The treacherous snow and cold caused accidents across the region Friday night. One of the largest was on Interstate 81 just north of Syracuse, near the Mattydale exit.

The multi-car accident shut down the northbound side of the highway from the Destiny USA exit to Mattydale.

A combination of blowing and drifting snow, coupled with the extremely low temperatures, has created very slick roads. At times it has been nearly impossible to see due to white-out conditions.

People traveling north through Syracuse are being asked to use Interstate 481 instead. There's a travel advisory that remains in effect for Onondaga County.

Officials say try to avoid the roads if possible, but if you are on them, use extreme caution.