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Region bracing for ice, sleet

Meteorologists warn winter storm may make for hazardous driving, power cuts

Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel ahead of a winter storm that’s expected to bring ice and sleet to the area.

“I think the worst part of the storm is probably coming in the second half of (Wednesday) night and the first few hours of Thursday,” Accuweather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said.

Before the ice and sleet arrives, Kines said it “wasn’t out of the question” for the area to receive some snow Wednesday afternoon as well.

“We’re not talking about inches,” Kines said. “But it’s not out of the question for us to get an inch, and it’s not out of the question for us to get nothing. It won’t be an indication of the coming storm if we don’t get snow.”

According to an alert from the National Weather Service, significant icing with accumulations between three-tenths and one-half of an inch are forecasted for the area from about 7 p.m. on Wednesday until about noon Thursday.

Kines said the big question was if the precipitation would actually be freezing rain that would accumulate into ice, or if it would come in the form of sleet.

“Regardless if it’s in the form of sleet or freezing rain, for those who have to travel Thursday morning, it’s going to be a slow-go or a no-go,” Kines said. “The roads are going to be in pretty poor shape until road crews can get out and do their thing.”

The alert stated power outages and tree damage are likely due to ice, and travel could be nearly impossible and is “strongly discouraged.”

If the freezing rain turns out to be sleet, Kines said there will still be poor traveling conditions, but “you’ll probably have to shovel a little bit.”

PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will be pretreating roads “where necessary” ahead of the storm to help prevent ice accumulation.

Speed and vehicle restrictions will also be implemented throughout the storm.

The restrictions and other travel information can be accessed by calling 511 or going to 511PA.com, according to a PennDOT release.

PennDOT advised motorists to prepare for the wintry weather by checking that they have supplies such as food, water, blankets, cellphone charger, hand or foot warmers and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.

Friday will bring out the sun and colder, dryer weather, Kines said.

“There is the possibility of another storm over the weekend that could bring a variety of precipitation like snow, sleet, freezing rain, maybe even regular rain,” Kines said.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.

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