The first accumulating snow of the season is looking more likely for higher elevations of northern Pennsylvania as a storm moves through Thursday.
The National Weather Service in State College says rain will change to snow Thursday night, with the best chance in the northeast counties.
A coating to 2 inches
In the hatched area on the map, the most likely outcome is a coating to 2 inches from Thursday night into early Friday morning.
There is about a 30% chance of more than 2 inches. NWS names Coudersport, Wellsboro and LaPorte as places that could see accumulation.
Source: NWS State College on X
Rain first, then a changeover
Rain will spread across the area tonight into Thursday. It will be heaviest from northern Schuylkill County north through Sullivan and Tioga counties.
As cold air wraps around the back side of the storm Thursday night, rain will mix with and change to snow.
Forecasters say it is still uncertain how much precipitation will linger as temperatures fall. That will be a key factor for snow totals.
Lake effect snow in western Pennsylvania
Lake effect snow showers will develop across western Pennsylvania Thursday night and continue through Saturday night.
Some lake effect favored areas could see locally up to 2 inches.
Source: NWS State College on X
Cooler air and travel
Temperatures drop 10 degrees or more in some areas Thursday, and the cooldown continues Friday with what NWS calls a taste of winter.
NWS State College is also promoting Snow Squall Safety. A Snow Squall Warning means hazardous travel with low visibility and icy roads.
Monitor road conditions at 511pa.com and get updates at weather.gov/ctp.
Source: NWS State College on X
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