PENNSYLVANIA - Get your shovels ready—the first significant snowfall of the season is bearing down on parts of Pennsylvania.
A strong cold front is crashing temperatures from west to east across the state, bringing what is expected to be the first accumulating snow for many. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches, Lake Effect Snow Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories for several counties.
The most significant snow is expected in the northwestern part of the state, where the "lake effect snow machine" is firing up. Gusty northwest winds of 20-40 mph blowing over the relatively warm waters of Lake Erie are expected to create intense, heavy bands of snow.
Warnings and Snow Totals
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A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect for Southern Erie County until 1 p.m. Tuesday, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 11 inches possible.
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A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Northern Erie County, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected.
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A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Warren County and the northwestern highlands.
Forecasters warn that travel will be hazardous, with snow-covered roads and poor visibility impacting the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. The snow is expected to be heavy and wet, which could lead to tree damage and power outages, especially since many trees still have their leaves.
Lighter Snow for Pittsburgh
Further south, including in Allegheny County, the impact will be less severe but will still mark a jarring arrival of winter. Allegheny County officials are preparing to deploy salt trucks to treat roads as temperatures drop.
Forecasts for the Pittsburgh area call for a few snow showers throughout Monday and into the evening, with a total accumulation of a coating to an inch. Highs on Monday are expected to only reach the mid-30s, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
While central and eastern Pennsylvania will miss the snow, they will feel the cold, as frigid air settles in across the entire state for the beginning of the week.
