Central Pennsylvania Braces for Stormy Weather

A big storm is coming, bringing lots of rain and very strong winds. The National Weather Service has warned everyone to be ready for high winds.

Rainfall and Flooding

• Rain starts tonight, continuing all night.
• Most places: 0.5 to 1 inch of rain.
• East-central mountains: 1.5 to 2.5 inches possible.
• Flooding risk, especially in Sullivan County, due to melting snow.

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms

• Between 1 and 8 a.m. Friday, a narrow band of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms will move through.

Strong Winds

• Strongest winds: 1 to 7 p.m. Friday.
• Central Pennsylvania: Gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
• Laurel Highlands & South Central Alleghenies: Gusts up to 60 mph.

Rain Turning to Snow

• Colder air moves in, turning rain into snow showers.
• Mostly in western mountains and lake effect snow areas.
• By Saturday morning: 1 to 3 inches of snow possible.
• Blowing and drifting snow may make driving difficult in northwestern mountains.

Weekend Weather

• Saturday: Starts nice.
• Sunday & Sunday night: Arctic air, gusty winds, and more lake effect snow.

Next Week Outlook

• Warmer than usual for late December.
• Mixed precipitation events possible early Tuesday and Christmas Day.
• Timing will decide if they cause winter weather problems.