Pair of ice storms to strike region
First storm arrives today
LOCK HAVEN — A pair of ice storms are approaching the area, with the first expected to begin this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), precipitation should begin as light snow in the afternoon hours. The exact intensity and accumulation is uncertain due to fluctuations of temperature, but 1-3″ of snow is possible prior to the evening commute.
At some point, the snow is expected to transition to ice, likely sleet. While the precise changeover point is up for debate, it is expected to be around the evening commute or a little thereafter.
NWS is forecasting widespread ice accretions across the area, with sleet and freezing rain expected to produce 0.10-0.25″ of ice by Thursday morning, with higher amounts possible locally.
Much of the remaining precipitation from this storm Thursday morning is expected to be rain, with temperatures surging as the storm passes. Highs in the 40s will be common throughout northcentral PA in the wake of the system, which will help the ice melt through the afternoon, although temperatures will fall enough overnight that some re-freeze is possible.
Friday will be a calm reset day between the two storms, with sunny skies and a high around 36.
On Saturday, the second ice storm will hit.
Models are still developing for this storm, however, it does appear to be tracking further south than today’s storm. This means that an increased amount of snow compared to ice is likely.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the second storm is expected to begin Saturday morning, with precipitation lasting through Sunday morning. Weather models are showing the storm beginning as snow, turning to ice, then rain, then back to snow as it lifts off to the northeast, however, this storm is far enough out with enough variables that this should be considered as an advance warning and not as a strict guide.
Expect the active pattern to continue for much of February if the long-range models are to be believed, with successions of winter storms roughly every three days or so lasting well into the middle of the month at least.
After these storms, the next system is looking to be much more of a snow storm, with less chance of ice, but, obviously, this may change as it approaches.
As always, use extreme caution with ice storms if you need to travel, and watch for heavy ice accumulations breaking tree limbs and bringing down power lines.
Ahead of anticipated winter weather across the state Wednesday into Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the PA Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:
— Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
— Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
— Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
— Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
— Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
— Use your defroster and wipers.
— Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
When winter weather occurs, drivers should be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:
— Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
— Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
— When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
— Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train.” The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
— Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can’t see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
— Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle’s wipers are on due to inclement weather.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in a crash:
— First and foremost, move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it’s able to be driven. Remaining in the lanes of travel when your vehicle can be driven is extremely dangerous.
— If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is not able to be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured, PA law requires the crash be reported to police. Do this by dialing 911 right away.
— If your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, remain inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights activated. If it’s not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
— When encountering a crash scene, the law requires you to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.
The law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.