Here’s the forecast for Central Pa. this weekend

• LNP|LancasterOnline Staff
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Another round of snow is predicted to fall across Central Pa. on Friday, followed by more bone-chilling temperatures over the weekend.

The county should expect 2-4 inches of snow from early Friday morning until late afternoon or early evening, according to Kyle Elliott, director of Millersville University’s Weather Information Center.

Snow already fell across the county this week with 2-4 inches from Monday night until Tuesday afternoon, which caused a number of schools and buildings to close, as well as road closures and vehicle crashes.

For January, Elliot said, the county typically receives 6-10 inches of snow, so snowfalls like Tuesday’s and that expected Friday are common. So far this month, Millersville recorded 5.8 inches of snow; Friday’s storm will likely push the month into the normal range.

Elliott warned of a difficult evening commute Friday, suggesting those driving to use caution on roads.

An Arctic air mass will spread over the eastern United States from Friday night until Sunday night, according to Elliott, bringing low temperatures and high winds to the county.

On Saturday, high temperatures likely won’t exceed the low to mid-20s in the afternoon, Elliott said, with wind chills not rising above single digits. Winds are expected to be 15-30 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Winds should start to decrease from Saturday night into Sunday, but overnight lows and afternoons highs will still be in the teens and upper 20s to low 30s, Elliott said. Sunday might see more sunshine than Saturday, but that also won’t significantly impact the temperature.

“I won’t be surprised if Sunday night ends up being the coldest of the month and perhaps the entire winter season!” Elliott said in an email Wednesday.

Over the weekend, Elliott encourages limiting time outside and dressing in layers to prevent risk of illness from the cold.

Electric utility PPL is preparing for any outages. 

Tens of thousands of people in the region lost power last week because of high winds. 

PPL said it is watching the forecast and it will be ready to respond as quickly and as safely as possible to any outages. 

“Comprehensive line clearing, combined with extensive smart grid automation and investments in more storm-resistant poles and wires, have all helped to reduce storm-related outages,” PPL spokesperson Tracie Witter said. 

If you lose power, you can report the outage at pplelectric.com or text “Outage” to 898775.

PPL also recommends these practices: 

• Make sure you keep your phones and other devices charged. 
• Just in case you lose power, it’s good to have an emergency kit on hand with food, water, medication and any pet supplies you may need. 
• Remember that candles can start fires. If you lose power, use flashlights instead. 
• If you encounter a downed wire at any time, assume it’s energized and stay away. 
• If you lose power and are using a portable generator, never operate the generator in an enclosed area, like a garage, where deadly carbon monoxide fumes could accumulate.  
• For your safety and ours, please keep a safe distance from our crews.

WITF’s Rachel McDevitt contributed to this story.