A significant winter storm is set to hit South-Central Pennsylvania, prompting the WGAL News 8 Storm Team to issue alerts for hazardous conditions. A Winter Storm Watch has been declared for Franklin, Adams, York, and Lancaster Counties, indicating widespread snow accumulations are imminent.
The storm is expected to begin late Sunday night and continue intermittently through Monday evening. Preliminary forecasts suggest total snow accumulation could be substantial, with reports indicating plowable snow and potential conditions affecting travel. The most severe impacts are likely to occur south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The latest weather updates predict the onset of light to moderate snowfall after 1 AM on Monday. It is forecasted to develop from southwest to northeast, and as the snow intensifies throughout the morning, drivers can anticipate snow-covered roads and reduced visibility conditions due to fluffier snow potentially accumulating at rates of about one inch per hour. Snow is expected to taper off late Monday afternoon, but with deteriorated road conditions already established, travel is likely to be treacherous.
Notably, areas under the Winter Storm Watch, such as Franklin and Adams Counties, can expect snowfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with specific areas along the Maryland line potentially seeing amounts closer to 6 inches. Other counties, including Cumberland, Dauphin, and York, will remain under winter weather advisories, expecting lighter accumulations between 2 to 4 inches.
Giving attention to wind conditions, gusts could reach up to 35 MPH, creating blowing and drifting snow on untreated roads. The WGAL News 8 Storm Team explicitly cautioned about the likely dangers of untreated surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses, which may become particularly slippery.
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures will barely rise above freezing during the storm, with highs only reaching around 30 degrees. Given these chilly temperatures and gusty winds, it will feel much colder—often registering wind chills in the teens and low twenties.
For citizens planning to travel during this period, it is advised to remain indoors if possible or wait for road crews to clear major thoroughfares before venturing out. The storm's timing may severely impact Monday morning commutes as conditions deteriorate.
The public is strongly urged to heed any weather advisories and prepare for rapidly changing conditions throughout the storm. Snow-covered and icy roads pose serious hazards, and the safety of travelers should be the top priority.
Looking beyond the storm's arrival, the forecast suggests another week of cold temperatures, where highs will remain at or below freezing. The WGAL meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on the status of snow accumulation, road conditions, and any additional weather patterns evident for the week to come.