Grab the shovels and bundle up. A rocky stretch of weather is barrelling toward Northeast Pennsylvania this weekend.
A winter storm watch remains in effect from 1 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m Monday. as more than a foot of snow is expected to fall in the region, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall could be very heavy at times Sunday through Sunday night with hourly rates exceeding 2 inches per hour.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact travel on Sunday along with the Monday morning and evening commutes.
In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for 7 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday.
Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 15 to 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Tips for dealing with the cold and snow
Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.
Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
For those who do have to drive in snowy or icy weather, the NWS recommends that they keep their phone charged and their gas tank full, and take an emergency supply kit in their vehicle containing a phone charger, blanket, boots, a hat, gloves and other warm clothes, snacks and water, a flashlight, a shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow rope, flares, a first-aid kit, and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction.
Those at risk of losing power, heat or telephone service in their homes should have similar emergency kits, and supplies such as extra batteries, a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, extra prescription medicine, baby items such as diapers and formula, and extra pet food, the NWS said.