HARRISBURG (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) — While it might not end up as a white Christmas, there's still some heavy precipitation predicted for the weekend.
And the Wolf Administration is warning Pennsylvanians to be on alert for the intensity and types of precipitation forecast to hit in the coming days.
Citizens are asked to watch for heavy rains, strong, icy winds, and snowfall.
Rapid temperature drops could also lead to flash freezing throughout the infrastructure.
Along with the heavy precipitation, there's also the threat of imminent flash flooding that comes with the territory.
As rainfall or snowfall begins to pour down, it could cause river flooding in the upper Susquehanna River basin, which is something to keep tabs on moving forward.
"My priority is the safety of all Pennsylvanians," Governor Tom Wolf said. "Please stay alert and pay close attention to local weather forecasts so you can be prepared. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is coordinating with all counties to be sure there are no unmet needs, especially throughout this holiday weekend. Please stay home and stay safe. And thank you to our first responders and emergency personnel who are working tirelessly through the holiday to keep everyone safe."
"This is a dangerous storm that will bring a wide variety of hazards to most of Pennsylvania through the weekend," said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. "It is imperative that you pay attention to conditions in your area and do not travel unless it is critical for you to do so. If you must travel, you need to have emergency supplies in your car in the event roadways become impassable."
As forecast by the National Weather Service, an abundance of snow and rain is expected in the two- and three-day forecast as a complex storm system starts moving toward the northeast.
And to little surprise, river flooding and flash flooding are expected.
Flooding coupled with poor drainage in some areas could backup the roadways.
If water backs up into the city and state traffic systems, lower temperatures could cause flash freezing, making the roads much more hazardous.
Stronger winds are also expected, which in turn, could cause damage to power lines and create blackouts or power outages.
Communities within river basin watersheds are asked to keep a watchful eye on the weather conditions; record-breaking water levels could be a thing of reality if the precipitation becomes significant enough.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is planning on making pre-emptive restrictions on certain vehicle types later on Dec. 24.
More so, Accuweather has already placed Pittsburgh under a flood advisory that started on Dec. 24 and will last until 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26.
In addition, there is also a secondary winter weather advisory that's scheduled until 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 25.
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