Travel over the higher elevations of western Pennsylvania and neighboring West Virginia could become hazardous beginning Wednesday afternoon as a fast-moving winter storm brings heavy snow, strong winds, and possibly snow squalls to the region.
The National Weather Service at State College and Pittsburgh has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Somerset County, the Laurel Highlands, and the ridges of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia from Wednesday afternoon to early Thursday. Somerset County is forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches of snow, with 6 to 8 inches possible near the western ridgelines. Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph might cause blowing snow and significantly limited visibility.
Somerset County highways, including U.S. 219, Route 31, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the Laurel Highlands, may become snow-covered soon Wednesday evening. Bursts of snow squalls may cause near-whiteout conditions overnight in Westmoreland and Fayette counties, as well as Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia, particularly along Interstate 70, Interstate 68, and higher mountain routes around Donegal, Ohiopyle, and Canaan Valley.
Emergency managers advise drivers to delay travel whenever possible and to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles. Wind chills are anticipated to plummet below zero on Thursday morning, raising the risk for stranded vehicles.
Snow will taper off Thursday morning, but icy roads and blowing snow may make driving hazardous throughout the early hours, with additional cautions possible if snow squalls intensify.
Leave a Reply