State College, PA – Drivers in parts of central and northeastern Pennsylvania could wake up to icy roads by 1 a.m. Friday, with a light glaze threatening bridges and ridgetops through the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday for Schuylkill and Sullivan counties. Forecasters expect mixed precipitation with ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch, especially across higher elevations.
The greatest icing risk targets ridgetops near Laporte and along elevated stretches of Route 87 in Sullivan County, as well as higher terrain around Pottsville and along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County. Even a thin glaze of 0.10 inches can create slick overpasses and untreated secondary roads, increasing the risk of spinouts during the early commute.
PennDOT crews are expected to pre-treat major highways, but drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance and allow extra travel time between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. Bridges and shaded roadways will freeze first. Residents heading out on foot should use caution on icy steps and sidewalks.
Conditions should gradually improve after 10 a.m. Friday as temperatures rise, but isolated slick spots may linger into midday. Travelers can check the latest road conditions by dialing 511 before heading out.
