Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Residents across central and eastern Pennsylvania could face renewed winter travel issues as a late-January weather pattern increases the chance for accumulating snow across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, central and eastern Pennsylvania are included in a slight risk for heavy snow from Saturday through the following Friday, pointing to a higher likelihood of one or more impactful winter systems. The risk stretches from the Susquehanna Valley east into northeastern Pennsylvania.
In south-central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and surrounding Dauphin County communities, colder-than-normal air is expected to remain in place, increasing confidence that precipitation falls mainly as snow. That could lead to slick conditions along Interstate 81 and Route 322 during periods of heavier snowfall.
Farther west in central Pennsylvania, including State College and Centre County, elevation and colder temperatures may allow snow to accumulate efficiently, especially if storms arrive during overnight or early morning hours. In northeastern areas such as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, snow could fall in multiple rounds, raising the potential for cumulative impacts on local roads and commuter travel.
PennDOT urges drivers to monitor road conditions, avoid unnecessary travel during snow, and keep winter emergency supplies in vehicles. With colder air favored to persist, any snow that falls may linger between systems.
Additional advisories and more precise timing details are expected as the late-January window approaches, with updates likely by early next week.
