A severe storm system will deliver heavy rain to central Pennsylvania tonight, followed by potentially damaging winds on Friday, with gusts reaching 50-60 mph in some locations.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for parts of the region.
Rain will continue to fall from southwest to northeast this evening, remaining continuous overnight with rainfall totals ranging from half to one inch in most areas.
The east-central mountains could receive 1.5 to 2.5 inches, perhaps creating minor flooding, particularly in Sullivan County, where snowmelt may contribute to flow.
Between 1 and 8 a.m. on Friday, a narrow band of heavy rain with probable thunder will pass through the region.
Temperatures will drop behind this front on Friday as strong, gusty winds develop. The strongest winds are forecast between 1 and 7 p.m. on Friday, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph in central Pennsylvania and up to 60 mph in the Laurel Highlands and south-central Alleghenies.
As colder air moves in on Friday afternoon, rain will turn to snow showers, especially in western mountain areas and lake effect snow belts, where 1 to 3 inches of snowfall is likely by Saturday morning. In the northwestern mountains, blowing and drifting snow may make travel difficult.
The weekend will begin with fair and seasonable weather on Saturday, followed by another powerful cold front that delivers arctic air and gusty winds Sunday into Sunday night, as well as further lake effect snow.
Next week’s temperatures will moderate but remain above average for late December.
Mixed precipitation is anticipated early Tuesday and again on Christmas Day, although timing is crucial for assessing any winter weather effects.
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