WILKES-BARRE - A one-two punch by Mother Nature will bring moderate flooding along lowlands of the Susquehanna River on Friday and anywhere from six to 12 inches of snow by Saturday afternoon.

Light snow began falling in the Wyoming Valley just before 7:30 a.m. and is expected to increase in intensity throughout the day.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y., said snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour is possible today. Accumulation by late afternoon will range from two to five inches with higher amounts in the mountains. An additional four to seven inches of snow is likely overnight into Saturday morning before tapering off to snow showers by Saturday afternoon.

When the storm moves off the New England coastline, the Wyoming Valley should expect six inches to a foot of snow. Strong winds are also possible during the storm causing blowing and drifting snow and white out conditions.

Meanwhile, the Susquehanna River at Wilkes-Barre was at 21.9 feet at 8:30 a.m. and rising, according to the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center based in State College.

A river crest of 23 to 24 feet is expected by Friday evening, and should fall below the 22-feet flood stage by Saturday morning.

Pumping stations along the Susquehanna River that forces storm water runoff from sewers are automatically activated when the river rises above 10 feet.

At 24 feet, moderate flooding occurs on Canal Street in Shickshinny and the lowlands of Pittston.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 2 p.m. on Saturday. And, the flood warning continues for the lowland areas of the river.