Pittsburgh, PA – Post-holiday travel across parts of western Pennsylvania and northern Ohio could become extremely dangerous Friday as a significant ice storm moves into the region, prompting Ice Storm Warnings from multiple National Weather Service offices.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday for portions of northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania. Forecasters expect ice accumulations between 0.20 and 0.30 inches, along with up to half an inch of snow, creating hazardous conditions on roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Counties under the warning include Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Armstrong, Indiana, and the higher elevations of Westmoreland and Indiana counties, affecting communities such as Indiana, Oil City, Franklin, Punxsutawney, Clarion, Kittanning, and Ligonier.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has also issued an Ice Storm Warning from 10 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday for Crawford and southern Erie counties, including Meadville, Titusville, Corry, Edinboro, and Union City. Ice accumulations in those areas are expected to reach one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch, enough to cause widespread travel disruptions.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be nearly impossible, particularly during Friday’s post-holiday travel period, and that power outages and tree damage are likely due to the weight of the ice on power lines and branches.
Officials strongly urge residents to delay all non-essential travel. Motorists who must travel are advised to drive slowly, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking, and use extreme caution on hills and turns.
Drivers are encouraged to check 511PA.com for the latest road conditions and continue monitoring forecasts and warnings as the storm unfolds.
