If yesterday afternoon's heavy snowfall continues today as predicted, both students and local residents might have extra free time due to canceled activities and classes.

Matt Glazewski of the Pennsylvania State Climatologist Office, said six to eight inches of snow are expected in Centre County.

There are two storms currently affecting the area, Glazewski said. One storm, called a "Canadian clipper" carries very dry, cold winds southward from Canada.

The second storm coming to the region is a coastal storm that will bring moisture northward to Pennsylvania from North Carolina.

The mix of the two storms, which are feeding into one another, is the cause for increased snowfall, Glazewski said.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said the university's Continuing Education night classes were canceled last night in anticipation of worsening weather conditions.

But he said the university would not determine if today's classes would be canceled until 6 a.m. today.

"The best I can tell you is to stay tuned," Kendig said. "We won't decide whether to cancel classes until the wee hours of the morning."

Kendig said if classes are canceled, students can find out by listening to WPSU-FM or by going to the Web site www.wpsu.psu.edu.

State College Public Works Director Mark Whitfield said typically, if there is a lot of snowfall, there are fewer accidents because less people drive in poor weather conditions.

The roads were not as hazardous as many people had anticipated because the temperature of the roads was about 32 degrees by mid-day, and a salt residue remained from the last snowstorm, causing the current snowfall to melt faster.

In response to yesterday's forecast, the Office of Physical Plant (OPP) declared a midnight clear, which requires all student and university vehicles be moved to designated, covered parking areas and out of the snow, said Lloyd Rhoades, OPP manager of general services.

He said the weather conditions throughout today will determine if another midnight clear has to be declared. "Issuing a midnight clear lets us plow the lots a lot faster and a lot better," Rhoades said. "This way, things are safer for everybody."

Student storage lots such as Lot 43; Blue Lots 81, 82 and 83; Lot Silver 42; Blue 23 and Brown 11 will not be affected by the clear, Rhoades said.

Glazewski added that the roads will most likely be dangerous as the snow continues through the night and into today.