow squalls are intense periods of heavy snowfall that occur without warning and can result in dangerous driving conditions.

On Thursday morning around 10 a.m. ET, one such storm produced “heavy snow” in the following locations:

Interstate 86/Route 17 between exits 34 North and 40; Interstate 390 between Exits 1 and 3; Interstate 86/Route 17 between exits 92 and 114; New York Interstate 81 between exits 6 and 7; Interstate 86/Route 17 between exits 78 and 80 and Interstate 88 between exits 2 and 6.

The warning is expected to remain in effect until at least 10:45 a.m. ET.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” the warning said. “Slow down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions.”

NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Cody Snell said earlier Newsweek that there is no safe place on a highway during a snow squall and drivers should drive with caution.

“Reduce speed and turn on the headlights!” During snow squalls, visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions,” the warning said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.