Showers today are expected to push many Easter Egg hunts indoors, but there may be a break in the weather in time for Easter morning sunrise to be dry.
"You're looking at heavy showers today, with the possibility of a break in the weather in time for Sunday morning services," said Jason Krekeler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, who looked at the radar Friday for the weekend in Williamsport and vicinity.
The rain was likely, he said, to lead to the need for the weather service to issue a flash flood alert, which means there is a potential for the small streams to flow over their banks and poor drainage areas to be covered in water.
"We're looking at 1.25 inches of rain over the weekend," he said.
The good news is the rain will be scattered Sunday, with a break in the morning until the late afternoon and evening, he said.
"Looks as though there's a break in the weather for Sunday morning until the afternoon when showers pick up again," he said.
Should that hold true, those planning to worship may be able to do it and stay dry.
The community Easter sunrise service, scheduled at the cross on Grampian Hills at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, could take place without dampening any Easter bonnets, if the forecast holds.
If it doesn't, the service, which is sponsored by the Salvation Army and the American Rescue Workers, will be held at the Salvation Army, 457 Market St., with Col. Sam Astin bringing the message either way.
As for today, the highly anticipated and previously postponed annual city Easter egg hunt, sponsored by the city and Williamsport Area High School student government, will not be held outdoors at Brandon Park.
Instead, the event will be held at the YMCA Picklener Arena, 320 Elmira St. The hunt for the plastic eggs filled with treats and gifts will begin at noon. It is for infants and children up to the age of 10. Expect the Easter Bunny to make an appearance, along with helpers overseeing free face painting activities.
Another Easter egg hunt is planned at 10 a.m. at Third Street United Methodist Church, 931 E. Third St. but there's no indication what impact rain will have on it.
The scattered rainfall also will help to deflect any serious threats of flooding causing property damage from the spilling over of the already swollen West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
The region's five major tributaries - Pine Creek, Larry's Creek, Lycoming Creek, Loyalsock Creek and Muncy Creek - should be able to handle the rain, Krekeler said.
