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A powerful storm system will bring flooding rains to the region on Sunday, with at least 1.5 inches of rainfall expected by most weather services.
Meteorologists have been watching the frontal system for several days, with predicted storm totals steadily increasing each day as the storm draws closer.
A fairly classic front, the system will move from west to east across Pennsylvania before lifting northward overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
The National Weather Service is suggesting the start of precipitation to be around 4 a.m. Sunday morning, while the GFS weather model is showing the line of rain hitting our area somewhere around 10 a.m. NWS is expecting up to 2.25 inches of rain -- a number, which, again, has been creeping up steadily throughout the week.
Most of the rain will be over by midnight Sunday, but there's a catch: cold air will rush in behind the front as it lifts to the northeast, with precipitation still in effect throughout the state. This will cause much of the remaining showers to become snow instead. NWS is forecasting at least an inch or two of snow through midday Monday -- not enough to be a problem, but enough to be annoying for some.
Accuweather largely agrees, although their precipitation totals for both rain and snow are a little lower than NWS -- they are still expecting at least 1.5 inches of rain and an inch of snow, however.
Gusts of up to 30 mph are possible with the front, but the worst of the wind will be after the front moves through -- gusts over 40 mph are likely, especially at higher elevations, according to NWS.
The rain is much needed, with Clinton County in particular under a drought warning. However, this much rain in a short time frame can cause significant problems, especially in low-lying areas and along small streams and creeks.
After the storm moves through, no further significant precipitation is showing on the GFS model until a potential storm on or around Wednesday, Dec. 20, so areas hard-hit by this storm will have a chance for water to go back down before any further rain or snow.