Winter Storm Update: Temperatures Plunge As Snow Moves Out Of PA

PENNSYLVANIA - Keep that winter coat handy, Pennsylvanians.

Friday's winter storm that closed scores of schools and prompted winter storm warnings has already dropped nearly three inches on parts of the Keystone State, but Mother Nature isn't done with the region yet.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday across the entire state, according to the National Weather Service, and residents can expect an icy evening commute and arctic temperatures that will linger long after the snowstorm tapers off around 7 p.m. Friday. In fact, daytime temperatures won't be surpassing more than 30 degrees this weekend.

Our latest snowfall forecast. pic.twitter.com/t2PAc9o7IE
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 19, 2024

Winter storm warnings are still in effect across five Pennsylvania counties until 10 p.m. Friday, affecting Delaware, Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the agency wrote. “Any untreated roads will become icy and dangerous. Areas of blowing snow are possible over the weekend.”

As of 1 p.m., Reading and Philadelphia have already reported nearly three inches of snowfall, according to the weather service. 2 to 6 inches of snow are in the forecast, with 4 to 6 inches likely to drop in the southeast portion of the state.

Dry, powdery snow and chilly ground temperatures will lead to “immediate” accumulations on roadways and slippery conditions, AccuWeather meteorologists said. Frigid low temperatures in the teens over the weekend will pose a risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those not properly dressed for the elements.

A commercial vehicle ban is in effect on I-76, 78, 80, 195, 280, 287, 295 and 676. Tractor trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles pulling trailers and other vehicles are barred from the interstates until further notice.

Thirty-six flights at Philadelphia International Airport have been canceled and 192 flights have been delayed as of publication Friday, according to FlightAware.

Sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid-30s are expected to return Monday before more snow is forecast to hit the state Wednesday.

Here’s the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday: Snow. High near 30. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Friday Night: A chance of snow, mainly before 9 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 16. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday: Areas of blowing snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night: Areas of blowing snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.