Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Drivers in the higher elevations of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia could face snow-covered roads by daybreak Sunday, with more than 6 inches expected to pile up before the system winds down late Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through late Monday night for the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania, along with Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia. Forecasters say an extended period of snow will focus on the ridges and mountaintop communities, where accumulation is most likely to exceed 6 inches between Sunday morning and late Monday.
Communities including Ligonier, Donegal, Ohiopyle, Terra Alta, Kingwood, Davis and Canaan Valley are positioned for the heaviest totals. Snowfall rates could increase Sunday afternoon, with the greatest risk for slick roadways developing Sunday night as temperatures drop and snow begins sticking more efficiently to pavement. Valleys may see lower totals, but ridgetops could turn hazardous quickly.
PennDOT and the West Virginia Division of Highways may need to treat mountain routes, including stretches of Route 30 near Ligonier and Route 219 through Preston County. The Monday morning commute could be impacted, especially across higher terrain bridges and untreated secondary roads.
Residents should prepare by limiting non-essential travel Sunday night, checking tire tread, and ensuring vehicles carry emergency supplies. Charge electronic devices and monitor local alerts for potential upgrades to warnings.
Snow is expected to taper late Monday night, but additional advisories could be issued if totals trend higher or road conditions deteriorate.
