Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A potentially crippling winter storm could bring widespread heavy snow and near-shutdown travel conditions across western Pennsylvania and the surrounding tri-state region beginning Saturday evening and lasting into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon for large portions of western and central Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia. Widespread snow totals between 8 and 15 inches are considered likely, with even higher amounts possible in elevated terrain.
The watch includes the Pittsburgh metro area along with Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, Butler, Indiana, Greene, and Fayette counties. In Ohio, areas such as Steubenville, Zanesville, New Philadelphia, Cambridge, and St. Clairsville are included, while northern West Virginia counties including Monongalia, Preston, Tucker, Marion, Ohio, Brooke, and Hancock are also at risk.
Snow is expected to intensify overnight Saturday and continue through Sunday, with the worst travel conditions likely developing Sunday into Monday morning. Roads may become snow-covered and hazardous, particularly in the ridges where snowfall rates could be higher. A brief mix with sleet is possible south of I-70, which could further complicate road conditions.
Residents are urged to limit travel, prepare vehicles and homes for extended winter conditions, and closely monitor updates as the storm approaches. Watches may be upgraded, and additional advisories are likely as confidence increases.
