Post-holiday driving in western Pennsylvania and northern Ohio could turn extremely dangerous Friday as a severe ice storm sweeps into the area, causing many National Weather Service offices to issue Ice Storm Warnings.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued an Ice Storm Warning for northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania from 10 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday. Forecasters predict 0.20 to 0.30 inches of ice and up to half an inch of snow, posing a hazard on highways, bridges, and overpasses.
The counties under warning are Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Armstrong, Indiana, and the upper altitudes of Westmoreland and Indiana counties, which affect municipalities such as Indiana, Oil City, Franklin, Punxsutawney, Clarion, Kittanning, and Ligonier.
From 10 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued an Ice Storm Warning for Crawford and southern Erie counties, which include Meadville, Titusville, Corry, Edinboro, and Union City. Ice accumulations in those locations are likely to reach one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch, causing significant travel delays.
The National Weather Service says that movement may be almost impossible, especially during Friday’s post-holiday travel period, and that power outages and tree damage are probable as a result of the ice’s weight on power lines and branches.
Officials urgently urge locals to postpone any non-essential travel. Motorists who must travel should drive slowly, increase following distance, avoid rapid braking, and exercise extra caution on hills and bends.
Drivers are recommended to check 511PA.com for the most recent road conditions and to continue watching predictions and alerts as the storm progresses.
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