Wednesday: shirtsleeves. Friday: Winter coat, hat, gloves … perhaps a snow shovel.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the region, in effect from 1 p.m. today until 7 a.m. Saturday.
John Bowen, meteorologist with the NWS in State College, said a deep low-pressure system is expected to track across Pennsylvania from late Wednesday through Saturday morning. The slow-moving system is forecast to leave behind 3 to 5 inches of snow, keeping the advisory in place until finally changing to all rain by Saturday afternoon.
“It will be a wet, slushy mess that’s for sure,” Bowen said.
Accumulations are expected to begin this afternoon, starting with a mix of rain and snow until temperatures fall to below freezing this evening. Snow will continue overnight and through most of Friday, then taper off Saturday morning. Plan for slippery road conditions during this evening’s and Friday’s commutes.
“The biggest concerns are the Laurel Highlands and the northwestern mountains along the highest ridgetops,” Bowen noted. “As terrain-focused as (the storm system) will be, a strong westerly wind against those mountain ridges providing enough lift with more than enough moisture for precipitation of 6 to 7 inches with lesser amounts down into the valleys.”
The heaviest snowfall, Bowen said, will likely occur mid- to late Friday morning, accompanied by wind gusts up to 25 mph. Expect a wintry mix Friday afternoon as temperatures climb slightly, then transition back to some lighter snow showers into Saturday.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) stated Wednesday that crews will pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm.
“However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway,” officials cautioned. “With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.”
Aaron Fox, PennDOT assistant District 1 executive – maintenance, said, “The maintenance staff doesn’t wait until snow is in the forecast to start preparing. We started our planning earlier this fall, so that when temperatures turn colder, we are ready.”
PennDOT personnel have started preventive maintenance, mounting plows on the dump trucks, prepping other equipment and stockpiling salt, anti-skid and other materials, which representatives said are in good supply for the coming winter season.
The advisory issued late Wednesday morning covers McKean, Elk, Cameron, Warren, Clearfield and northern Clinton and Centre counties. In addition, Bradford, St. Marys, Ridgway and Emporium are all included.
