Heavy snow caused slippery road conditions and created chaos across Broome, Tioga and other nearby counties as the season's first big storm slammed the region.

Route 17 was closed to westbound traffic Thursday afternoon from Exit 67 in Vestal to Exit 66 in Apalachin because of several crashes involving cars and tractor-trailers.

Route 17 in Johnson City near the Oakdale Mall was described as a "parking lot" in both directions.

Dozens of crashes shut down Interstate 86 between Waverly and Elmira.

In some parts of the Southern Tier, school buses encountered difficulties in bringing children to their homes in some higher elevations.

A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service was to remain in effect until 8 a.m. Friday.

Forecasters predicted snowfall rates of an inch an hour at times across the Twin Tiers.

Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches and a light glaze of ice were expected.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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