STATE COLLEGE, PA — Winter finally tightens its grip on central Pennsylvania this morning as a fast-moving system brings the first widespread snow of the season. The National Weather Service in State College has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 3 AM to 1 PM Tuesday, warning that 2 to 4 inches of snow could impact the region just as commuters hit the roads.
Snow rates near 1 inch per hour are possible at the height of the storm, especially between 6 and 10 a.m. Tuesday. Visibility will drop quickly, and slick roads and bridges may create hazardous travel along I-80, I-81, and U.S. 322. Areas near the Mason-Dixon line could see a brief mix of sleet or freezing rain, leading to a thin glaze of ice.
Meteorologists note that the heaviest snow will fall over higher elevations east of US-15, while lower valleys could see slightly less accumulation. Still, road crews may struggle to keep up with snowfall rates during the busiest hours of the morning commute.
By Tuesday afternoon, precipitation will taper and skies will begin to clear, leaving behind a colder, crisp air mass with highs near 36°F. Wednesday and Thursday bring a quiet stretch under partly sunny skies before another weak system reintroduces light snow chances late Friday into the weekend.
5-Day Outlook (State College, PA):
- Tuesday: Snow early, high 36°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 35°F.
- Thursday: Mostly clear, high 34°F.
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 28°F.
- Saturday: Cloudy with scattered snow showers, high 35°F.
