Winter storm headed for central PA may bring snow squalls. How much snowfall could we see?
The first true snowstorm of the year is seemingly heading Centre County’s way, according to recent forecasts and models.
The National Weather Service’s State College office issued early Wednesday a winter weather advisory that will remain in effect through 1 p.m. Friday. The notice says a complex storm system will pass through northern Centre and Clinton counties Wednesday night and Thursday, bringing a few inches of snow and strong winds.
So, how much snow could fall in your area? Here’s what you need to know as the storm approaches central Pennsylvania.
How much snow could fall this week?
According to the advisory, total snow accumulations in northern Centre and Clinton counties could reach between 3 and 5 inches by Friday afternoon. That number could fluctuate throughout the area, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines.
“The western part of Centre County should see more snow than eastern parts,” Kines said. “Places like Philipsburg and Snow Shoe could easily see about 4 inches out of this, but snow amounts diminish farther east. It’s certainly not out of the question State College could receive a couple of inches between Wednesday and Friday.”
Light snow showers are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening before snowfall picks up overnight. Snowfall could break Thursday morning for some more southern areas, but winter precipitation will pick up again later in the day.
Some snow in the area could come through snow squalls, Kines said. This phenomenon, defined as an intense but limited period of moderate or heavy snowfall and gusty winds, is often associated with strong cold fronts and can disrupt travel and reduce visibility.
Strong winds will pick up once the cold front moves through Wednesday night and Friday, Kines said. Gusts could top 40 or 50 mph, according to an NWS wind advisory in place from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Strong winds could make Thursday’s projected high of 29 degrees Fahrenheit in State College feel even colder.
“You combine that with temperatures in the 20s, and it’s going to feel like it’s in the single digits or perhaps even near zero degrees,” Kines said. “Not only will that wind freeze your face, but it might send your neighbor’s holiday decorations into your yard.”
Falling snow and high winds throughout the area could complicate travel plans for those driving in Centre County late Wednesday and Thursday morning.
“Anybody out and about late Wednesday or Thursday morning should be prepared for slippery travel,” Kines said. “Even Thursday evening, people should be prepared for some slick roads.”
How much snow has fallen so far this season?
So far, State College has received just about 0.4 inches of snow during the 2024-25 winter season, according to NWS records. That total falls far behind the 3.7 inches the area would typically receive by Dec. 3 in an average year.
NWS data stretching back to 1983 suggests the State College area receives about 43.8 inches of snow each year.
Local experts predict a more typical winter for Centre County and the surrounding area, though snowfall and temperatures may still wind up milder than normal thanks to a number of factors, including a weak La Niña pattern expected to emerge this winter. Increased rain and snowfall over the coming weeks and months could help Pennsylvania address abnormally dry conditions reported across nearly all of the commonwealth, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports.
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