Binghamton Ready For A Big Thaw

Snow greeted Twin Tiers residents today as they prepared for temperatures to rise into the 50s this weekend.

Plow crews from local public works departments and the state Department of Transportation were in action this morning to keep streets and highways as safe as possible.

While National Weather Service forecasters said snow was likely to continue through early afternoon, total accumulation in the Binghamton area was expected to be light.

Saturday's forecast for Binghamton called for rain with a high in the low 50s.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for the Twin Tiers from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.

Rain is expected to start Saturday morning and end Saturday evening. The rain combined with the warmer conditions will cause all the snow to melt. Rainfall amounts will be three-quarters to one-and-a-half inches in parts of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Binghamton area is expected to receive about a half-inch of rain.

The rain and snowmelt may cause ice on rivers and streams to lift and cause jams. A few headwater river points in the Delaware River basin could rise to flood stage causing minor flooding.

There already are some ice jams around the region. Increased runoff may cause more water to back up and result in minor flooding.