Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Snow-covered roads and gusty winds are creating hazardous travel across southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia today, with winter weather expected to disrupt both the morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through late afternoon and evening for higher elevations of Westmoreland and Fayette counties, along with parts of Mercer, Venango, Forest counties in Pennsylvania and Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia. Snow totals generally range from 2 to 5 inches, with isolated spots near 6 inches possible in narrow lake effect snow bands. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph are common, with gusts up to 50 mph in eastern Tucker County.
The most difficult conditions are expected along ridge-top and mountain routes including U.S. 40, Route 30 through the Laurel Highlands, Route 381 near Ohiopyle, and WV-32 and WV-72 near Canaan Valley. Communities such as Ligonier, Donegal, Champion, Kingwood, Parsons, Davis, and Thomas may see periods of blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution on bridges and untreated roads. Snowfall will gradually ease later today, but slick conditions may linger into the evening as advisories remain in effect through late afternoon and early evening.
