Clearfield County, PA – A snowstorm predicted for Sunday night and throughout the day on Monday could drop anywhere from 6 to 10 inches of snow in our area, according to the AccuWeather forecast.
This would be the heaviest snowfall of the winter season so far.
Saturday is expected to be frigid with a mix of sun and clouds, with a high of about 18 degrees and a low of 6.
Sunday won’t be quite as cold, with a high of 26 degrees and a low of 20. Sunday will become increasingly cloudy, with snow currently expected to begin around 7 p.m. Sunday night and last until about 7 p.m. on Monday.
We can expect about 3 to 6 inches of snow on Sunday night, with an additional 1 to 3 inches in the forecast for Monday. Storm total snowfall is predicted to be anywhere between to 10 inches in our portion of Pennsylvania.
Monday’s high is predicted to be 28 degrees with a low of 22.
This forecast could change quickly. Be sure to stay updated with your weather forecast by listening to local weather reports or using a weather app.
Snow could fall heavy and fast, leading to dangerous road conditions. If you are able to, please avoid driving during or immediately after the snowfall.
If you need to be on the road, check roadway conditions first by using 511PA.com.
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Harrisburg, PA – With snow in the forecast, learn what to do if you get caught in a snow squall or a snow storm.
The best thing you can do if a snow squall occurs is to get off of the highway immediately. Do not slam on your brakes. Do not attempt to keep driving, as you will not be able to see the roadway and the road can quickly turn icy. Exit the highway, pull off in a safe place away from traffic, and turn on your four-way flashers.
Better yet, keep an eye on the forecast and avoid driving when snow squalls are predicted.
You should also keep an emergency kit with food, water, first aid kit, blankets, and warm clothes in your vehicle in case you get stuck.
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Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration, along with the National Weather Service, provided information on the dangers of snow squalls, how alerts and warnings are issued and how people can stay safe during these dangerous winter weather hazards.
“State agencies have been preparing for winter weather for several weeks with coordination calls and exercises,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “It’s important that the public understand their role in winter weather safety, not only to protect themselves and their loved ones but also first responders.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a snow squall is a brief but intense period of heavy snow (up to 2 inches in 30 minutes), strong winds (30+ mph), and whiteout conditions (visibility less than ¼ mile). Snow squalls often occur on days with otherwise partly cloudy skies. Coming on so suddenly, snow squalls can catch drivers off guard and lead to major transportation impacts, including deadly multi-vehicle accidents.
“One of the things that makes snow squalls so dangerous is their tendency to produce icy roadways, or what we call a flash freeze,” said NWS Meteorologist John Banghoff. “Because they come on so suddenly, snow squalls can catch drivers off guard and lead to major transportation incidents, including deadly multi-vehicle accidents.”
The National Weather Service, along with PEMA, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), PennDOT and the PA Turnpike have created a number of tools to help educate motorists about the dangers of snow squalls, including dramatic videos that show the impact of these hazards on roadways.
“The National Weather Service issues Snow Squall Warnings to alert for the sudden onset of life-threatening conditions encountered by highway travelers during snow squalls,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jonathan Guseman. “If you are driving on an interstate when a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the best thing to do is to exit the roadway at the next opportunity.”
“Snow squalls can produce whiteout conditions that are difficult for everyone on the road to see other vehicles and even the lanes of travel. These conditions have led to major pileup crashes with multiple injuries and even deaths, ” said Major Robert Krol, Director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. “Drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution while traveling during the winter months. Turn your headlights on, slow down, wear your seatbelt, and limit distractions in the vehicle.”
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
