Full Notification

A major winter storm is on the way for Tuesday February 1 st through Wednesday February 2 nd .

· Two phases expected with this system…mainly snow starting around midnight or so tonight lasting into Tuesday morning. Then a lull before precipitation begins again Tuesday evening.

· Primary impacts from this storm will be significant icing from freezing rain, and heavy wet snow.

· As of 11 AM Monday, a Winter Storm Watch is posted for our area. Warnings/Advisories will most likely be issued later today (Monday).

· Precipitation will begin as snow during the overnight hours tonight (midnight or so). Most of this precipitation will stay in the form of snow and will taper off by mid-morning. Some freezing rain could mix in at times toward morning. The second round of precipitation will begin during the evening hours on Tuesday, likely beginning as snow, but perhaps a snow/sleet/freezing rain mixture.

· Icing threat: There continues to be a high risk for significant icing (in excess of 0.25 inches) due to freezing rain. There is a moderate risk for severe icing (in excess of 0.50 inches). Chances of a catastrophic ice storm (in excess of 0.75 inches) are low, but still possible. Most likely timing for icing is late Tuesday evening into Wednesday (with the second phase). Berks is in the area designated as highest risk areas for most severe icing.

· Heavy snow threat: Snow will begin during the overnight hours tonight, and continue into Tuesday morning. Two to four inches is possible by the beginning of Tuesday morning’s commute. Additional accumulations can be expected during the second phase of the storm. However, sleet/freezing rain/rain mixture will keep additional amounts down. There is a threat for 4+ inches of snow from this event (both phases), with the highest risk in our area (E. Central PA).