As of Friday, there was an increased confidence by forecasters with the National Weather Service in State College in widespread snowfall amounts over 10 inches across central Pennsylvania.

The probability of snowfall amounts of greater than 12 inches was from 60 to 80% across much of central parts of the state.

There is a medium-to-high chance for major impacts, including dangerous-to-impossible driving conditions and widespread closures and disruptions of infrastructure such as schools and businesses.

Winter Storm Fern as it is called also first brings in bitter wind chills of – 10 to – 25 degrees at night and temperatures in the single digits during the day.

“For the safety of our employees and those that assist us in distributing the Sun-Gazette, we will not print a Monday edition of the newspaper. The e-edition will be available on our websites as well as continuing coverage of the storm on www.sungazette.com,” said John Leeser, Sun-Gazette publisher. On highways maintained by the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

Here is the latest forecast for Saturday – A high near 16 but at night the wind chill values are predicted to be as low as -10. Snow begins later at night closer to midnight or after 1 a.m. Sunday, with a low around 9 and a light and variable wind, according to the forecast for Williamsport Regional Airport, Montoursville. Snow is expected to continue and could be heavy at times. The snow totals predicted are between 9 and 17 inches for Williamsport.

Before the snow arrives, use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Travel will be difficult to impossible once the snow falls and hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Check with school districts and businesses on websites and through alerts. Individuals should consider delaying all travel as the snow will continue to fall Monday morning. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.

Frigid temperatures will continue into next week with sub-zero to potentially dangerous wind chills with no let up in sight.

In the case of power outages, PPL has an outage map site that can be accessed and outages reported at www@pplelectric.com. The site shows precisely where the outages are and expected time of repair and restoration of the power.

While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.

• Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.

• Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.

• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.

• Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.

• Use your defroster and wipers.

• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.

• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.

• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.

• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

• Always buckle up and never drive impaired.

• Have an emergency kit handy.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.

The Code Blue Shelter is located in the basement of First Church, 604 Market St.

and will open at 7 p.m. beginning Jan. 23 through Monday Jan. 26. They provide a cot for each person, a blanket and a pillow. The hot meal is at 9 p.m. and is provided by donations from people and businesses who want to help.

The Salvation Army Warming Center hours of operation at 457 Market St. is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The days it is open (weather permitting) is Monday through Friday. The center is open when temperatures are below 30 degrees January, February, March.

Sun-Gazette reporter Pat Crossley contributed to this story