A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to much of the state late Saturday night through Monday morning, with double-digit snowfall amounts expected at a minimum for the majority of the state. Recent northern shifts will allow areas across eastern Pennsylvania to changeover to sleet, but even so, a very heavy period of snow is still expected at the front-end of the storm system. Read below for all of the details!
If you are here for just snowfall amounts, press “SECOND CALL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS.”
CLICK TO JUMP TO THE FOLLOWING:
OVERALL METEOROLOGICAL PATTERN:
The overall pattern from a meteorology perspective is the pattern you look for ahead of intense winter storms. All of the ingredients that meteorologists look for at 500 MB are lining up. A 50/50 low combined with a strong west-based negative NAO block. Additionally, a strong western ridge will allow for the East Coast trough to dig into the southeastern United States. Western Atlantic ridging will allow for the pattern to slow down, and we get a low-pressure system to develop on the East Coast.
With all of the ingredients coming together, this is what will possibly look at the surface. You have your polar jet stream phasing in with the subtropical jet stream, allowing for colder air to phase in with a warm/moist airmass. Arctic Air will be filtering on the East Coast, allowing for major snow and crippling ice storms across much of the country from Texas through the East Coast. This brings us major snowfall here in Pennsylvania!
WINTER WEATHER ROAD CONDITIONS:
VERY HIGH: Widespread snow and/or ice will cover nearly all roadways, including major highways and interstates. Severe winter storm conditions will create extremely dangerous travel. Vehicles may become stranded, especially during the heaviest snow and/or ice. Travel will be impossible at times. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.
MID-STORM TEMPERATURE:
As stated over the past few days, the bad aspect of this storm will be the temperatures. Temperatures during the “worst” part of the storm are currently projected to be in the single digits to lower-teens. Any pre-salting and pretreatment will likely not work at all, and all roadways and interstates will need to be assumed snow-covered. I would not be surprised by very heavy travel restrictions incoming with this storm.
PENNSYLVANIA WINTER STORM TIMING:
Snow will be moving into Pennsylvania southwest-to-northeast Saturday evening through early Sunday morning. The start of the storm has trended slower over the last few model cycles. Once the storm begins, the conditions will worsen quickly. All day on Sunday will likely have very hazardous to at times impossible travel conditions with bands of heavy snowfall. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected. The snow looks to continue into Monday morning before tapering off Monday afternoon. If you have travel plans Sunday through Monday morning, it is now time to cancel and reschedule!
Here is a more in-depth look at the timing of the start of the snowfall. The snow will be entering the state southwest-to-northeast. Expect a 1 – 3 hour period of light “pixie” dust type-of snowfall before it begins to ramp up late Sunday morning and into the afternoon with 1-2″/hr or greater snowfall rates.
SECOND CALL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS:
Even with the fluffier snow expected, I would expect isolated power outages to occur in isolated areas due to the weight of the snow on trees and branches. If you are prone to losing power, prepare for power outages and be prepared to be snowed in. It is recommended that you prepare enough non-perishable food and water for power outages to last for up to 3 days or longer. Arctic air will follow this storm system.
AREA A: Snowfall amounts of 16 to 20 inches. Roadway conditions will likely be impassable Sunday through early Monday morning with heavy snowfall expected. Schools and businesses will likely remain closed into Monday and Tuesday. In future updates, I believe I will still need to add one more zone to discuss a potential heavier band of snowfall, which may not be released until the final map.
AREA B: Preliminary snow amounts of 10 to 16 inches. Roadway conditions will likely be impassable Sunday through early Monday morning with heavy snowfall expected. Sleet will likely mix in Sunday night into Monday morning (far southwestern PA and eastern PA within dashed areas only). Schools and businesses will likely remain closed into Monday and Tuesday.
AREA C: Preliminary snow / sleet amounts of 6 to 10 inches. Roadway conditions with snow and sleet combined will likely lead to very hazardous travel conditions Sunday through Monday morning. Schools and businesses will likely remain closed on Monday
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
Here are some winter storm preparation tips: Make sure you stock up on essentials like food, water, medications, and batteries, and charge your phones and power banks ahead of time. Fill your gas tank, prepare your vehicle, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm if possible. If you are prone to power outages, make sure you have enough food and water to last at least 3 days! Stay informed by monitoring the latest forecasts and updates, use caution when shoveling snow and traveling on icy roads, and check on neighbors. Report any power outages or hazards in your community and continue to follow PA Weather Plus for updates.
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Last Updated on Jan 22, 2026 at 8:06 AM
-Denys
