A fast-moving snowstorm dumped another 3 to 5 inches Saturday in central Pennsylvania on top of the 5 to 7 inches of snow that fell four days ago.
Snowfall in the Williamsport area measured 5.1 inches according to the National Weather Service. Much of the snow stopped by about 4 p.m. in the city.
While roads were rough-going in the morning and early afternoon hours, travelers found better conditions later in the day. Several accidents were reported to Lycoming County emergency dispatchers, but none with serious injuries. One car rolled over an embankment on East New Road in Woodward Township. On Route 15 northbound, Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Co. fire police provided traffic control for a crash involving a tractor-trailer and passenger bus.
Article Photos
CRAIG S. McKIBBEN JR./Sun-Gazette
Caleb Kight, 10, right, and his brother Jesse, 8, both sons of Jeff and Christine Kight, of Williamsport, clean the sidewalks of a property on High Street Saturday afternoon. According to the boys’ father, the boys operate the part-time business clearing sidewalks in the area themselves.
Some of those who had to deal with the snow weren't too enthused about cleaning it up.
"I don't care for it at all," said Pennsylvania College of Technology employee Mike Delaney who was shoveling snow outside the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St., as he prepared for a wedding party at the facility Saturday night.
He said he would prefer to spend his next holiday vacation away from freezing temperatures and snow.
"I know the next two weeks off, I'll be sitting in Mexico," he laughed.
One downtown merchant who was clearing sidewalks wasn't pleased about the city's snow removal efforts for shoppers.
"Look, no one can park. And when a person tries to get out they can't," said the merchant, who declined to give a name, about mounds of snow that took the place of parking spots.
The merchant said she called City Hall, but hasn't gotten much of a response.
"Why can't you help some of the merchants out with some parking," the merchant said.
Dave Wells, a tow truck driver and weekend dispatcher at Action Towing, 495 E. Third St., said the business was called out to "well over 100" incidents for tows and jump starts in the past week.
Wells, who said Action Towing was busy with calls in the city and on Route 15 Saturday, added that drivers can take steps to prevent snow-related accidents.
"Nine times out of 10, they're going too fast," he said.
Wells also said he has seen numerous accidents where drivers have been distracted by their cellphone.
The forecast for today calls for mostly sunny skies and a high of 31. Tonight's low is expected to be 17.
Monday will be mostly cloudy with a high of 32. A slight chance of snow exists for Monday night and New Year's Day, but weather service forecasters said they don't expect any measurable accumulation.
