Centre County’s first widespread measurable snowfall of the season is expected to impact the morning commute on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service at State College has issued a winter weather advisory from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday for most of central Pennsylvania.
AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist John Feerick expects Centre County to see 2 to 4 inches of snow, with the possibility for localized higher amounts.
“It’s looking like right now that we’re going to see snow break out during the pre-dawn hours tomorrow, probably between 2 and 5 in the morning across the area, and then we’ll see the snow kind of continue at varying intensity through the morning tomorrow,” Feerick said on Monday afternoon. “I think it’s pretty much done probably by early afternoon [Tuesday. It may very well be done by lunchtime.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting 3 to 5 inches throughout Centre County.
Drivers should plan for slippery roads. PennDOT is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. The department also expects to implement speed and vehicle restrictions on state roads and highways throughout the storm.
Some areas to the northeast and at higher elevations may more than 6 inches of snow, and further south toward the Maryland border mixed precipitation and a glaze of ice are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
“PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm,” according to a news release on Monday. “However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.”
Travelers can check up-to-date road conditions and restrictions at 511pa.com.
Later in the week, a strong cold front is expected to move into the area on Thursday and could bring a few snow showers or squalls, but l little accumulation, Feerick said.
The big story with that front is going to be the very cold air that kind of comes in behind it,” he said. “We’ll be talking about lows Thursday night down in the low teens and then Friday probably doesn’t get out of the 20s. So some pretty cold air coming late in the week.”
SNOW EMERGENCIES AND REGULATIONS
Several Centre Region municipalities have declared snow emergencies or reminded residents of regulations during winter storms.
• Ferguson Township: Vehicles must be removed from all township roads after 2 or more inches of snow/ice for 48 hours. Vehicles in violation may be ticketed or towed. Sidewalks, as well as handicap-accessible ramps, must be cleared of snow and ice of amount within 24 hours after the precipitation has ended.
• Harris Township: Snow emergency in effect beginning at 5 a.m. Dec. 2 and vehicles must be removed from township streets by 8 a.m., when ticketing will begin. Public parking for those without off street parking options is available in Nittany View Park, Blue Spring Park, Yoder Preserve, and the municipal building parking lot. These areas are not typically plowed. The snow emergency will automatically end 24 hours after the snow has stopped.
• Patton Township: Snow emergency in effect beginning at 8 a.m. Dec. 2. Vehicles must be removed from township streets by that time until the snow emergency has ended. Residents are also reminded that they must clear the entire width of any sidewalk on their property within 24 hours after the precipitation ends.
• State College Borough: The borough may declare a snow emergency during major snowfalls. When that happens, all parked vehicles must be moved off public roadways.
Some borough streets are designated Snow Removal Zones due to recurring challenges identified by public works crews. Once snowfall reaches 3 inches, all vehicles in these zones must be removed from the posted areas.
Snow and ice of any amount must be removed from the entire length and width of public sidewalks and all handicap-accessible ramps within 24 hours after the snowfall ends.
Snow and ice should be cleared so refuse and organic carts can be placed at the curb for pickup. Carts should not be set on top of windrows or snow piles. Avoid placing bulk items or brush out for collection when snowfall is expected.
