Windy Sunday and Snowy Monday in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is in for a windy Sunday and a snowy Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Warren, Elk, and McKean counties. This watch is in effect from 10 a. m. Sunday through Monday afternoon. Strong winds and lake effect snow will create dangerous travel conditions in northwestern Pennsylvania. The winds will be strong, with gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph through midnight tonight. The combination of snow and wind will make travel difficult, especially in the northwestern counties. Lake effect snow bands are expected to develop Sunday morning and continue through Monday. These bands could produce snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour at times. Thundersnow is also a possibility. Visibility will be significantly reduced by both falling and blowing snow, making road-clearing operations difficult. Temperatures will be cold, dropping into the mid-20s in northwestern areas and mid-30s in southeastern regions overnight. Winds will remain strong throughout the day, with sustained speeds of 10 to 20 mph and gusts between 30 and 40 mph. The winds will gradually diminish Monday afternoon. For the rest of central Pennsylvania, conditions will be windy but generally drier. However, some upslope snow accumulation of about an inch is possible along ridge tops in the Laurel Highlands. Harrisburg’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 50s. But it will feel chillier than that because of the winds. Looking ahead, conditions will improve Monday night as high pressure briefly builds into the region. Tuesday brings a chance of light rain or snow as a weak system moves through the Ohio Valley. Midweek appears drier with high pressure in control Wednesday. But precipitation chances increase toward the end of the week, likely as rain with temperatures trending slightly milder. Travel in northwestern Pennsylvania should be postponed if possible through Monday afternoon. If travel is necessary, allow extra time and carry winter survival supplies in your vehicle.