Ligonier, Pa. – Snow will intensify across the higher elevations of southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia by 1 a.m. Sunday, bringing 6 to 12 inches through 1 a.m. Tuesday. Mountain roads could become impassable at times, especially during the Monday morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Tuesday for the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania and Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia. Locally higher totals are possible along the highest ridges, including Canaan Valley and areas near Snowshoe.
Travel will become hazardous before sunrise Sunday.
Interstate 68 near Coopers Rock, the Pennsylvania Turnpike through Donegal, and U.S. Route 219 near Thomas and Davis may see rapid accumulation and blowing snow as gusts reach 35 mph. Elevated terrain in Ohiopyle, Terra Alta, and Ligonier typically sees heavier totals in prolonged upslope snow events.
Residents should delay travel across mountain passes and monitor 511 services in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for updated road conditions. Drivers who must travel should carry winter emergency supplies in case of becoming stranded.
Snow will taper late Monday night, but hazardous conditions may persist into early Tuesday. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday.
