Winter Storm Bearing Down on Pennsylvania, Major Impacts Expected -

We have been tracking this storm for quite a while, and even mentioned the potential all the way back on December 8th. Now, a major winter storm has its eyes set on the region as models are reaching a consensus. Nearly 80% of the state will see wintry precipitation, take a look at our map and the key in the text below.

AREA A – Sleet and snow will move in Mid-Evening on Monday and continue through about 11 PM until precipitation type turns completely over to all sleet. Sleet will then continue until between 1-2 AM before freezing rain takes over as the main precipitation type. Freezing rain will last into Tuesday Morning, ending about 8 AM as temperatures rise above freezing. Sleet and snow accumulation will likely reach one inch. Ice accretion between .20″-.50″ is predicted and Tuesday’s AM Commute will be extremely hazardous. We advise people in this area to not travel unless mandatory.

AREA B – Sleet, with snow potentially mixed in will develop Mid-Monday Evening, changing to all sleet by 10 PM Monday. Sleet will continue to fall through about 12-1 AM before precipitation type switches to freezing rain through the region. Freezing rain will then continue until about 5 AM before temperatures rise above freezing. Sleet and snow accumulation up to an inch is expected, but more importantly ice accretion between .15″-.30″ is expected. A hazardous AM commute on Tuesday is anticipated.

AREA C – Sleet and freezing rain will move in Mid-Monday Evening, and by 12 AM Tuesday precipitation type will switch to mainly freezing rain. Temperatures will support freezing rain until about 3 AM before rising above 32 degrees turning everything to plain rain. Ice accretion between .10″-.25″ is likely which will cause slick conditions during Tuesday’s AM Commute. Be sure to plan on taking about twice the time you usually take to get to work if in this area.

AREA D – Sleet and freezing rain is likely between Early Monday Evening lasting through just before Midnight. Temperatures will then rise above freezing turning precipitation type to all rain. Light impacts are likely mid-late Monday Evening and Early Tuesday Morning. However Tuesday’s AM Commute will not be affected.

AREA E – All rain is expected beginning Mid-Monday Afternoon, ending Tuesday Morning. No impacts are anticipated in this region.

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Last updated on December 28, 2015

Lead Forecaster Josh Adams

Josh has been passionate about weather as long as his memory dates! From watching the Weather Channel at age 7, to making hand-drawn hurricane maps at age 11, starting his first weather site at 13, and founding PWA at 15 and forecasting for the state for the past 9 years, Josh's interest in weather has never dwindled! As difficult as it is, he greatly enjoys forecasting for Pennsylvania due to its countless microclimates. The state is an East Coast severe weather hotspot and nearly always home to the rain/snow line during winter storms!