First batch of winter weather in Centre County causes school delays, traffic disruptions
The first real blast of winter weather arrived in Centre County this week, causing delays and closures at local schools and traffic impacts caused by the snow and high winds.
Bellefonte, Bald Eagle, Penns Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola and State College area school districts all issued two-hour delays for Thursday. Philipsburg-Osceola later moved to a remote instruction day and Bald Eagle switched to a flexible instruction day after snowfall overnight.
On Thursday afternoon, high winds are also caused issues, with a wind advisory from the National Weather Service’s State College office in place through 7 p.m. Just after noon, Park Avenue was closed between McKee and North Allen streets due to a tree blocking all lanes, according to a Penn State alert that urged people to avoid the area. The road had reopened by 1 p.m.
The storm started with snow on Wednesday night and the slippery road conditions led to numerous crashes on local roads. Valley Vista Drive was briefly closed due to several stuck vehicles, according to Centre County 911.
Speed restrictions were in effect through Thursday afternoon on Interstate 99 between Interstate 80 and the Bald Eagle exit, and Tier 2 vehicle restrictions were in place on I-80.
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 stated 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.
According to the advisory, total snow accumulations in northern Centre and Clinton counties could reach between 3 and 5 inches by Friday afternoon. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told the CDT on Wednesday that snowfall totals will fluctuate throughout the area.
For updates on the latest road conditions, visit 511pa.com.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 6:16 AM.
