Fast-Moving Pennsylvania Snowstorm to Deliver 1-Inch-Per-Hour Snowfall Rates and Treacherous Travel From Late Monday Into Tuesday

WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA — A fast-moving winter storm is expected to sweep across central Pennsylvania late Monday night, bringing intense snowfall rates near one inch per hour, rapidly deteriorating road conditions, and more than six inches of accumulation in several counties by Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service in State College has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Lycoming, Columbia, Sullivan, and Schuylkill counties ahead of the region’s first widespread snow event of the season.

Heavy Snow Expected Before Sunrise Tuesday

Forecasters say the storm will arrive late Monday night, with snow intensifying sharply toward daybreak Tuesday. The heaviest bands will produce bursts of 1-inch-per-hour snowfall, enough to quickly cover roads, reduce visibility, and create hazardous morning commute conditions.

Meteorologists warn that higher elevations north of the I-81 and I-78 corridors could see the most significant accumulations as colder air locks into the region.

Icy Mix Possible Near the Mason-Dixon Line

While northern counties are expected to remain all snow, areas farther south — closer to the Mason-Dixon line — may experience a brief mix of sleet or freezing rain early Tuesday. Even a thin glaze of ice could make bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces extremely slick.

Plow crews are preparing to be deployed before sunrise due to the combination of reduced visibility and rapidly worsening road conditions.

Travel Impact: Drivers Urged to Stay Off the Roads

State officials and forecasters strongly urge residents to avoid non-essential travel Tuesday morning as the storm peaks.
Key hazards include:

• Snow-covered roads during the morning commute
• Rapidly changing visibility
• Potential icy spots on elevated surfaces
• Heaviest snow in mountainous and northern zones

Conditions are expected to gradually improve Tuesday afternoon, with snowfall tapering from west to east as the system exits the region.

A Notable Start to Winter Weather Season

This storm marks the first widespread winter event for much of central Pennsylvania this season, setting an early tone for December and signaling that colder, more active weather patterns may continue in the coming weeks.

For more updates on winter weather alerts affecting music events, travel plans, and regional conditions, keep following ChicagoMusicGuide.com.