State College, Pennsylvania – A widespread Winter Storm Watch is in effect across much of the Mid-Atlantic region from Friday into Saturday, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected to create dangerous travel conditions from Pennsylvania and Maryland into New York, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say portions of central and northern Pennsylvania could see 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet, while areas farther east and north — including northeast Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and parts of southern and central New York — may receive 5 to 10 inches of snow. In several regions, ice accumulations between one tenth and four tenths of an inch are possible.
The storm is expected to develop Friday morning in western and central Pennsylvania, spreading eastward through the day and intensifying Friday evening. The National Weather Service warns that both the Friday morning and evening commutes could be significantly impacted, with slick roads, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions.
In western Maryland, including Garrett and Allegany counties, forecasters say freezing rain may lead to tree damage and power outages, with travel potentially becoming nearly impossible at times. Ice accumulation on power lines and untreated roads poses a heightened risk across higher elevations.
In New York, including the Catskills, Southern Tier, and parts of the Hudson Valley, snow totals of 4 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts, could lead to difficult travel through Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service emphasized that a Winter Storm Watch means conditions are favorable for significant winter weather but that exact impacts may still change. Residents across the Mid-Atlantic are urged to monitor updated forecasts, delay non-essential travel if possible, and prepare for potential disruptions.
