Winter Storm to Blanket South-Central Pennsylvania with Snow and Ice

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A winter storm is poised to impact South-Central Pennsylvania this weekend, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and ice, significantly affecting travel conditions. The storm is expected to begin with light snow late Saturday morning, followed by a transition to sleet and freezing rain as temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon.

The National Weather Service predicts snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are likely across most of the region, with isolated higher totals of up to 3 inches possible in northern areas, particularly north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A glaze of ice up to 0.1 inches is also expected, which could create hazardous driving conditions.

“We anticipate widespread snowfall during the midday hours, transitioning to a wintry mix by mid-afternoon,” said meteorologist Sarah Johnson. “The key impacts from the storm could extend into Sunday morning with pockets of freezing rain at higher elevations.”

As of Saturday, temperatures are expected to peak around 34°F, allowing for the shift from snow to sleet and eventually rain. However, areas such as South Mountain northwest of Harrisburg may continue to see freezing rain into Saturday night, according to forecasters.

For Saturday, the forecast timeline indicates that snow will begin around 8:00 a.m., with light snow showers persisting until 11:00 a.m. By 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., widespread snow is expected, likely at a light to moderate intensity. The transition to sleet and freezing rain will occur from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“While most locations will transition to rain, there’s a potential for a light glaze of ice that could complicate travel,” noted Johnson. “Drivers should exercise caution, especially on untreated surfaces.”

The storm will peak with rainfall late Sunday, and forecasters are warning of gusty conditions overnight Sunday into Monday. Following the weekend storm, temperatures will drop significantly, with highs expected to remain in the upper 20s early next week.

Citizens are advised to stay updated with weather alerts and prepare for potentially dangerous road conditions throughout the weekend. Snow and ice accumulations are expected to vary across the region, prompting advisories for several counties.

For continuous updates, residents can check local interactive radar tools and subscribe to personalized weather alerts available through various news and weather platforms.