Good morning everyone! Attached is the First Prediction for Monday, December 17, 2018.
Freezing rain has been occurring for the elevated areas across the Poconos this morning. Temperatures in the valleys are currently above freezing (barely) while the higher elevations are below freezing. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 5 AM this morning until 6 PM tonight, calling for around one inch of snow and 0.15 inches of ice.
Based on everything I am looking at, I like the National Weather Service’s snow and ice forecast but I would not be surprised if the precipitation hangs on a couple of hours after 6 PM. In addition, model guidance has a tendency to be too warm in situations like this. With these considerations in mind, I have a suspicion schools may delay out of precaution tomorrow morning, especially the elevated districts like Pocono Mountain, Wallenpaupack, etc.
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My plan is to issue the Final Prediction between 3 and 6 PM today. This will allow us to see how much precipitation falls and how temperatures pan out. If you could, please comment your temperature (if possible) and weather observations below at your general location — your input is appreciated. Thank you everyone and have a great rest of your weekend!
