Snow mixing with sleet could result in significant ice accumulation tonight into Tuesday morning.

Throughout much of the day, we can expect some spotty light freezing rain or drizzle, perhaps even some freeze pellets, according to Isaac Longley, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.

While precipitation appears as if it will be on the light side, the bulk of the afternoon into the evening hours, it will quickly pick up in intensity about 6 or 7 p.m.

Longley said it will start out as brief periods of snow mixing with sleet, then sleet mixing with freezing rain, and then becoming all freezing rain overnight into the early hours Tuesday morning.

“There’s a chance we could see some significant ice, perhaps up to quarter of an inch or so,” Longley said. “It should make for some slick travel tonight.”

Longley cautioned if we get significant ice, it could build up on trees and power lines.

He said that by about 3-4 a.m. Tuesday, the temperatures will eventually warm up to above freezing, and then change over to plain rain, which could be heavy at times between 3-6 a.m., before ending by about 7-8 a.m.

Longley urged motorists to use “caution and take it slow out there today, especially given the spotty rain and drizzle.”

“There’s the potential there can be a few quick spots,” he said. “Really as we head into tonight, travel will be extremely difficult, nearly impossible with the ice potential, especially in the evening.”

Longley said that after the rain ends, the rest of Tuesday figures to be mostly cloudy and breezy.

PennDOT/PPL prepare for storm

Starting tonight, there will be some vehicle restrictions on roadways through the Carbon area and Interstate 80 (tier one restriction on certain commercial vehicles, certain passenger vehicles), according to Sean Brown, safety press officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

“Our crews will be out throughout the storm to deal with whatever comes down; if it is a lot of ice, (they will) mostly be laying down a lot of material on roads,” Brown said. “If we get 3 inches of snow, we’ll get our plowing operations (out there).”

Brown cautioned that motorists who must travel should be wary of icy conditions.

“With ice in there, we’re mostly going to be looking to keep the roads in good shape,” he said. “Be safe out there, use caution, slow down, and take your time when you’re out there.”

Jane George, regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities, said they are prepared to deal with the ice and snow that’s expected across the territory beginning late today into Tuesday.

“We’re closely monitoring the forecast to make sure we have the right resources in the right places to respond,” George said. “Any time there is a weather situation such as this, we always say please stay safe and take appropriate precautions.”

George said those who lose power may report their outage online at pplelectric.com, or text “outage” to TXTPPL (898-775).

She also advised to make sure to keep phones and other devices charged; have an emergency kit on hand (water, food, medication); and pet supplies for our four-legged friends.

George noted that candles can start fires. If you do lose power, it’s a good idea to use a flashlight instead.

“If you do encounter a downed wire at any time, assume it is energized and stay away,” she said.

For additional information on storm safety or outage restoration, visit pplelectiric.com/outage.

Another storm on the way

Longley said we should have some sunshine on Wednesday, though temperatures will still remain pretty low, with clouds in afternoon. The next storm is expected to move in Wednesday night.

Longley said the snow is expected to start early Thursday morning and continue close to noon, when it will transition over to sleet and freezing rain, and then ice by the afternoon. It is expected to turn to rain Thursday night, and end Friday morning. Total snowfall could be between 3-6 inches.

“Maybe heading into next week, things look to settle down,” he said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”