Alert archive / Pennsylvania / Ice Storm Warnings in 2021

Ice Storm Warning 1, NWS State College, PA

January 1, 2021Somerset County, Pennsylvania

NWS State College, PA issued this ice storm warning at Jan 1, 2021, 2:36 AM EST for Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It took effect at Jan 1, 2021, 9:00 AM EST. It was in force for 14 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 1, 2021, 2:36 AM EST (07:36 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 1, 2021, 9:00 AM EST
Expired
Jan 1, 2021, 10:54 PM EST
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS State College, PA

County Somerset County, PA

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 119 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 07:38 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 1, 2:50 PM ESTFREEZING RAIN 0.5Seven Springs, PAICE ACCUMULATING ON TREES THAT ALREADY HAD HEAVY SNOW ON THEM, CAUSING TREES TO BEND OVER.
Jan 1, 3:20 PM ESTFREEZING RAIN 0.25Somerset, PA

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Pittsburgh, PA (KPIT), launched 00:00Z, 7.6 hours before the alert went out and 103 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Pittsburgh, PA at 00:00Z on 2021-01-01Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Pittsburgh, PA at 00:00Z on 2021-01-01The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 30 square meters per square second.1939587897117136Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
785 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
66 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
30 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
126 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

197 
WWUS41 KCTP 010736
WSWCTP

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
236 AM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

PAZ033-011945-
/O.UPG.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.210101T1500Z-210102T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KCTP.IS.W.0001.210101T1400Z-210102T0500Z/
Somerset-
Including the city of Somerset
236 AM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT
EST TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of
  one tenth to four tenths of an inch, with the greatest amounts
  on the ridgetops.

* WHERE...Somerset County.

* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to midnight EST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks will be very slippery.
  Scattered power outages and downed tree limbs are possible due
  to the weight of the ice, mainly over the higher terrain. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel as severe winter
weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must
travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle
in case of an emergency.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

PAZ004>006-010>012-017>019-024>028-034>037-041-042-045-046-
049>053-056>058-063-064-011945-
/O.CON.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.210101T1500Z-210102T0600Z/
Warren-McKean-Potter-Elk-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Clearfield-
Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Cambria-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-
Juniata-Bedford-Fulton-Franklin-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan-
Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-
Northumberland-Columbia-Perry-Dauphin-Schuylkill-Cumberland-Adams-
Including the cities of Warren, Bradford, Coudersport, St. Marys,
Ridgway, Emporium, Renovo, DuBois, Clearfield, Philipsburg, 
State College, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Mount Union, 
Lewistown, Mifflintown, Bedford, McConnellsburg, Chambersburg, 
Mansfield, Wellsboro, Trout Run, Laporte, Lock Haven, 
Williamsport, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Danville, Sunbury, 
Shamokin, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Newport, Harrisburg, Hershey, 
Pottsville, Carlisle, and Gettysburg
236 AM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS
MORNING TO 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain, possibly beginning as a brief period of
  snow or sleet. Total ice accumulations ranging from a light
  glaze in the valleys, to around a quarter of an inch on the
  ridgetops. 

* WHERE...Portions of central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...Precipitation will spread northeast across the region
  during the afternoon, reaching Altoona and Johnstown by noon and
  reaching areas north of Williamsport by late afternoon.  
  Freezing rain should transition to plain rain in most spots by 
  late this evening.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks could be very slippery.
  Isolated power outages and downed tree limbs are possible over 
  the higher terrain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
643 
WWUS41 KCTP 011934
WSWCTP

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
234 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

PAZ033-020500-
/O.CON.KCTP.IS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210102T0500Z/
Somerset-
Including the city of Somerset
234 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST
TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of 
  one tenth to four tenths of an inch, with the greatest amounts 
  on the ridgetops.

* WHERE...Somerset County.

* WHEN...Through midnight EST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks will be very slippery. 
  Scattered power outages and downed tree limbs are possible due 
  to the weight of the ice, mainly over the higher terrain.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all
travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel as severe winter
weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must
travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle
in case of an emergency.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

PAZ059-065-066-020600-
/O.EXA.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210102T0600Z/
Lebanon-York-Lancaster-
Including the cities of Lebanon, York, and Lancaster
234 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Pockets of freezing rain mixed with rain. Total ice 
  accumulations ranging from a light glaze up to a tenth of an 
  inch over higher elevations.

