JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A winter weather advisory that will last through 10 p.m. Monday has been issued for the region as a “massive winter storm” moves eastward toward the Atlantic coast.
The advisory started at 10 p.m. Sunday and the system could bring up to 5 inches of snow in that 24-hour period, with the highest amounts occurring in the southern portion of Cambria, Blair and Huntingdon counties, according to AccuWeather.
Many area schools have announced delays or flexible instruction days.
“With this storm, the farther south you are the more snow you’re going to get,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said.
He added that the “theme” of the upcoming days is cold air and some wind with temperatures feeling like they are in the single digits.
AccuWeather’s report described the storm moving out of the West as a “massive winter storm” that will bring snow and wind to the mid-Atlantic area, and ice and rain to Southern states.
The Johnstown region forecast includes a high of 25 degrees and low of 16 for Monday with 3 to 6 inches of snow possible.
Kines cautioned that if people don’t need to be on the roads Monday, they should avoid travel as the storm pushes through, and for those that have to be out, they should make sure their vehicles are stocked with a warm blanket, small snow shovel, sand or salt, and other emergency gear.
As for shoveling, he said residents should approach the task slowly, saying it’s “not a race,” and they should make sure to layer clothing with care taken for the ears, head, hands and feet.
Tuesday could bring another inch of snow with a high of 24 degrees, a low of 16 and RealFeel of 7 degrees.
Wednesday’s weather also features a frigid RealFeel temperature of 1 degree and possibly more snow.
“One silver lining from the storm is it should be a dry, fluffy snow,” Kines said.
The last single-digit RealFeel day is Thursday with the weathering having a high of 20 and low of 9 and RealFeel of 3 degrees.
Temperatures will start to climb Friday to a high of 26 degrees with a chance of afternoon flurries, and the high for Saturday is expected to be 30 degrees with a low of 19.
On Sunday, the high will be 28 degrees with a low of 18.
The RealFeel for those days is still expected to be in the upper teens, but there isn’t anymore snow in the AccuWeather forecast until possibly Jan. 18.
Due to the predicted weather, PennDOT has issued Tier 2 restrictions for interstates and the turnpike routes across the state, with the first set taking effect at 8 p.m. Sunday and the next beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
More information on that can be found at www.511pa.com/#:Alerts.
Since the first winter storm moved into the region Wednesaday, Kines said there’s been a snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches, depending on location.
He said the average amount of precipitation is closer to 10 inches for most of the area, which is about what was predicted for the five-day span.
Tips for bearing cold snaps such as these include layering up and limiting time outside if it’s necessary, according to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania information.
The state’s winter storm page also notes the importance of using a trusted weather app to track local weather; signing up for Pennsylvania’s CodeRed alert system; and making sure homes are prepared for winter with proper caulking, insulation and weather stripping.
To avoid frozen pipes, cabinets should be left open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing fixtures, thermostats should be set at 55 degrees or warmer, at least, and faucets should let cold water drip.
If it’s necessary to shovel, the state page advises residents to push snow instead of lifting to save energy, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks and dress in loose-fitting layers.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program says 64 degrees or higher is “usually a safe indoor temperature if everyone in the home is healthy” and “if there are any older adults, babies, children or anyone who has a chronic illness in the home, you will need to raise the temperature to 68 degrees to 70 degrees.”
Additionally, LIHEAP suggests electric space heaters without a safety shutoff be avoided; to never use the stove, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves or generators for heating inside a home, basement, near windows or a garage; and only use fireplaces or wood stoves if the units are vented outside properly and don’t leak gas from the flue or exhaust.
Anyone struggling with heating their home should call the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at 866-674-6327 or visit www.energyhelp.us.
More winter weather assistance and safety information, such extreme weather shelter locations and winter clothing help, can be found at www.pa211.org/winter-resources.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute also released tips for home and business owners for proper use when handling snow throwers.
“Weather today is unpredictable,” OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser said in a release. “You need to have your snow thrower serviced and ready to power up. Review your owner’s manual so you can use your equipment safely.”
Tips offered by the institute include charging batteries; clearing the area of objects, such as children’s toys and mats; purchasing fuel; and reviewing the owner’s manual.
When clearing snow, people should also aim with care; operate in visible conditions; and use caution on hills and slopes, according to OPEI.