Clearfield, Pennsylvania – Drivers across north-central Pennsylvania are facing sudden and dangerous travel conditions Thursday morning as fast-moving snow squalls sweep across multiple counties, triggering Snow Squall Warnings and rapid drops in visibility.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, intense bursts of heavy snow combined with wind gusts over 35 mph are creating near-whiteout conditions in Clearfield, Cameron, Elk, Clinton, and Potter counties. The snow squalls are racing east at speeds between 55 and 60 mph, leaving little time for motorists to react as road conditions deteriorate within minutes.
The most significant impacts are unfolding along Interstate 80 in Clearfield County, particularly between the DuBois and Kylertown exits from mile markers 97 to 127, with additional hazards reported near mile marker 130. PennDOT crews are monitoring conditions as blowing snow sharply reduces visibility. US-219 between Brockway and Wilcox and PA-120 from Ridgway to Emporium are also seeing dangerous travel as the squalls pass through.
Communities including DuBois, Clearfield, St. Marys, Ridgway, Emporium, Johnsonburg, and Renovo are directly in the path of the squalls. Drivers are urged to slow down, turn on headlights, and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Snow squall warnings remain in effect through mid-morning, and additional short-fused alerts could be issued as more squalls develop. Motorists should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and check for updates before heading out.
