Motorists can expect driving to be a challenge through the day January 17 as Winter Storm Izzy continues to make its way up the Eastern Seaboard.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 5 p.m. January 17 for the entire Twin Tiers as well as Central New York and the Finger Lakes region.

WNBF News/ Roger Neel Photo
WNBF News/ Roger Neel Photo
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The early morning forecast had called for snow and sleet accumulation in the Greater Binghamton area of around 5 inches before precipitation changed to rain and then back to snow, dropping another inch or two.

Overnight, roads quickly became snow-covered and many streets even in town had gone virtually untouched into the early morning hours.

It's not clear if plows were heading out later due to the federal holiday and fewer schools and businesses open or due to COVID-related illnesses or both.

Emergency Services officials around the region reported only a few minor slide-offs and disabled vehicles overnight.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 6:45 p.m. January 16 reduced the speed limit on the entire length of Interstate 81 to 45 miles per hour and commercial vehicles were being restricted to the right lane only. Earlier in the evening, Tier 3 of the Commonwealth Weather Event Vehicle Restriction plan was placed into effect on all interstates in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The restrictions ban commercial vehicles except loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices.  School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on affected roadways while the restrictions are in place.

Sunday morning, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham and city public safety officials urged residents to move their cars off the streets for the next few days to assist with snow removal operations.

Alternate side of the street winter parking rules will be strictly enforced as will the regulations regarding winter parking and snow emergency routes in other municipalities.

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