LIGONIER, Pa. – A burst of early winter weather is sweeping through the Laurel Highlands and ridges of northern West Virginia, with snow-covered roads and strong winds expected to create difficult travel conditions through Tuesday. Snow totals between 2 and 6 inches are forecast across higher elevations, with gusts up to 40 mph producing blowing and drifting snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through 1 p.m. EST Tuesday for the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, and for areas farther north and south including Mercer, Venango, and Forest Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Preston and Tucker Counties in northern West Virginia.
The heaviest snow will fall this afternoon through early Tuesday, with temperatures hovering near freezing. Commuters should expect slick, icy stretches along U.S. 30 near Ligonier, Route 40 near Ohiopyle, and mountain corridors through Canaan Valley and Davis, WV. Travel may be especially difficult overnight as winds create low visibility and drifting.
Officials urge residents to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution on untreated surfaces. Wet, heavy snow could cling to branches and lines, producing isolated power outages. Conditions will begin to improve late Tuesday morning as snow showers diminish and winds gradually ease.
