PENNSYLVANIA — A powerful winter storm is expected to impact large portions of Pennsylvania beginning Wednesday and continuing into New Year’s Day, with weather experts warning that a combination of a fast-moving clipper system and persistent heavy lake-effect snow could produce totals reaching 20 inches in parts of Northwest Pennsylvania. Forecasters are urging residents to prepare early as dangerous travel conditions are expected during New Year’s celebrations.
Heaviest Snowfall Expected in Northwest Pennsylvania
According to the latest first-call snowfall forecast, the most significant accumulations will target counties downwind of Lake Erie:
- Zone A: Erie, Edinboro, and surrounding areas could receive 15–20 inches of snow.
- Zone B: Meadville and nearby communities may see 10–15 inches.
- Zone C: Areas stretching from Oil City to Kittanning could accumulate 8–12 inches.
Meteorologists warn that the combination of the clipper system’s widespread snow and strong lake-effect bands will create rapidly changing and unpredictable conditions, especially Wednesday through Thursday morning.
Central Pennsylvania to See Moderate Snowfall
Snow amounts steadily decrease moving southeast across the state, but hazardous weather is still likely:
- Zone D: New Castle, Butler, DuBois, and St. Marys may receive 6–10 inches.
- Zone E: Pittsburgh and portions of Beaver County are forecast to get 4–8 inches.
- Zone F: State College, Williamsport, and parts of Northeast PA could see 3–6 inches.
Though these amounts are lower than those near the lake, strong winds and bursts of heavy snow may still cause low visibility and slick roads.
Lighter Accumulations but Continued Disruptions in Eastern Counties
Eastern Pennsylvania will remain on the lower end of the snow gradient:
- Zone G: Allentown, Reading, Pottsville, Hazleton, and Scranton may receive 1–3 inches.
- Isolated pockets may see slightly higher totals depending on how snow bands shift.
Even with smaller accumulations, forecasters emphasize that icy conditions, blowing snow, and freezing temperatures could disrupt holiday travel.
Storm Timeline and Travel Concerns
The storm is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon, intensifying overnight into early Thursday. The clipper system will first spread a broad shield of snow across the state before lake-effect bands take over in the northwest.
Key concerns include:
- Whiteout conditions along the I-79 and I-90 corridors
- Very hazardous travel Wednesday night through Thursday
- Potential road closures or delays, especially in high-impact lake-effect zones
- Dangerously reduced visibility during heaviest bursts of snow
Officials are advising Pennsylvanians to adjust travel plans and stay off roads during peak snowfall hours.
New Year’s Plans at Risk
With celebrations planned across the state, the timing of the storm raises significant complications. Forecasters warn that New Year’s Eve travel could become extremely dangerous, especially north and west of Pittsburgh.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts closely as snow band placement may shift. NapervilleLocal.com will continue following this developing winter storm and provide updates as new data arrives…