Lake effect snow wreaks havoc

Update 3:49pm: The Thruway Authority says all lanes have been reopened between exits 29A and 30 in both directions. 

UPDATE - ALL LANES OPEN on I-90 between exit 29a (Little Falls) and exit 30 (Herkimer). Expect slow traffic and blowing snow. Use caution if traveling this afternoon.

— New York State Thruway Authority (@NYSThruway) February 17, 2025

Update 2:04pm: A photo from WKTV in Utica shows numerous cars and tractor trailers involved in the pile up. 

NOW || The latest view of the Thruway near Herkimer shows several vehicles involved in an accident. https://t.co/VfsJzFw3oa pic.twitter.com/UoN8C8gtZT

— WKTV (@WKTV) February 17, 2025

Update 1:58pm: New York State Police are asking drivers to stay off the roads in the area of Exits 29A and 30 of the Thruway

🚨 I-90 NYS Thruway west bound MPM 213.0 between Exits 29A and 30 multi vehicle accidents involving tractor trailers and 13 passenger cars is
blocking both lanes. Traffic is being diverted off at Exit 29A. Due to whiteout conditions, drivers should avoid this area

— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) February 17, 2025

Update 1:18pm: As many as 15 cars are reported to be involved. 

Late Monday morning, a multi-vehicle accident and whiteout conditions forced the closure of the New York State Thruway between Little Falls and Herkimer.

🚨⚠️ UPDATE - ALL LANES BLOCKED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS on I-90 between exit 29a (Little Falls) and exit 30 (Herkimer). Due to whiteout conditions and treacherous travel conditions, drivers should avoid this area until further notice.

— New York State Thruway Authority (@NYSThruway) February 17, 2025

The Thruway Authority advised drivers to avoid this section due to severe weather impacting visibility. The National Weather Service had previously warned of sudden visibility loss in the Mohawk Valley because of lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the crash scene, and all westbound lanes were blocked.