The current brief reprieve from winter’s chill will not last, as a widespread snowstorm followed by extreme cold are likely. Winter Storm Watches have been issued for parts of Central and Eastern PA ahead of Sunday’s snowstorm. In addition, an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued in other areas ahead of wind chills as low as 30 below zero next week.

We will have more details on Sunday regarding this life-threatening cold that will close schools for parts of next week. That may sound drastic, but temperatures near or below zero combined with gusty winds will cause frostbite in 15-25 minutes of skin exposure. And having a snowpack will only make temperatures drop further.

Winter Storm Timing

Light to moderate snow will move into Southern Pennsylvania before lunchtime Sunday as the low pressure system begins to form in Southern Virginia. Precipitation will then increase in intensity as the system strengthens while moving northeast.

Moderate to locally heavy snow will break out between I-81 and I-95, encompassing nearly all densely-populated areas in the eastern half of PA. Light snow will be thrown northwest, in places like the Laurel Highlands to the Endless Mountains.

Snow ratios (usually 10″ of snow for every 1″ of liquid) will be around 15:1 in areas NW of I-95, and approach 20:1 across the interior mountains.

This will not be a long storm, which limits the maximum amount of snow. We expect snow to exit the areas from southwest to northeast Sunday evening, and even earlier in Western PA. This is simply not a Western PA event, as it’s a coastal storm.

Area A: Snowfall accumulation of 5 – 9″ expected. Roads will quickly become snow-covered, making travel very difficult and inadvisable.

Area B: Snowfall accumulation of 3 – 5″ anticipated. Snow will rapidly cover roadways, leading to slippery driving conditions.

Area C: Snowfall accumulation of 1 – 3″ expected. Secondary roads are likely to become slick as snow covers them.

Don’t forget to share this forecast with friends and family!