Travel over most of central Pennsylvania may become treacherous beginning early Friday as a widespread winter weather system threatens to bring a deadly mix of snow, sleet, and ice until Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service at State College has issued a Winter Storm Watch for more than 30 counties, including Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Lancaster, Centre, Lycoming, Blair, Cambria, Schuylkill, and Northumberland. The storm could start Friday morning and last until early Saturday, affecting both the morning and evening commutes.
The northern and eastern areas, including Tioga, Sullivan, Columbia, and Schuylkill counties, are expected to see the most snow and sleet, with totals ranging from 3 to 5 inches. Ice accumulation is a major worry further south and west, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, State College, and Altoona, with some places receiving up to three-tenths of an inch. Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria counties may see even larger ice accumulations, increasing the risk of toppled trees and power outages.
PennDOT advises drivers to avoid non-essential travel during periods of freezing rain and to allow extra stopping distance if necessary. Residents should charge their devices, find alternate heat sources, and prepare for potential energy outages.
The winter storm watch is in effect until Saturday AM, and more advisories or warnings may be issued as confidence grows. Residents should continue to check National Weather Service updates as situations change.
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