Icy roads cause several accidents

Traffic sits backed up after an accident on the eastbound lanes of I-86 between Bath and Savona.

SAVONA - Icy roads conditions were to blame for dozens of accidents throughout the area Tuesday, Feb. 12, and with sleet and snowfall expected to continue to Wednesday, Feb. 13, police were preparing for even more fenderbenders.

The majority of the accidents were minor with vehicles sliding off the slick roadways, according to local police agencies. Some minor injuries were reported.

Several accidents occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. as residents began trying to make the commute home from work.

"It was pretty crazy out there," said Corning Police Lt. Jeff Spaulding.

Sections of the interstate were closed throughout the day to clean up debris from accidents.

A four-door red Dodge Spirit slammed into a state Department of Transportation snow plow at about 11 a.m. on Interstate 86, just west of the Savon a exit.

The passengers of the car were both taken to local hospitals to be treated for injuries. More details were not available as of press time.

Later in the day, there was another accident near I-86 exit 46, temporarily closing a lane of the highway. Authorities said slippery road conditions contributed to both accidents.

Steuben County Sheriff deputies and state police responded to accidents in all four corners of the county, according to dispatch reports.

A winter weather advisory remained in effect through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Sleet and freezing rain were expected to fall locally early in the morning, with precipitation turning to rain and snow showers by midday, according to the National Weather Service.

Spaulding said motorists were recommended to leave extra time to travel to a destination, put on headlights to increase visibility and reduce speed.

Snow began to fall late Tuesday morning as part of a system that moved from the southeast through the northeast.

Many schools in the region closed early Tuesday or canceled afterschool activities.