How to Check Road Conditions with New York Traffic Cameras

Winter has finally hit the Hudson Valley, and that means ice and snow are once again your sworn enemy as you make your way to work each morning. Luckily, there's a quick way to get a better picture of your commute.

There were already enough hazards on our New York roads before the snow started to fall. From new traffic circles in Dutchess County, NY to the seven most dangerous roads in the Hudson Valley, freezing weather just amplifies our issues. There's one way, however, to plan ahead this winter.

Cameras on the New York State Thruway

The New York State Thruway runs north from New York City to Albany, NY, before turning west where it ends on the Pennsylvania/New York border (below). All along the route, including in the Hudson Valley, traffic cameras keep a silent watch on the constant stream of vehicles. It can also be a great asset for checking road conditions before you leave the house.

Use New York Traffic Cameras to Check on Weather Conditions

There are at least eight thruway cameras in the Hudson Valley between Harriman, NY and Saugerties, NY. If your daily drive includes hopping on I-87, taking a look at your nearest traffic camera can give you a better idea of road conditions, including snow accumulations and plow activity. See a full list of camera locations here, but there's an extra reason the cameras can be helpful, too...

Read More: Location of Every Traffic Camera on the New York State Thruway

On top of providing live feeds of the New York State Thruway, the "traveler's map" on the Thruway Authority's website also provides live updates for localized weather alerts and advisories. Using a color-coded system, the map shows everything from wet or icy roads to thruway closures.

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If the weather's bad enough, snow and ice can affect your daily route even before you leave your driveway. Take a look at some helpful cold weather tips for your vehicle, including why you may want to keep a few sandbags in your car, below.