As Centre County braces for snowstorm, NWS gives update on expected timing, totals
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- NWS forecasts 12–18 inches of snow in Centre County, storm begins early Sunday
- NWS warns major disruptions to travel and infrastructure during heavy snowfall
- Municipalities issue snow emergencies; many businesses announced closures
The forecast for a major winter storm remains on track and includes double-digit snow accumulation in Centre County, the National Weather Service said in a late Saturday afternoon update.
A winter storm warning is set to take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, and the NWS’ latest forecast shows Centre County getting between 12 to 18 inches of snow. It’s expected to start between 2-4 a.m. Sunday and end around 7 a.m. Monday.
The snow will be heavy at times throughout Sunday, with accumulation rates exceeding one inch per hour at times, the NWS wrote in a social media post.
“Impacts from this major winter storm are expected,” the NWS’ post states. “Major disruptions to travel and infrastructure are likely.”
Accuweather, which predicts 8-12 inches of snow in Centre County during the storm, expects snow to start at 1 a.m. Sunday and be heaviest between 7 a.m.-noon.
AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson told the Centre Daily Times Thursday that he expected the storm will bring “lightweight, fluffy snow” to the area due to cold temperatures, meaning shoveling and clearing off car roofs as required by law will be easier than during warmer snowstorms.
In preparation for the storm, many businesses have announced closures for Sunday, and some are also planning for delayed openings on Monday. Municipalities across Centre County have issued snow emergencies and urge only essential travel on Sunday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a disaster declaration Friday to free up state funds for storm response efforts, and also asked people to stay home during the storm that’s set to impact to Midwest and Northeast.
“Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our Commonwealth,” Shapiro stated in a press release. “Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities.”
According to the NWS, snow intensity will start to taper off in most areas late Sunday evening through Monday morning.
After the storm, frigid temperatures are predicted the rest of the week, with AccuWeather’s forecast showing temperatures staying below 20 degrees Fahrenheit until next Sunday.
CDT reporter Trebor Maitin contributed to this report.
