As far as the "mystery snow", it has been my belief that it's due to the lake effect and the catskills/helderbergs. For any lake effect that goes south of Syracuse the catskills, whose nothern parts are called the Helderbergs, is the first real uplands in the way. Thus causing a water dump on the windward side, on route 88.
More importantly, the state troopers have begun setting up camp on the outer side of I88N. This removes the predictability of looking for uturn signs on the left. I know, I have a court appearence in Cobleskill on the 23rd because of it. So beware they could be hiding on the right. Also, the only place I have seen troopers on I88 is either right after you get on it, from 206, or as others have said towards te end of the ride.
More importantly, the state troopers have begun setting up camp on the outer side of I88N. This removes the predictability of looking for uturn signs on the left. I know, I have a court appearence in Cobleskill on the 23rd because of it. So beware they could be hiding on the right. Also, the only place I have seen troopers on I88 is either right after you get on it, from 206, or as others have said towards te end of the ride.