Indiana, Pa. – Drivers across the higher terrain of western Pennsylvania have hours before freezing rain locks up bridges and back roads, creating slick travel through 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Jefferson County, Indiana County and the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties until 10 a.m. Forecasters expect ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch, enough to glaze untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
Communities including Indiana, Punxsutawney, Brookville, Ligonier, Donegal, Ohiopyle, Champion and Armagh sit in the advisory area. Mountain stretches along U.S. Route 119, Route 22 and Route 30 through the Laurel Highlands could turn slick before sunrise, especially on shaded curves and overpasses.
PennDOT crews are monitoring conditions, but even a light glaze can trigger spinouts and slowdowns during the Tuesday morning commute. Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra braking distance and avoid sudden lane changes. Keep headlights on and prepare for isolated power flickers where ice clings to tree limbs.
Road conditions should gradually improve after midmorning as temperatures rise, though additional advisories could follow if cold air lingers into midday.
