VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: First snowfall blankets Syracuse as city and students prepare for winter driving conditions
Jack Watson: On Veterans Day, Syracuse saw its first major snowfall of the season, with about four to five inches blanketing roads and sidewalks across the city. Syracuse University student Nick Jepson dealt with the snow firsthand, and not just on his walk to class.
Nick Jepson: Driving in this snow, especially after the first snow, is really annoying because not a lot of people know what’s going on after that first snow. So everybody is trying to figure it out.
Watson: As you can see behind me, snow continues to come down here in Syracuse, causing hazardous conditions on the road for many students and residents. Valerie Puma, an auto expert at Triple-A, says drivers need to stay cautious in these winter conditions.
Valerie Puma: With wet roads, whether they are wet from rain, ice or snow because we are going to see all of that this winter, you want to make sure you are going the speed limit. But don’t be afraid to go under the speed limit if you are not comfortable.
Watson: Along with Valerie, Nick gave additional insight for students who may not be familiar with driving in these wet and icy conditions.
Jepson: Give people their space, slow down a little bit, pay attention to the person in front of you and always have that right foot hovered over that brake.
Watson: While snow is almost inevitable here in Central New York, city officials say Syracuse is well prepared with salt trucks and snowplows ready to take on the winter conditions ahead.
Watson: Reporting in Syracuse, Jack Watson, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y (NCC NEWS) — Winter has officially arrived in Central New York, bringing holiday spirit and slippery commutes for Syracuse drivers.
On Veterans Day, the city saw its first major snowfall of the season, with about four to five inches blanketing roads and sidewalks. For Syracuse University students, that meant adjusting quickly to icy streets and slower traffic.
“Driving in this snow, especially after the first snow, is really annoying because not a lot of people know what’s going on after that first snow,” said SU student Nick Jepson. “So everybody is trying to figure it out.”
Snowfall continued throughout the day, creating hazardous driving conditions across the city. Valerie Puma, an auto expert at AAA, said drivers should remain cautious and adjust their speed to match conditions.
“With wet roads, whether they are wet from rain, or ice, or snow because we are going to see all of that this winter, you want to make sure you are going the speed limit,” Puma said. “But don’t be afraid to go under the speed limit if you are not comfortable.”
Jepson also offered advice for students who are new to driving in snowy conditions.
“Give people their space, slow down a little bit, pay attention to the person in front of you and always have that right foot hovered over that brake,” he said.
City officials say Syracuse is well prepared for the winter season, with salt trucks and snowplows ready to clear roads as storms continue into the winter season.
While snow is almost inevitable in Central New York, residents and students alike are encouraged to stay alert and drive safely as the season begins.