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Few solid predictions on snow totals

There is some consensus among local weather watchers that the winter storm headed up the east coast will drop less than a foot of snow on the area, with heavier totals to the south.

But most meteorologists are still unable to rule out the possibility of less, or even more snow hitting the area.

There are also differing opinions about the time of when the storm will hit. Forecasters have offered a range of times between the evening and midnight.

National Weather Service issued their last winter weather advisory for Carbon County around 8:30 a.m. They are calling for 3-6 inches, with "the potential that some heavier snow moves this far north."

Eastern Pa. Weather Authority posted their final call for the storm Friday afternoon. They placed the Times News' distribution area in the 5-10" range, with the snowfall beginning Friday evening. The line separating the 5-10" and 10-15" ranges goes right through northern Lehigh County.

Monroe County's Vogt WeatherWatcher page posted that the storm will drop between 6-12", with some caveats.

"I will stress: the potential for this storm to over-perform is very high, as well as the potential to bust," the post read.

According to NWS, "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities... and use caution while driving."

Conditions will be made worse Saturday by high winds that are anticipated to come through the area. According to NWS, the gusts will reach 25 mph here on Saturday. Wind gusts as high as 55 mph could be felt in coastal areas of New Jersey.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia issued an alert saying that Catholics should use their best judgment on whether it is safe to attend Mass this weekend.

"In the face of the impending storm, Catholics-of all ages but especially the elderly-are advised to use extreme caution when making the decision about attending Mass. An individual is free to make a prudent decision to remain at home and not venture outside this Sunday, especially for their safety and the safety of others. Pastors throughout the Archdiocese will maintain as much as possible the regular Sunday Mass schedule for those who are able to attend Mass," a statement on their website read.