VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) — Snow has arrived Venango County, and it looks as though there may be more ahead.

(Photo by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography)

The snow started coming down early Thursday afternoon, and PennDOT trucks have been spotted on roadways throughout the area.

According to Michael Brown, a forecaster with the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, we should see more snow through the night.

“In general, we’re expecting maybe an inch or so, though you may see more as you get up into northern Venango and northern Forest counties. Those areas could see two or even three inches from now through tomorrow,” Brown said.

“A cold front came through, and we’re seeing the temperatures drop. We’re expecting just light snow, but after that initial band of snow, we’ll see the lake effect turn on, and we’ll see some scattered lake effect snow showers through Friday.”

Brown noted that the snow is expected to taper off later in the day Friday, though some light snow showers may continue through Friday evening into the night.

“By Saturday, we’re not expecting any more snow, but it’s going to get cold,” Brown warned.

Temperatures Saturday morning are expected to be in the lower 20s, and aren’t expected to climb beyond the mid to upper 30s through the day.

Sunday is looking a little warmer, with temperatures in the mid to upper 40s, but the cold will be returning again.

“We have another cold front coming through, and Tuesday and Wednesday may be the coldest days we’ve had so far this season,” Brown said.

Snow in Our Region

According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, the earliest reported snowfall in the region occurred on September 23, 1989, when traces of snow were recorded across the region, while the earliest accumulation on record in the region occurred on October 18, 1972, when 1.8 inches was recorded.

Early to mid-November seems to be the most common time for the first snow to make its appearance in our region, with an average snowfall of about two inches during the month. Though the average snowfall is low, storms have been known to drop larger accumulations on occasion, with the largest daily snowfall on record in the region for the month of November recorded on November 24, 1950, at fourteen inches in one day.

While heavy accumulations have been known to occur this month, there have also been nineteen times on record (since 1884), that there have only been traces of snow recorded, with no measurable accumulation, during the month of November in the region. Most recently, there was no accumulation beyond traces of snow recorded in November of 2011.

Preparing for Snowy Roads

According to PennDOT, motorists should prepare their vehicles for the winter by checking fluid levels, lights, defrosters and windshield wiper blades. Tires should also be checked often for the correct level of air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth to safely perform on ice and snow.

Once vehicles are travel-ready, drivers should be prepared for winter or vehicle emergencies. PennDOT urges the traveling public to carry an emergency kit, which should include items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. The kits should be tailored to the specific needs of the individuals in the vehicle, with items such as baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies or even children’s games.

Drivers should properly clear their vehicles from snow and ice before getting on the road, especially from the roof, trunk and hood. Drivers can be cited for not clearing their vehicle if snow and ice are dislodged and strike another, causing a crash.

PennDOT also reminds motorists when encountering a plow truck on the road, give it plenty of space. The areas close to the sides and behind a plow truck are considered the “No Zones.” Drivers should avoid this area and never try to pass a plow truck. This becomes a dangerous situation for everyone involved.