Central PA Winter 25/26 Discussion and Obs

[mahantango#1]

1 hour ago, canderson said:

Anyone know where to buy an actual metal grain shovel? Maybe grain shovel isn’t the right term - a flat shovel I can use for chopping ice and all. 

I have a pole that’s good for braking up ice but I’d love a real metal shovel to make it a bit easier. All I see is fiberglass nonsense. 

Did you check Tractor Supply they might have what you looking for.

[pasnownut]

1 minute ago, Itstrainingtime said:

Respectfully, if it isn't a big deal to you, then why did you question the accuracy of my station? 

respectfully... because I've been questioned by you, (others?) over my accuracy - so yeah I guess that rubbed me a bit many moons ago. 

That said, as you seem to be runnin hot temp wise (pun intended) from what I've shared from NWS, I'm merely suggesting that you might want to take a look at your setup.  Not an argument, not a problem, just a suggestion. Isnt it fair to say as a bunch of weather hobbyists, much of our info (and I mean every one of us) shared here sometimes should/could be taken w/ a grain of salt.  Just here for the fun.  Done w/ this.  

Back to the weather, sunny and a beautiful and warmish 30 here in Etown.  

 

 

 

 

[pasnownut]

36 minutes ago, canderson said:

Yea, I have 3-4 shovels now for different types of snow but not really a great tool for chipping off and moving ice. 
 

A coal shovel is an interesting thought and might be perfect. 

You wont be dissapointed.  Just used mine to do what you are looking to.  works like a charm.  

[Superstorm]

39 minutes ago, canderson said:

Yea, I have 3-4 shovels now for different types of snow but not really a great tool for chipping off and moving ice. 
 

A coal shovel is an interesting thought and might be perfect. 

Jeff Bezos site.

[canderson]

27 minutes ago, Superstorm said:

Jeff Bezos site.

F that guy - but even then I can’t find a steel or actual metal shovel lol 

[Itstrainingtime]

35 minutes ago, pasnownut said:

respectfully... because I've been questioned by you, (others?) over my accuracy - so yeah I guess that rubbed me a bit many moons ago. 

That said, as you seem to be runnin hot temp wise (pun intended) from what I've shared from NWS, I'm merely suggesting that you might want to take a look at your setup.  Not an argument, not a problem, just a suggestion. Isnt it fair to say as a bunch of weather hobbyists, much of our info (and I mean every one of us) shared here sometimes should/could be taken w/ a grain of salt.  Just here for the fun.  Done w/ this.  

Back to the weather, sunny and a beautiful and warmish 30 here in Etown.  

 

 

 

 

Fair enough, though my station isn't running hot. There are many wunderground stations between Elizabethtown and here at work that are between 35 and 40 right now. I'm sitting at 33.7. 

[pasnownut]

5 minutes ago, canderson said:

F that guy - but even then I can’t find a steel or actual metal shovel lol 

got an ace/agway up in your area?  might help.  If you like ephrata, Paul B Zimmermans will have what you need.  You'll pay a tad more, but worth it IMO.

Happy shovel hunting.

[canderson]

50 minutes ago, pasnownut said:

got an ace/agway up in your area?  might help.  If you like ephrata, Paul B Zimmermans will have what you need.  You'll pay a tad more, but worth it IMO.

Happy shovel hunting.

Yup definitely do - I’ll hit them up. There’s an excellent hardware store down near Etters that is amazing and I tend to forget they sell everything .  

[canderson]

Sounds gnarly 

We issued a winter storm watch for Cambria and Somerset Counties (in coordination with LWX/PBZ) to highlight the potential for near blizzard conditions and significant travel disruptions with up to 6" of snow and 40-50 mph winds. SNSQ parameter signal is weak, but snow squalls are possible with the arctic fropa.

[CarlislePaWx]

@canderson

Did a quick search and it looks almost certain that Home Depot would have it.  I think you are referring specifically to a garden spade, which is metal and is shaped like a rectangle at the base.  $20 - $50.

[anotherman]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/groundwork-d-handle-aluminum-scoop-4410778?crmid=7558708572&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=tsc0_tsc_tsc_gtm_search_sch_us_cvr&utm_content=sku_na&adtype=pla&campaignid=21140651701&device=m&product_channel=online&product_id=4410778&store_code=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21137144858&gbraid=0AAAAADnTm21Gl9AFhKxUOhmq56kdGNyJA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-YvMBhDtARIsAHZuUzIu57Ui_0LSQHF926He7MEz7lpgWo7ot2AJjYRh3dYjh2gT7N-aZVQaAtTOEALw_wcB

[CarlislePaWx]

@canderson

check this out...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Anvil-28-in-D-Grip-Short-Wood-Handle-Garden-Spade-77424-948/314833739

[canderson]

Thanks, y’all. 

[SnowPlowGuy88]

7 hours ago, canderson said:

Anyone know where to buy an actual metal grain shovel? Maybe grain shovel isn’t the right term - a flat shovel I can use for chopping ice and all. 

I have a pole that’s good for braking up ice but I’d love a real metal shovel to make it a bit easier. All I see is fiberglass nonsense. 

Took the long stroll to my local Ace Hardware store. They have plenty of hickory handled, steel flat blades in stock. $14.99

[SnowPlowGuy88]

Those coal shovels are aluminum. You want a smaller, steel shovel for what you’re trying to do. I guess you could get both. But thats twice the money and twice the work. 

[SnowPlowGuy88]

Get you a cheap angle grinder from harbor freight and that shovel will last you until it gets to the handle lol

[str8liner]

You want a steel #2 coal shovel. I have a long handle in garage that has shoveled tons and tons of coal over the years.

[Blizzard of 93]

Lots of shovel & temperature talk today…

But no one bothered to post the 12z Euro for next weekend’s chance…Lol!

This run shows heavy snow to mix for most of us before a change back to snow. The low took a somewhat inland track, which brought on the mixing this run.

Long way to go…

 

[canderson]

It’s weird CTP isn’t being specific about the winds Saturday. They’ll need to very likely issue high wind warnings. 

[pawatch]

-3° this morning

Tomorrow’s clipper doesn’t look to bring me much snow. Johnstown looks to be in a pretty good spot.

[mahantango#1]

-7 this morning.

[Voyager]

5 minutes ago, mahantango#1 said:

-7 this morning.

Wow! Only +4 here.

[Summit Snow]

sued: 12:49 AM Feb. 5, 2026 – National Weather Service

...EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous wind chills colder than 20 below zero possible.

* WHERE...All of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...From late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is
exposed to these temperatures.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An arctic front will bring cold air and
strong winds to the region Saturday morning. Below normal
temperatures and blustery winds will result in wind chills
dropping well below zero Saturday morning. Wind chills will remain
below zero through the rest of the weekend.

[Blizzard of 93]

Low of 7 in Marysville.

[Blizzard of 93]

6z GFS for next weekend has a snow to mix/rain back to snow long duration scenario for CTP.

Long way to go & many developments still to come in the upcoming days as we continue to track the potential.

[Itstrainingtime]

7.3 for my low. 8.2 as I head to work.

[anotherman]

5.4 low in York.

2.8 low in Mount Joy.

[canderson]

7 here for the low too. 

[canderson]

CTP seems to think the clipper does not do anything in Harrisburg. 

[anotherman]

Just now, canderson said:

CTP seems to think the clipper does not do anything in Harrisburg. 

Insane wind/wind chills and squalls.  That needs to be the message.  The snowmaps showing .5 inches do not prepare people for what is about to move through.  As usual, the messaging is faulty.