The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for a large portion of eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic states, effective Monday. This storm is expected to bring snow to the area, with the possibility of heavy accumulation in some areas. In some areas, the snow may change over to rain, sleet, and/or freezing rain. Following the storm, heavy winds are expected.

“While the exact track of the storm is uncertain at this time, it appears that warm air will mix in for at least a time Monday night, which may hold snow accumulations down. However, significant snow is possible, especially over the upper Susquehanna Valley,” states a National Weather Service bulletin issued Sunday evening.

“A swath of heavy snow is possible in the watch area, with a potential for a heavy accumulation of a foot or more in some spots,” states the National Weather Service.

“A winter storm watch means that there is potential for more than four inches of snow from this storm. If you are planning travel into the mountains Monday evening, be advised that roadway conditions could become very hazardous,” explains the National Weather Service.

Local ski areas, of course, couldn’t be happier. Most area resorts began snowmaking yesterday, and have been able to continue with snowmaking operations throughout today due to lower temperatures. Those lower temperatures will remain throughout the week - highs will struggle to climb above freezing in the mountains, with lows dipping down into the low teens.