New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is encouraging North Country motorists to adjust Thanksgiving travel around the expected winter weather tonight and tomorrow and to get the latest traffic and winter road conditions before departing.

All roads have been reopened following the severe winter storm that hit western New York last week, but another winter storm is expected for Wednesday.

“The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year and the snow storm in the eastern portion of the state is expected to significantly impact road conditions starting tomorrow morning,” DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald said. “In light of the upcoming storm, motorists should consider traveling on Tuesday or Thursday. They also should check 511NY before they leave to determine traffic conditions and road closures and to plan accordingly.”

A winter storm is predicted to bring snow across the state beginning Wednesday and lasting into early Thursday. Travelers, especially those going long distances, should consider adjusting travel plans to leave earlier on Tuesday or wait until Thanksgiving, according to the DOT. Weather conditions on Wednesday will cause delays and difficult travel throughout the day and evening.

The DOT suggests using the 511NY website. It features a winter travel advisory system, with real-time travel reports and a color-coded map indicating which state roads are snow-covered, ice-covered, wet, dry or closed. The system provides updated snow and ice conditions for interstates and other heavily traveled roads, as reported by snowplow operators.

Several major interstates and roads were closed last week in western New York and travel bans were in effect in many municipalities. All roads have since been reopened and all travel bans have been lifted.

The free 511NY travel information system is accessible 24 hours per day by calling 511 or visiting www.511NY.org. The service provides real-time traffic conditions and links to information about air, rail and transit services.