Meteorologists are calling for up to a foot of snow to fall in
the Bradford area between today and Wednesday morning.
State College-based National Weather Service Meteorologist John
LaCorte said Monday afternoon that residents should “expect heavy
snow to move in (Monday and Tuesday) into Wednesday,” with the
storm averaging eight to 12 inches of accumulation.
“The explanation …” LaCorte said, “It’s winter.”
“We’ve had a very storm-free winter,” he went on to say. “This
is not unusual; to have a storm with heavy snow (coming) our way.
It’s just unusual for this winter because we haven’t had it.”
Elk, Cameron, McKean and Potter counties – in addition to
Warren, northern Clinton, Clearfield, northern Centre, Tioga,
northern Lycoming and Sullivan counties – are all under a heavy
snow warning starting at 9 a.m. today and extending to 4 p.m.
Wednesday.
LaCorte said the heavy snow warning designation means mainly
that a snow event is expected to bring six or more inches of
precipitation in less than 12 hours.
Light snow started Monday, according to forecasters, but a total
daytime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch was expected.
Wind chill values between 3 below zero and 2 above, however, were
expected, with actual lows around 5 above.
Today, the heavier snow should start hitting the area after 1
p.m. Highs near 13 are expected, with wind chill values between 2
and 7 below zero. New snow accumulation of one to three inches is
possible. Tonight, forecasters are calling for periods of snow,
possibly mixed with sleet; the snow heavy at times, lows around 9,
with wind chill values between 1 and 6 degrees below zero.
The storm is set to continue on Wednesday with occasional snow
possibly mixed with sleet, mainly before 1 p.m. The air will warm
slightly with highs near 15 degrees. On Wednesday night, snow
showers are likely and expected through the end of the week.
A more detailed explanation of the heavy snow event on the
National Weather Service’s Web site said Monday “a storm system
will continue to develop and move through the Mississippi and lower
Ohio valleys Monday night, and move into the mid-Atlantic states
Tuesday. It will then redevelop off the mid-Atlantic coast and move
toward New England on Wednesday.”
“This will result in the first widespread winter storm for most
of central Pennsylvania this season,” the Web site said. “A
prolonged period of an icy mix of wintry precipitation is likely
across (the southern part of the state), with heavy snow across the
Northern Tier.”
Periods of sleet are possible in the northern mountains on
Tuesday, the Web site said, but most of the precipitation should be
snow. By nightfall Tuesday, four inches of snow will be on the
ground, with heavier snow to follow Tuesday night and Wednesday
morning. The storm should taper off Wednesday during the day, but
total snowfall amounts of more than a foot are likely across the
northern part of the state.
The heavy snowfall expected has the potential to be dangerous to
those who have to venture out of their homes. The Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation issued a winter weather travelers’
advisory across nine counties on Monday.
“Weather forecasts from Tuesday morning through Wednesday
evening are calling for snow showers, squalls and potential for
sleet and ice throughout PennDOT District 2,” the press release
said. District 2 covers Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk,
Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter counties.
Crews will be out plowing and treating roads “prior to the snowy
weather performing pre-treatment on major (roads),” PennDOT said,
adding a roads could become coated with ice due to freezing rain
Wednesday. “PennDOT crews will remain out as weather conditions
require.”
Motorists are discouraged from traveling, but those who must
drive should increase expected travel time, allow extra distance
when following another vehicle and buckle up.
Closings, cancellations and delays are easily accessed at
www.cancellations.com. Area closings are also often broadcast via
the local radio station or message channel on television.
