Pennsylvania Snow Clipper Followed by Arctic Blast Highlights Powerful System Driving Strong Winds Toward North Carolina This Weekend

PENNSYLVANIA — A fast-moving clipper system is expected to spread areas of snow across much of the state from Friday morning through the afternoon, followed by a sharp arctic blast that could deliver some of the coldest air of the season along with wind gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. While snowfall amounts are expected to be lighter than late January’s major winter storm, forecasters warn that snow squalls, rapidly dropping temperatures, and strong winds could still create hazardous travel conditions and raise concerns about power outages.

The forecast update notes that additional advisories and warnings may be issued as the system moves through, particularly as wind impacts intensify during the coldest period.

Snow Expected Friday With Risk of Squalls and Slick Travel

According to the forecast discussion, snow will overspread Pennsylvania on Friday as the clipper system moves west to east across the state. While overall accumulation totals are not expected to rival recent storms, brief bursts of heavier snow and embedded snow squalls remain possible.

These squalls can quickly reduce visibility and coat roadways with snow, especially during Friday night, when temperatures begin to drop more sharply. Officials caution that even short-lived snow bursts can lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly on highways and untreated roads.

Arctic Blast Follows With Dangerous Cold and Wind

Behind the departing snow, a surge of arctic air is expected to pour into Pennsylvania, bringing some of the coldest conditions seen so far this winter. Forecast guidance suggests that Saturday afternoon temperatures may struggle to climb out of the single digits in parts of the state.

When combined with strong winds, wind chill values as low as –20 to –30 degrees are possible in the coldest areas. These conditions increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone exposed outdoors for extended periods.

Wind Gusts of 40–50 MPH Raise Power Outage Concerns

One of the most significant threats from this system is wind. The forecast highlights the potential for wind gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph, particularly during the height of the arctic surge.

Strong winds combined with extreme cold can stress power infrastructure and bring down weakened tree limbs, making isolated to scattered power outages a legitimate concern, especially during the worst of the cold.

Residents are urged to prepare for the possibility of brief outages by charging devices, securing loose outdoor items, and ensuring cold-weather supplies are ready.

Snowfall Zones Across Pennsylvania

The updated forecast map divides Pennsylvania into multiple zones based on expected snowfall totals:

• Western and northwestern Pennsylvania, including areas near Erie, Meadville, Oil City, and Warren, are expected to see the highest totals.
• North-central regions, including Dubois, St. Marys, and Renovo, fall into a moderate snowfall range.
• Central and southeastern Pennsylvania, including State College, Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and the Philadelphia metro, are forecast to see lighter accumulations but remain vulnerable to slick travel from snow squalls.

Even in areas with lighter totals, forecasters stress that timing and intensity, not just accumulation, will determine impacts.

Why This Pennsylvania System Matters for the Carolinas

Although the snow and extreme cold are focused on Pennsylvania and the Northeast, the same powerful system tightening its grip on the eastern United States may have downstream effects farther south.

As the system exits the region, the strong pressure gradient behind it could drive gusty winds into parts of the Carolinas, including North Carolina, heading into the weekend. While temperatures will not be as extreme as in Pennsylvania, residents could still experience blustery conditions capable of causing minor tree damage and travel issues, particularly in exposed areas.

What Residents Should Prepare For

For Pennsylvania residents, preparation should focus on rapidly changing travel conditions, extreme cold exposure, and potential power interruptions. Limiting unnecessary travel during squalls, dressing in layers, and securing outdoor items can reduce risk.

Farther south, including North Carolina, the primary concern shifts to wind impacts, with residents advised to monitor forecasts as the weekend approaches.

CabarrusWeekly.com will continue tracking this evolving weather pattern and provide updates as new advisories or warnings are issued.