Large Storm In Pennsylvania Forecast Early Next Week

A "significant," severe pattern of storms is heading toward Pennsylvania, and it could make the state a snowy, slushy and windy mess for several days.

And while forecasters won't call it a nor'easter, the weather pattern hitting Pennsylvania on Monday could have the same elements as the damaging system, and churn throughout the state until Wednesday.

Those elements include: strong winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms and snow. This system is expected to follow a smaller, less significant snowfall that's supposed to hit on Super Bowl Sunday.

"It's looks like a more significant system is possible," said Lance Frank, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service.

Here is what is expected, according to AccuWeather:

• A major storm with drenching rain, ice, snow, gusty winds and the potential for severe weather is likely next week in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other parts of the Northeast.
• How strong the storm becomes will determine the magnitude of wintry precipitation, wind and thunderstorms, as well as the extent of rain and warmth.
• A possible second storm could impact areas from the Appalachians to the Atlantic coast. How much moisture remains as the cold air returns will determine whether or not a period of snow develops.

The National Weather Service has not issued any alerts, but it has issued forecasts showing that snow and a wintry mix could arrive on Monday night and Tuesday, and could lead to school closings and delays. Here is what is expected for eastern Pennsylvania:

Here is the forecast:

• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 13 to 15 mph.
• Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. West wind 6 to 11 mph.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 33. West wind 8 to 14 mph.
• Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.
• Sunday: A chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday night: A chance of rain and snow showers before 10pm, then a chance of snow showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.
• Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.
• Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Tuesday night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Wednesday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Patch file photo