Yellow Alert Issued for Icy Weather in Rochester

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rochester, New York area is under a Yellow Alert for a wintry mix of precipitation on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing overnight, leading to the potential for freezing rain and sleet that could cause scattered power outages and hazardous travel conditions.

Why it matters

Icy weather can be dangerous, leading to slippery roads, sidewalks, and potential tree damage from ice accumulation. This alert allows residents to prepare and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

The details

A cold front moving in overnight will drop temperatures to near or below freezing on Wednesday. Precipitation is expected to develop during the morning and last throughout much of the day. With surface temperatures around 32 degrees, forecasters are concerned about the potential for a quarter to a third of an inch of ice accumulation, primarily from freezing rain. There is also a chance that sleet could develop, which combined with the freezing rain could make roads very slick.

• Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, temperatures will drop below freezing.
• Precipitation is expected to develop during Wednesday morning and last throughout much of the day.

What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential ice accumulation and travel impacts throughout the day on Wednesday.