* WHERE...Lebanon, York and Lancaster Counties.

* WHEN...Freezing rain should change to plain rain in most spots 
  by late this evening as temperatures warm above freezing.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks could be very slippery.
  Isolated power outages and downed tree limbs are possible over
  higher elevations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

PAZ004>006-010>012-017>019-024>028-034>037-041-042-045-046-
049>053-056>058-063-064-020600-
/O.CON.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210102T0600Z/
Warren-McKean-Potter-Elk-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Clearfield-
Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Cambria-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-
Juniata-Bedford-Fulton-Franklin-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan-
Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-
Northumberland-Columbia-Perry-Dauphin-Schuylkill-Cumberland-Adams-
Including the cities of Warren, Bradford, Coudersport, St. Marys,
Ridgway, Emporium, Renovo, DuBois, Clearfield, Philipsburg, 
State College, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Mount Union, 
Lewistown, Mifflintown, Bedford, McConnellsburg, Chambersburg, 
Mansfield, Wellsboro, Trout Run, Laporte, Lock Haven, 
Williamsport, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Danville, Sunbury, 
Shamokin, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Newport, Harrisburg, Hershey, 
Pottsville, Carlisle, and Gettysburg
234 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain mixed with rain at times. Total ice 
  accumulations ranging from a light glaze in the valleys, to 
  around a quarter of an inch on the ridgetops.

* WHERE...Much of central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...Steady light, to at times moderate, freezing rain will
  continue this afternoon and early evening. Freezing rain should
  change to plain rain in most spots by late this evening.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks could be very 
  slippery. Isolated power outages and downed tree limbs are 
  possible over the higher terrain.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

BG/RR/AT/MD
199 
WWUS41 KCTP 020354
WSWCTP

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
1054 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

PAZ033-020600-
/O.CAN.KCTP.IS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210102T0500Z/
/O.EXA.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210102T0600Z/
Somerset-
Including the city of Somerset
1054 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...
...ICE STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Freezing drizzle, especially across the high terrain.

* WHERE...Somerset County.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks could be very slippery. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The temperatures continue to rise and some
  melting of the ice will start to occur shortly after midnight. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

PAZ064>066-020500-
/O.CAN.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210102T0600Z/
Adams-York-Lancaster-
Including the cities of Gettysburg, York, and Lancaster
1054 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The rain is ending and the temperatures have warmed just enough to
keep the threat of freezing rain away for the rest of the night.

$$

PAZ004>006-010>012-017>019-024>028-034>037-041-042-045-046-
049>053-056>059-063-020600-
/O.CON.KCTP.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210102T0600Z/
Warren-McKean-Potter-Elk-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Clearfield-
Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Cambria-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-
Juniata-Bedford-Fulton-Franklin-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan-
Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-
Northumberland-Columbia-Perry-Dauphin-Schuylkill-Lebanon-
Cumberland-
Including the cities of Warren, Bradford, Coudersport, St. Marys,
Ridgway, Emporium, Renovo, DuBois, Clearfield, Philipsburg, 
State College, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Mount Union, 
Lewistown, Mifflintown, Bedford, McConnellsburg, Chambersburg, 
Mansfield, Wellsboro, Trout Run, Laporte, Lock Haven, 
Williamsport, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Danville, Sunbury, 
Shamokin, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Newport, Harrisburg, Hershey, 
Pottsville, Lebanon, and Carlisle
1054 PM EST Fri Jan 1 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing drizzle.

* WHERE...Much of central Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...UNTIL 1 AM EST.

* IMPACTS...Untreated roads and sidewalks could be very slippery. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The rain has tapered to drizzle for the
  most part, and many areas are close to freezing. The
  temperatures will warm a little through the rest of the night.
  The threat for freezing drizzle should end shortly after
  midnight.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.

Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.

To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.

&&

$$

Nearby

Ice Storm Warnings in Pennsylvania, 2021Every ice storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.