State College, Pennsylvania – Road conditions across much of central Pennsylvania could deteriorate in two waves, beginning with freezing rain this evening and followed by wind-driven snow and ice by Wednesday morning, creating hazards for both the overnight period and the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. to midnight tonight for Columbia, Lebanon, Schuylkill, and Sullivan counties. Light freezing rain is expected to produce a thin glaze of ice on roads, bridges, sidewalks, and overpasses in areas including Bloomsburg, Berwick, Pottsville, Laporte, and Lebanon.
A second advisory takes effect farther west from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday for Cambria and Somerset counties. That system brings freezing drizzle mixed with light snow, with accumulations up to one inch and ice around a light glaze. Winds gusting up to 45 mph could knock down tree branches and further complicate travel in and around Johnstown and Somerset.
PennDOT crews will be monitoring conditions statewide, but drivers are urged to reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak impact windows. Gusty winds Wednesday morning may also reduce visibility on exposed roadways.
Icy conditions ease late tonight in eastern counties, while western areas may see lingering impacts into Wednesday afternoon. Additional advisories could be issued if wind or ice impacts increase.
