Driving Conditions for Late Jan - Early Feb from Indiana, PA to Albany, NY
Dec 25th, 2017, 03:49 PM
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Driving Conditions for Late Jan - Early Feb from Indiana, PA to Albany, NY
Hi everyone,
I'm planning to drive from Indiana, PA to Ithaca, NY, and then from Ithaca to Albany, NY in late January to early February. I live in California and have never driven in the cold (<40°F) before. Could anyone shed some light on what the driving conditions would be like? Honestly, I'm feeling pretty apprehensive about the trip, but because I'm attending two interviews, driving seemed to be the best transportation option as of now.
Thanks in advance!
I'm planning to drive from Indiana, PA to Ithaca, NY, and then from Ithaca to Albany, NY in late January to early February. I live in California and have never driven in the cold (<40°F) before. Could anyone shed some light on what the driving conditions would be like? Honestly, I'm feeling pretty apprehensive about the trip, but because I'm attending two interviews, driving seemed to be the best transportation option as of now.
Thanks in advance!
Dec 25th, 2017, 04:03 PM
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Well, it really depends on weather conditions on the days you travel.
If it’s just cold and dry it won’t be much different than driving any other time of the year.
The difficulty will come if it happens to be snowing, or sleeting in which case driving can become treacherous. Depending on the amount of snow it could mean traffic will move very slowly or if a lot of snow (as in the case of a blizzard) or covered in frozen ice the roads may become impassable until they are cleared by snow plows and salt/sand spreaders.
If it’s just cold and dry it won’t be much different than driving any other time of the year.
The difficulty will come if it happens to be snowing, or sleeting in which case driving can become treacherous. Depending on the amount of snow it could mean traffic will move very slowly or if a lot of snow (as in the case of a blizzard) or covered in frozen ice the roads may become impassable until they are cleared by snow plows and salt/sand spreaders.
Dec 25th, 2017, 04:42 PM
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No one can predict what the road conditions will be that far in advance. Cold will not be a problem but precipitation can be. I would just make sure that you allow enough days in between your appointments in case you have bad driving conditions and have to stay put for a day or two. If you haven't driven in snow or ice before then don't try it.
Dec 25th, 2017, 04:59 PM
#6
Where are you picking up the rental car to get to Indiana PA?
Either fly from Pittsburgh or from Harrisburg (MDT) to Albany or take the Pennsylvanian Amtrak from Johnstown to New York Penn station.
You don't know how good (or bad) the tires will be on a rental car.
The Pennsylvanian (41) when on time, leaves Johnstown shortly after 9AM every day. It takes about 9 hours to get to NYP.
Either fly from Pittsburgh or from Harrisburg (MDT) to Albany or take the Pennsylvanian Amtrak from Johnstown to New York Penn station.
You don't know how good (or bad) the tires will be on a rental car.
The Pennsylvanian (41) when on time, leaves Johnstown shortly after 9AM every day. It takes about 9 hours to get to NYP.
Dec 25th, 2017, 05:36 PM
#7
NY State has the equipment and experience to handle winter weather conditions. They act not just react to weather forecasts and conditions.
Keep in mind that further north there is a greater chance of lake effect snow squalls. From Ithaca I would take the I88 to Albany, a dreary drive through the armpit of NY State, but less risky from weather point of view than the I90.
Keep in mind that further north there is a greater chance of lake effect snow squalls. From Ithaca I would take the I88 to Albany, a dreary drive through the armpit of NY State, but less risky from weather point of view than the I90.
Dec 25th, 2017, 09:26 PM
#8
Once you get from Indiana to Altoona, the rest of the trip is on Interstate highways. In good weather the trip takes nearly 7 hours (420 miles). My suggested route is via Scranton to Newburgh NY and then north on I-87.
I learned to drive in northern and central PA about 50 winters ago. Learning how to control a slow speed skid without crashing into a tree or other vehicle is an acquired skill.
I learned to drive in northern and central PA about 50 winters ago. Learning how to control a slow speed skid without crashing into a tree or other vehicle is an acquired skill.
Dec 25th, 2017, 10:44 PM
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If you have never driven in snow....don't even think about driving on your trip...
Lived in California all my life....in the "valley"...
Moved to Washington---Eastern side..
Snow from Dec to March...not a lot but can be slippery and icey
I had to get all wheel drive car and snow tires....
Since there is no way to know weather more than 2-3 days in advance,
you would be taking a big chance missing your appointments...
.
Lived in California all my life....in the "valley"...
Moved to Washington---Eastern side..
Snow from Dec to March...not a lot but can be slippery and icey
I had to get all wheel drive car and snow tires....
Since there is no way to know weather more than 2-3 days in advance,
you would be taking a big chance missing your appointments...
.
