Update 6 p.m. —
Enfield, N.Y. — A series of car accidents on Route 79 west of the city of Ithaca has closed the road Wednesday evening, likely creating havoc for some Thanksgiving travelers beginning their journeys.
Around 6 p.m., the Tompkins County 911 Dispatch Center said that the road was closed between Sheffield Road and Applegate Road North/Route 143. There are no reports of any injuries “as far as I know,” one dispatcher said.
“We probably had 5 accidents” on that stretch of road, the dispatcher said. “They’ve got it shut down while they’re removing the vehicles.”
Emergency personnel have also been called to 3 or 4 accidents on Route 34B/Peruville Road on Wednesday as snow and cold temperatures took their toll on driving conditions.
Around 3-5 inches of snow fell on the Ithaca area throughout the day.
Earlier —
Ithaca, N.Y. — At least a dozen minor motor vehicle accidents have been reported in Tompkins County today as the steady snowfall causes some difficulties for motorists and emergency responders, according to the 911 dispatch center.
Why I shop downtown — Naomi
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None of the accidents so far has been serious. “Just a lot of cars off the road,” a dispatcher said.
The heaviest snow is expected to continue through early Wednesday evening but begin tapering off sometime between 7 and 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Earlier story: If you’re leaving, leave now
Police blocked a lane of traffic near ShortStop Deli after an accident involving a TCAT bus. Additionally, dispatchers said a telephone pole had been damaged on Route 79 but NYSEG was en route and traffic would not be affected.
Meanwhile, the Tompkins Ithaca Airport has now added two more flight cancelations, bringing the total number of grounded flights to four. The flights canceled are to and from Newark and Philadelphia.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Ithaca that lasts until tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, at 6 a.m.
Here’s the text of that announcement:
