Weekend Forecast: 12-18″ of snow predicted to start late Saturday

First call: A major snowstorm will impact our region from late Saturday night, lasting all day Sunday before exiting our region Monday morning.

Arctic air is currently working into our region, hence the breezy conditions on Friday afternoon. Temperatures will continue to drop as we progress into Friday evening, with overnight lows nearing 8 degrees!

A slow-moving storm system will follow along the artic front and will bring with it significant snow to our region. As of Friday afternoon, comparing all forecast guidance along with current observations, Lebanon County Weather’s confidence levels are at 95% in expecting at least a foot of snow in our region, with up to 18 inches possible.

Some short-range forecast guidance is hinting at the mid levels rising to change snow to sleet for a several-hour period. This would come near the end of the storm if this, in fact, happens, but Lebanon County Weather is not entirely sold on that idea, as of Friday afternoon.

This will be a very light and fluffy snow for most of this storm, with a high ratio event, meaning you don’t need much liquid to produce heavy amounts of snow. Additionally, windy conditions will develop Sunday afternoon and will continue into Monday afternoon, so expect blowing and drifting of snow.

Roads will be at a stand still Sunday as rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will hamper road crews’ best efforts. Please just stay home and off the roads if you must not be out and about.

Lebanon County Weather will make its final call Saturday afternoon with any possible changes to snowfall amounts.

Say it ain’t snow! With more winter weather potentially in the forecast for this weekend, now is the time to get prepared!

Jono Hardware has everything you need to tackle winter weather:

✓ Snow shovels, both plastic- and metal-bladed options.

✓ Snowblowers, both gas- and battery-powered models.

✓ Ice melters

✓ Salt spreaders

Don’t wait until the flakes start falling! Stop by Jono Hardware at 10781 Allentown Blvd. in Jonestown. Make sure you tell them that Justin from Lebanon County Weather sent you! Open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 717-865-5060 or visit www.jonohardware.com.

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