Dec 25th, 2017, 11:59 PM
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There can be an awful lot of snow around Ithaca and Albany that time of year. Even if the Thruway is cleared, that does not mean
A. You will not be driving in the snow; and
B. That the local streets will be plowed equally.
If you have not driven in snow, I would not recommend it. I have seen drivers in LA get crazy when it rains, and snow is much different animal.
A. You will not be driving in the snow; and
B. That the local streets will be plowed equally.
If you have not driven in snow, I would not recommend it. I have seen drivers in LA get crazy when it rains, and snow is much different animal.
Dec 26th, 2017, 03:29 AM
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Everything that has been said is true INCLUDING that it may be dry and clear.
It's a 5 hour drive to Ithica, partially on interstatestates and the rest on what I'd have to assume are 4 lane highways. As is said, NY state has plenty of experience with road care.
I think you will need to look at the weather forecast 4-5 days before your interview and see if there are major storms forecast and make arrangements/plans based on that.
Ice is a much more dangerous driving hazard than snow.
There is no way to know at this time what the weather will be. Make your rental arrangements and assume it will be a bright sunny day.
It's a 5 hour drive to Ithica, partially on interstatestates and the rest on what I'd have to assume are 4 lane highways. As is said, NY state has plenty of experience with road care.
I think you will need to look at the weather forecast 4-5 days before your interview and see if there are major storms forecast and make arrangements/plans based on that.
Ice is a much more dangerous driving hazard than snow.
There is no way to know at this time what the weather will be. Make your rental arrangements and assume it will be a bright sunny day.
Dec 26th, 2017, 04:29 AM
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Given the number and severity of hills in Ithaca, I would advise a first time driver in the snow NOT to drive, but use taxis to get around Ithaca. It can be iffy in the summer and could be dangerous in the winter, depending on snow and ice storms. If you don't know what to do, you could be betting your life!
Dec 27th, 2017, 02:09 AM
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The average chance of a wet day (rain is also possible) mixed with snow is 5% in February and the amount of snow is an inch average.
https://weatherspark.com/m/22130/2/A...-United-States
https://weatherspark.com/m/22130/2/A...-United-States
Dec 27th, 2017, 04:10 AM
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>
depending on how you interpret the statistics that may be true but if you look closer it's more like an 18% chance a day will have some precipitation. Regardless, if it happens to be snowing, sleeting or there is ice on the road the day OP is traveling then is a 100% chance of bad weather.
As most every response has eluded - OP should have a Plan B.
depending on how you interpret the statistics that may be true but if you look closer it's more like an 18% chance a day will have some precipitation. Regardless, if it happens to be snowing, sleeting or there is ice on the road the day OP is traveling then is a 100% chance of bad weather.
As most every response has eluded - OP should have a Plan B.
Dec 27th, 2017, 06:56 AM
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My Plan B would be to wait at most 1/2 day to get on the road.
As stated above, this part of the country is well equipped to handle snow removal.
Here's a very recent example in the Albany NY area.
Sunday night there were ~6-8" snowfall overnight - 4-6" by 6am, and another 2" ending right around 9am.
Sunday afternoon/evening the highways were coated with brine to prevent icing. At 7am the interstate was driveable at near the speed limit. Roads were wet but there was no issue with slipping. By 10am all lanes on the interstate were clear and the roadway dry. Effective speed limit was same as any other day of the year, ~5-10 above the posted limit.
County/main city roads: Plowed and passable at 6am at reduced speed (speed limit -10), by 10am fully plowed but wet but not slippery, speed limit ok. By noon, clear and dry.
My rule of thumb (with many years experience):
Any snowfall at 1" or less I ignore & drive as usual
1" to 3" - proceed with caution, but don't change any plans.
3" to 6" - avoid driving during the active snowfall for any trip over ~5mi.
6"+ - sit tight and let them clear the roads
12" + = "powder day" Head to the slopes as soon as I can. Follow a semi on the interstate & hope for the best...
As stated above, this part of the country is well equipped to handle snow removal.
Here's a very recent example in the Albany NY area.
Sunday night there were ~6-8" snowfall overnight - 4-6" by 6am, and another 2" ending right around 9am.
Sunday afternoon/evening the highways were coated with brine to prevent icing. At 7am the interstate was driveable at near the speed limit. Roads were wet but there was no issue with slipping. By 10am all lanes on the interstate were clear and the roadway dry. Effective speed limit was same as any other day of the year, ~5-10 above the posted limit.
County/main city roads: Plowed and passable at 6am at reduced speed (speed limit -10), by 10am fully plowed but wet but not slippery, speed limit ok. By noon, clear and dry.
My rule of thumb (with many years experience):
Any snowfall at 1" or less I ignore & drive as usual
1" to 3" - proceed with caution, but don't change any plans.
3" to 6" - avoid driving during the active snowfall for any trip over ~5mi.
6"+ - sit tight and let them clear the roads
12" + = "powder day" Head to the slopes as soon as I can. Follow a semi on the interstate & hope for the best...
