PENNSYLVANIA — A series of winter weather advisories issued early Wednesday morning by the National Weather Service is warning residents across central, northern, and western Pennsylvania to expect several rounds of snow, gusty winds, and difficult travel conditions through late Thursday and early Friday.
Snow totals will vary widely depending on location and elevation, with some areas expected to receive only a couple of inches while others could approach a foot.
Cambria and Somerset Counties, including Johnstown and Somerset, will be under an advisory from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters predict 2 to 4 inches of snow, with higher amounts over the ridges west of Route 219. Winds could gust up to 45 mph, causing blowing snow, reduced visibility, and possible downed tree branches.
Farther east, Northern Centre and Northern Clinton Counties, including Philipsburg and Renovo, remain under an advisory until 10 p.m. Wednesday.
These areas are expected to receive 1 to 3 additional inches of snow, with the heaviest amounts north of Interstate 80. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, making for slippery commutes during both morning and evening travel.
In Tioga, Northern Lycoming, and Sullivan Counties, totals are projected to reach 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches on higher terrain in Sullivan County. This advisory also lasts until 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The heaviest accumulation is expected in northwestern Pennsylvania, including Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Warren Counties.
A prolonged winter weather advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Friday, with steady snow Wednesday followed by lake-effect snow bands later Wednesday night through Thursday night. Total snowfall could reach up to 1 foot in some areas, creating hazardous and potentially very difficult travel.
Nearby Clearfield County faces a similar extended advisory through 4 a.m. Friday. Snowfall will total 1 to 5 inches Wednesday, followed by 2 to 4 inches of lake-effect snow, accompanied by wind gusts up to 40 mph, which will reduce visibility and create treacherous roads north of I-80.
In western Pennsylvania, Forest, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango, and Clarion Counties remain under an advisory until 10 p.m. Wednesday, with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected, affecting both morning and evening travel.
Farther southwest, the higher elevations of Fayette, Westmoreland, and Indiana Counties will see 3 to 5 inches of snow beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday.
In northeastern Pennsylvania, counties including Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northern and Southern Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wyoming will continue experiencing light snow and mixed precipitation until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Snow totals of 1 to 4 inches are expected, depending on elevation, along with a light glaze of ice.
Transportation officials across Pennsylvania are urging drivers to slow down, expect quickly changing visibility, and check roadway conditions by dialing 511 or visiting 511pa.com. Motorists are also reminded to allow extra time for travel, especially during Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes as snow and strong winds continue.
