Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Winter weather alerts are in effect across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia, bringing accumulating snow and dangerously cold wind chills that may affect travel and outdoor safety from Friday through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday for the Pennsylvania and West Virginia ridges. Snowfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible in higher elevations, while most surrounding areas can expect 1 to 3 inches.
Snow is expected to arrive Friday morning, with steadier snowfall developing north of Pittsburgh late morning into early afternoon, then expanding south of the city during the afternoon into early evening. Light, fluffy snow is forecast, which may reduce visibility on untreated roads, including Interstate 79, Interstate 70, and Interstate 76, especially during heavier bursts.
Forecasters also highlight a snow squall potential between 8 p.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday as a cold front moves through the region. Brief periods of heavy snow could rapidly deteriorate driving conditions during the evening commute and overnight travel.
An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday for areas north of Pittsburgh and along the Pennsylvania and West Virginia ridges. Wind chill values may drop as low as -25°F, increasing the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The coldest conditions are expected late Friday night through Saturday morning, with subzero wind chills persisting into early Sunday in some locations.
Commuters, students, and weekend workers are urged to allow extra travel time and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions.
